White asparagus with Black Forest ham is a simple but elegant German spring dish that brings together tender blanched white asparagus, wafer-thin ham, ripe avocado, tomatoes, basil, and chives with a tangy oil and vinegar dressing.
This recipe is especially well suited to Spargelzeit, the beloved white asparagus season in Germany, when fresh asparagus dishes appear everywhere from home kitchens to restaurant menus. The combination of delicate asparagus and smoky Black Forest ham keeps the dish classic, while avocado and tomato add color, freshness, and a more modern salad feel.
Whether you serve it as a light lunch, a composed salad, or a spring side dish, this white asparagus recipe is fresh, flavorful, and easy to bring to the table.
White Asparagus with Black Forest Ham
A side dish or salad of blanched white asparagus and fine German Black Forest ham, with avocado, tomato, basil and chives and an oil and vinegar dressing.
Ingredients
For the asparagus:
- 1 lb fresh white asparagus
- 1 large ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup oil and vinegar dressing
- 4 ripe round or plum tomatoes skinned
- 4 large fresh Basil leaves shredded
- 8 slices wafer-thin German imported Black Forest ham
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- sea salt and freshly ground pepper
For the Oil and Vinegar Salad Dressing:
- 4 oz rapeseed or vegetable oil
- 4 oz olive oil
- 4 oz German white wine or German apple vinegar or half of each
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp German mustard
- 1 tsp German honey optional
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
Instructions
For the asparagus:
- Trim the bottoms of the asparagus stalks and peel with a vegetable peeler. Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil and drop in the asparagus. Simmer for 3 minutes and have a large bowl of iced water ready.
- Using a large slotted spoon, lift out the asparagus spears carefully. Place immediately into the iced water and leave for 5 minutes, then carefully drain.
- Slice the avocado and mix gently with a third of the dressing. Season well. Slice the tomatoes thinly and season. Allow to stand for 10 minutes then drizzle with another third of the dressing and mix in the basil.
- Arrange 2 slices of ham on each of four large plates. Divide the asparagus, tomato and avocado between the plates. Drizzle the last of the dressing over the asparagus and sprinkle over the chives. Season with coarsely ground pepper and serve.
For the Oil and Vinegar Salad Dressing:
- This dressing is a good all-purpose recipe for green leaf, potato, pasta and mixed vegetable salads. Makes 1 1/4 cups.
- Whisk together all ingredients. Store refrigerated in sealed jar. Whisk again just before serving.
Notes
What to Serve with White Asparagus and Ham
This dish can work as:- a spring lunch
- a first course
- a composed salad
- a side with bread, potatoes, or other asparagus dishes
