Cold Asparagus with Prosciutto and Lemon Recipe

Asparagus: Fresh green stalks that are tender and slightly crunchy when cooked briefly.

Prosciutto: Thin slices of dry-cured ham that add a salty, savory flavor.

Lemon: Used for both zest and juice to add a bright, fresh taste.

Olive oil: Adds a smooth, fruity richness when drizzled over the dish.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to the dish.

One of the most helpful tricks in this recipe is cooling the asparagus quickly after boiling it. After you cook the asparagus in salted water for just a few minutes until it’s tender but still a little crisp, you move it right into a bowl of ice water. Here’s how to do it step by step:

1. Fill a large bowl with cold water and add plenty of ice cubes.
2. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to take the asparagus out of the boiling water.
3. Immediately place the hot asparagus into the ice water so it cools down fast.
4. Let it sit in the ice water for a few minutes until it feels completely cold.
5. Drain the asparagus well before wrapping it with the prosciutto.

This quick cooling step is called “shocking,” and it stops the cooking right away. That way, the asparagus stays bright green and keeps a nice crunch instead of getting soft and mushy. It also helps the asparagus cool down fast so it’s perfect for this cold dish.

When I first tried this, I didn’t cool the asparagus in ice water and just let it sit on a plate. The asparagus kept cooking from its own heat and got too soft, which made the whole dish less fresh and tasty. Now I always use the ice water trick—it’s like a little magic step that makes the asparagus pop with color and texture. Plus, it’s super easy and only takes a few minutes!

• asparagus - Substitute with green beans: Green beans have a similar texture and can be served cold or warm, making them a good alternative to asparagus.

• prosciutto - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon provides a similar salty and savory flavor while being a leaner option.

• lemon - Substitute with lime: Lime offers a comparable tartness and citrus flavor, which can brighten the dish similarly to lemon.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and a similar healthy fat profile, making it a good alternative to olive oil.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different texture and flavor but will still season the dish effectively.

• freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat and flavor profile but with a slightly different appearance and a more subtle taste.

• Allow the asparagus with prosciutto to cool completely before storing. This ensures that condensation doesn't make the dish soggy.

• Place the cooled asparagus in an airtight container. If you have multiple layers, separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

• Store the container in the refrigerator. The dish will stay fresh for up to 2 days, maintaining its vibrant flavors and textures.

• For longer storage, consider freezing. Lay the wrapped asparagus spears on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.

• Once frozen, transfer the asparagus to a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

• Label the container with the date. Frozen asparagus with prosciutto can be stored for up to 1 month.

• To thaw, place the frozen asparagus in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid microwaving as it can make the prosciutto rubbery and the asparagus mushy.

• Before serving, you may want to refresh the flavors by drizzling a bit more olive oil and lemon juice over the top.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the asparagus wrapped in prosciutto on a baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. This method helps maintain the crispiness of the prosciutto while gently reheating the asparagus.

• Use a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to the pan. Place the wrapped asparagus in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until heated through. This method adds a slight crisp to the prosciutto and keeps the asparagus tender.

• For a quick reheat, use a microwave. Place the wrapped asparagus on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Microwave on medium power for 30-45 seconds, checking to ensure they are heated through. This method is fast but may slightly soften the prosciutto.

• If you prefer a more hands-off approach, use a steamer. Place the wrapped asparagus in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 2-3 minutes until warmed. This method keeps the asparagus tender and the prosciutto moist.

• For a gourmet touch, use a sous-vide machine. Seal the wrapped asparagus in a vacuum bag. Set the sous-vide machine to 140°F (60°C) and immerse the bag for 15-20 minutes. This method ensures even reheating without compromising texture or flavor.

• Pot: used to bring salted water to a boil for cooking the asparagus

• Tongs: helpful for transferring the asparagus from the boiling water to the ice water

• Bowl: filled with ice water to cool the asparagus quickly

• Colander: used to drain the asparagus after cooling

• Cutting board: provides a surface to trim the asparagus

• Knife: used to trim the asparagus

• Zester: used to zest the lemon

• Juicer: extracts juice from the lemon

• Measuring spoons: measures the olive oil

• Serving platter: used to arrange the prosciutto-wrapped asparagus for serving

• Pepper mill: grinds fresh black pepper over the dish

Trim asparagus in advance: Prepare the asparagus by trimming and washing them the night before.

Use pre-sliced prosciutto: Save time by purchasing pre-sliced prosciutto from the deli.

Blanch and chill simultaneously: Use a large bowl of ice water to quickly cool the asparagus after blanching.

Pre-mix dressing: Combine lemon juice and olive oil in a small jar ahead of time for a quick drizzle.

Organize ingredients: Lay out all ingredients and tools before starting to streamline the process.