Des

Hey! I'm Des!

Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

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Shaved Asparagus & Avocado Salad + Cookbook Giveaway!

I have professed my love for the Flavor Bible many times on this here blog o’ mine. I’ve even given it away to a few of you. Did you know that last fall Karen Page released a new version? Yep, The Vegetarian Flavor Bible and guys, it’s just as good as the original. It is where I got the idea for the simple deliciousness that is this Shaved Asparagus & Avocado Salad with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette.

Guys, I’m super excited because, not only am I sharing this super easy and scrumptious salad, but today I have also teamed up with Jen from Savory Simple, Gerry from Foodness Gracious, Jackie from The Beeroness, Carolyn from All Day I Dream About Food, Marnely from Cooking with Books, Carrie from Bakeaholic Mama, Nik from A Brown Table,  Kim from Cravings of a Lunatic, and Valerie from Une Gamine Dans La Cuisine to bring you our favorite cookbooks. That means that one lucky winner is going to get…wait for it…TWELVE new additions to their cookbook collection. Pretty awesome huh?

Just look at the fantastic books you’ll be getting if you win:

 

Cookbook Giveaway

I decided to pick the Vegetarian Flavor Bible as the one to give away because, as much as I didn’t think it was possible because I am a carnivore, I love this version just as much as the Flavor Bible. There are different grains and vegetables that aren’t in the first book. It also has more nutritional breakdown for the ingredients. It is a truly gorgeous addition to any kitchen cookbook collection. It has become just as inspiring in my kitchen as the original Flavor Bible and totally makes me want to eat more veggies.

It is what I used to develop this Shaved Asparagus & Avocado Salad.

After a trip to Costco last week I had an abundance of asparagus and avocado and I was wondering if I could possibly put them in a dish together. Obviously, I consulted the Vegetarian Flavor Bible to see what I could do and lo and behold, according to the book and the little bold print, they pair well together. According to the book, lemon and basil are also great compliments for both asparagus and avocado.

That was all I needed to know to get the creative juice flowing to create this simple beautiful salad.The avocado is creamy, the asparagus crunchy and the lemon basil vinaigrette is bright and citrusy. It’s like spring in a bowl.

And I know it’s not Irish. Like at all. But hey it’s green! So count this Asparagus & Avocado Salad as my contribution to St. Paddy’s Day :)

Just leave me a comment below telling me your favorite cookbook and then use the rafflecopter widget to record that you commented. Once you’ve done that you can unlock opportunities for bonus entries! Good luck!

Giveaway Info:

One winner will win all 12 cookbooks.

The giveaway will run from 3/16/15 at 12AM EST to 3/23/15 at 12AM EST.

The giveaway is open to US and Canadian Residents.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Shaved Asparagus & Avocado Salad + Cookbook Giveaway!

This shaved Asparagus & Avocado Salad tossed with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette is the perfect spring side dish!
Prep Time 15 mins
Total Time 15 mins
Course Side Dishes
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients
  

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 6 basil leaves torn or chiffonade
  • 15 asparagus spears tough ends trimmed
  • 1 avocado diced

Instructions
 

  • Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt and basil. Set aside.
  • Use a vegetable peeler to shave the asparagus. When it gets to thin to shave, chop. Repeat with remaining asparagus spears.
  • Place asparagus and avocado in a bowl. Whisk dressing once more, pour over salad. Toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

Notes

Enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Mention @lifesambrosia or tag #lifesambrosia!
Keywords: asparagus, avocado, giveaway, salad, Vegetarian

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




  • Reply
    Guest
    March 23, 2015 at 7:22 pm

    the science of good cooking

  • Reply
    Elaine W
    March 22, 2015 at 4:27 pm

    I love Tyler Florence’s Real Kitchen.

  • Reply
    Candi Harmon Kruse
    March 21, 2015 at 12:11 pm

    I love Fast Easy Fresh by Bon Appetit.

  • Reply
    katklaw777
    March 20, 2015 at 5:00 am

    My favorite cookbook is my 50yr old Pope Cookbook that my Mom gave to me.
    It has all the basics and since she has passed it is a treasured memento of our cooking time together.

