Asparagus and Smoked Salmon Bundles with Meyer Lemon Sauce: A Springtime Delight

Spring is in the air, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a dish that embodies freshness, elegance, and exquisite flavor? These Asparagus and Smoked Salmon Bundles with Meyer Lemon Sauce are the perfect appetizer or light lunch, offering a delightful combination of textures and tastes that will tantalize your taste buds.

This recipe is surprisingly simple to make, yet it looks incredibly impressive. The tender asparagus spears, wrapped in delicate smoked salmon and drizzled with a vibrant Meyer lemon sauce, create a harmonious balance of flavors that is both sophisticated and refreshing. The slight smokiness of the salmon complements the earthy asparagus, while the Meyer lemon sauce adds a bright, citrusy tang that ties everything together beautifully.

Whether you’re hosting a springtime brunch, looking for a light and elegant starter for a dinner party, or simply want to treat yourself to a delicious and healthy meal, these asparagus bundles are sure to impress. The recipe is easily adaptable, allowing you to customize it to your liking by adding herbs, spices, or other ingredients that complement the core flavors.

## Why Meyer Lemons?

Meyer lemons are a hybrid citrus fruit, believed to be a cross between a lemon and a mandarin orange. They are known for their sweeter, less acidic flavor compared to regular lemons. This makes them ideal for sauces and dressings, as they provide a bright citrusy note without being overly tart. If you can’t find Meyer lemons, regular lemons can be used, but you might want to add a touch of honey or sugar to balance the acidity.

## Ingredients:

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delectable Asparagus and Smoked Salmon Bundles:

* **Asparagus:** 1 pound, thin to medium spears, trimmed
* **Smoked Salmon:** 8 ounces, thinly sliced
* **Meyer Lemons:** 2 medium
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons, extra virgin
* **Fresh Dill:** 2 tablespoons, chopped
* **Fresh Chives:** 2 tablespoons, chopped
* **Garlic:** 1 clove, minced
* **Salt:** To taste
* **Black Pepper:** Freshly ground, to taste
* **Optional Garnishes:** Lemon wedges, dill sprigs, capers

## Equipment:

* Large pot or skillet
* Steamer basket (optional)
* Small bowl
* Whisk
* Cutting board
* Sharp knife
* Serving platter

## Step-by-Step Instructions:

Follow these simple steps to create your own Asparagus and Smoked Salmon Bundles with Meyer Lemon Sauce:

**1. Prepare the Asparagus:**

* Wash the asparagus thoroughly under cold running water. Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus spears. To do this, hold each spear near the end and gently bend it until it snaps. The asparagus will naturally break at the point where it becomes tender.
* You can cook the asparagus using one of two methods: steaming or blanching.
* **Steaming:** Fill a large pot with about an inch of water and bring to a boil. Place a steamer basket inside the pot, ensuring that the bottom of the basket does not touch the water. Add the asparagus to the steamer basket, cover the pot, and steam for 3-5 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender-crisp. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the asparagus spears.
* **Blanching:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the asparagus to the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Immediately transfer the asparagus to an ice bath (a bowl filled with ice water) to stop the cooking process and preserve the vibrant green color.
* Once the asparagus is cooked, drain it well and pat it dry with paper towels. Set aside to cool slightly.

**2. Make the Meyer Lemon Sauce:**

* Zest one of the Meyer lemons using a microplane or zester. Set the zest aside.
* Juice both Meyer lemons. You should get about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of juice.
* In a small bowl, whisk together the Meyer lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped dill, and chopped chives.
* Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more lemon juice for tanginess or olive oil for richness.

**3. Assemble the Bundles:**

* Lay out a slice of smoked salmon on a cutting board.
* Place 3-5 asparagus spears on top of the salmon slice, near one end.
* Roll the salmon tightly around the asparagus spears to create a bundle.
* Repeat with the remaining salmon and asparagus until all the bundles are assembled.

**4. Plate and Serve:**

* Arrange the asparagus and smoked salmon bundles on a serving platter.
* Drizzle generously with the Meyer lemon sauce.
* Garnish with Meyer lemon zest, extra dill sprigs, and capers, if desired.
* Serve immediately or chill for later. These bundles are best served cold or at room temperature.

## Tips and Variations:

* **Asparagus Thickness:** Choose asparagus spears that are relatively uniform in thickness to ensure even cooking. If using very thick asparagus, you may need to peel the lower portion of the spears with a vegetable peeler to remove any tough outer layers.
* **Smoked Salmon Quality:** Use high-quality smoked salmon for the best flavor. Look for salmon that is thinly sliced and has a vibrant color.
* **Herb Variations:** Feel free to experiment with different herbs in the Meyer lemon sauce. Tarragon, parsley, and chervil are all excellent choices that complement the flavors of asparagus and smoked salmon.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Meyer lemon sauce for a touch of heat.
* **Creamy Sauce:** For a creamier sauce, whisk in a tablespoon of crème fraîche or sour cream.
* **Cheese Addition:** Crumble a small amount of goat cheese or feta cheese over the bundles for added flavor and texture.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Replace the smoked salmon with thinly sliced cucumber or zucchini ribbons for a vegetarian-friendly version.
* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the asparagus and Meyer lemon sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the bundles just before serving to prevent the salmon from drying out.
* **Serving Suggestions:** Serve these asparagus and smoked salmon bundles as an appetizer, a light lunch, or a side dish with grilled fish or chicken. They also make a beautiful addition to a brunch spread.

## Health Benefits:

These Asparagus and Smoked Salmon Bundles are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Asparagus is a good source of vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as folate and fiber. Smoked salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Meyer lemons are a good source of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that helps protect the body against damage from free radicals.

## Nutritional Information (per serving):

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.*

* Calories: Approximately 200-250
* Protein: 15-20 grams
* Fat: 10-15 grams
* Carbohydrates: 5-8 grams
* Fiber: 2-3 grams

## Final Thoughts:

Asparagus and Smoked Salmon Bundles with Meyer Lemon Sauce are a delightful and elegant dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of fresh asparagus, delicate smoked salmon, and vibrant Meyer lemon sauce is a true celebration of spring flavors. With its simple preparation and stunning presentation, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire.

So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a dish that is both delicious and visually appealing. These asparagus bundles are a true testament to the fact that simple ingredients, when combined with creativity and passion, can create culinary masterpieces.

Enjoy your Asparagus and Smoked Salmon Bundles with Meyer Lemon Sauce! They’re a surefire way to brighten up your day and savor the flavors of the season.

## Printable Recipe Card:

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