  • Reply
    Fionna Brines
    March 19, 2015 at 5:55 pm

    My Favorite Cook book is ‘Chicken Breast Enhancements; Lifting Chicken breasts to new heights!’

  • Reply
    Willie Battle
    March 19, 2015 at 9:08 am

    The Best Recipes in the World By Mark Bittman

  • Reply
    Gina F
    March 18, 2015 at 6:12 pm

    Mine is Barefoot contessa cookbooks!! Thanks…Gina F

  • Reply
    Sue Clark
    March 18, 2015 at 1:41 pm

    My favorite cookbooks are “Southern Living” and Barefoot Contessa’s books! Would love to add these to my cookbook collection.

  • Reply
    Imane Daher
    March 18, 2015 at 12:44 pm

    One of my favorite cookbook is Bouchon Bakery. I wish I’ll win it. Good Luck to all

  • Reply
    Patrina Mitchen
    March 18, 2015 at 11:51 am

    My favorite cookbook is ATK Family Baking Book

  • Reply
    cjfrugal
    March 18, 2015 at 11:13 am

    slow cooker revolution

  • Reply
    Teresa Sulyok
    March 18, 2015 at 10:38 am

    the splendid table, my bread, and any Martha stewart.

  • Reply
    Cindy Battle
    March 18, 2015 at 9:48 am

    I have several favorites, my newest favorite is Gooseberry Patch 101 Cupcake, Cookie, & Brownie.

  • Reply
    Tina V
    March 18, 2015 at 8:08 am

    I can’t wait to try your Shaved Asparagus/Avocado salad. We have so many avocados falling off the trees right now. I’m always looking for new ideas. Love your recipes. Thank you for sharing.

  • Reply
    Liz
    March 18, 2015 at 7:26 am

    I love the book “How to Cook Everything”

  • Reply
    Cindy F
    March 18, 2015 at 7:11 am

    The New Best Recipe sounds amazing, but they all sound wonderful! What a wonderful combination…..asparagus and avocado! How could you go wrong! Can’t wait to try!

  • Reply
    Shirley Eng
    March 18, 2015 at 6:56 am

    My fave is PASTA, EVERY WAY FOR EVERY DAY by Eric Treuille. Love the look of all these cookbooks!

  • Reply
    Trish
    March 18, 2015 at 6:45 am

    I need to add my love for all Cooks Illustrated cookbooks.

  • Reply
    Dhomnull
    March 18, 2015 at 5:55 am

    Love the recipe and I have always been a fan of the Cooks Illustrated cook book

  • Reply
    Deeli
    March 18, 2015 at 5:39 am

    What a light, refreshing and healthy salad, Des!! I would be in heaven if received the entire cookbook collection but especially the Cooks Illustrated Cookbook!!!

  • Reply
    Jae
    March 18, 2015 at 5:25 am

    I can love all of by cookbooks, but I do have one geared towards middle eastern/ Mediterranean salads that I adore.
    This is seriously the best giveaway I have come across =)

  • Reply
    Janice
    March 18, 2015 at 4:39 am

    I love all the Barefoot Contessa cookbooks particularly Family Style

  • Reply
    Denise
    March 18, 2015 at 4:10 am

    I have a Betty crocker cookbook I received when I got married and still refer to it for gravies and sauces etc.

  • Reply
    leah g
    March 18, 2015 at 12:53 am

    We have asparagus a lot in my house, but usually roasted. I will definitely have to try this soon!

    My favorite cookbook is my old school family cookbook that is falling apart and has a million unreadable notes. An actual buy-able book I love is “Homemade Mexican” I have found it pretty useful through the years.

  • Reply
    Melody Gonser
    March 18, 2015 at 12:15 am

    What a fantastic giveaway. Thank you. My favorite cookbook ha been “Better Homes and Garden”. I received it for my fifteenth birthday and it taught me a lot and it has great recipes.

  • Reply
    Leslie
    March 17, 2015 at 11:04 pm

    Leslie:
    My favorite cookbook is one put together by the church ladies at the church where I grew up in the 70’s.

  • Reply
    Devon S.
    March 17, 2015 at 2:44 pm

    Don’t really have a favorite cookbook. I mainly just surf the web for anything that looks good.
    Recently diagnosed with a few autoimmune inflammatory diseases, I’m looking for recipes to cut down on fats, salt, gluten and casein, so that leaves me with a LOAD of dairy- and grain- free recipes to try.
    I have to say, this combination looks and sounds AMAZING. Two of my very favorite foods combined. Must try. WILL try.

  • Reply
    Amy L
    March 17, 2015 at 6:18 am

    The Joy of Cooking is my favorite and has been my go-to cookbook for over 30 years.

  • Reply
    The Girls on Bloor
    March 17, 2015 at 6:18 am

    We have NEVER thought of shaving asparagus or pairing it with avocado! Definitely going to have to try out this flavour combo!!

  • Reply
    Robyn
    March 16, 2015 at 10:33 pm

    America’s Test Kitchen Family Cookbook is one of our go-tos. We’ve made so many recipes and none have steered us wrong.

  • Reply
    Melissa
    March 16, 2015 at 10:24 pm

    I love all of the Barefoot Contessa’s cookbooks… I envy her

  • Reply
    Miryam Quinn Doblas
    March 16, 2015 at 6:10 pm

    This looks terrific. I would have this salad on demand. I need to start making more salads!

  • Reply
    Lady Gourmet
    March 16, 2015 at 5:22 pm

    This is a marvelous salad that I know my family would love! Thank you for hosting this giveaway too. xo, Catherine

  • Reply
    Joy Love Food
    March 16, 2015 at 4:23 pm

    This salad is so green and gorgeous, perfect for spring! I am loving Marcus Samuelsson’s latest cookbook, What I Cook At Home.

  • Reply
    Lauren
    March 16, 2015 at 3:47 pm

    Yes! I’m totally in love with spring salads right now and this one is perfect! I love asparagus and I’m always looking for different ways to prepare it.

  • Reply
    Katie Canonico
    March 16, 2015 at 3:27 pm

    my favorite cookbook at the moment is america’s test kitchen cooking school. love mark bitman’s how to cook everything as well.

  • Reply
    Valerie Hoff
    March 16, 2015 at 3:09 pm

    Great combo of two of my favorites! What a beautiful, healthy salad!

  • Reply
    Linsy
    March 16, 2015 at 1:50 pm

    so many yummy recipes and wow giveaway, i can get Asian cuisine and i will be on top of the world

  • Reply
    Aly M
    March 16, 2015 at 12:18 pm

    So many good cookbooks you have up there! I think my favorites are my America’s Test Kitchen ones because I can always go to them for traditional recipes and get ideas.

  • Reply
    Chef Mireille
    March 16, 2015 at 10:43 am

    It’s a hard to limit to one favorite cookbook but if I’m forced to choose I suppose I’ll have to say The Essentials of Asian Cuisine by Corinne Trang. She has recipes from all over Asia from China to Indonesia and I have cooked several and I loved all of them. I hope I win!!!!

  • Reply
    Jenn
    March 16, 2015 at 8:53 am

    Gorgeous salad… and amazing collection of cookbooks! Thanks for the giveaway!

  • Reply
    Melissa Falk
    March 16, 2015 at 8:27 am

    Gorgeous photo. I love the simplicity of this salad. Nice!

  • Reply
    Back For Seconds
    March 16, 2015 at 7:46 am

    What a beautiful salad! My family would love it!

  • Reply
    It Bakes Me Happy
    March 16, 2015 at 6:30 am

    I love how light and fresh this salad is! I’m a total cookbook junkie, I have a very old worn out Better Homes and Gardens book that I use all the time

  • Reply
    Kristen (amindfullmom)
    March 16, 2015 at 4:35 am

    I am so in love with this salad!! I am totally making this for St. Patrick’s Day tomorrow!

  • Reply
    Elizabeth
    March 16, 2015 at 1:23 am

    Oh heavens this salad sounds amazing! I am a big fan of avocado and I love what you’ve done with it here.

  • Reply
    Arcee Angob Miranda
    March 16, 2015 at 12:19 am

    I love the photos they are very crisp and the salad really looks yummy. I am hungry right now! Thanks for sharing your recipe and I hope to join you giveaway, but I am from Asia.

  • Des

    Hey! I'm Des!

    Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

    Read more »

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