Shaved asparagus makes for a splendid and simple salad. It’s easy as can be and bright and refreshing for spring. You don’t need a special tool; you only need a peeler! Add a little lemon for zip, cheese for richness, and nuts for crunch, and you are good to go.
Speaking of “good to go”…. I am taking Good and Good for You™ to France! I’m hosting a river cruise through Burgundy and Provence next spring, and it’s limited to 30 people.
This issue also shares
- The Best Life Living Tip: Dirty Secrets about Gardening
- The Self-Care Technique: Positivity is Contagious
- Ideas and Inspiration: Bird Brain Ideas for Live Streaming
Read on for more, including the recipe for this simple and delicious Shaved Asparagus Salad — and details on how to join me in France.
Best Life Living Tip
It’s not a dirty secret! I just moved from a townhome to a house with a yard because I want a real yard and garden. It’s that important to me. Who knows? Maybe I’ll plant some asparagus…
Gardening has many benefits:
- Stress Relief – Gardening helps reduce anxiety and promotes relaxation through connection with nature
- Physical Exercise – Tasks like digging, planting, and weeding provide moderate physical activity, which boosts fitness.
- Improved Mental Health – Being outdoors and nurturing plants can lift mood and decrease symptoms of depression.
- Fresh Produce – Growing your own fruits, herbs, and veggies like asparagus, peppers, or tomatoes helps ensure access to fresh, healthy food.
- Sense of Accomplishment – Watching your garden grow brings joy and a rewarding feeling of achievement.
Want more info? Dig into the benefits of gardening with the Mayo Clinic.
Self-Care Technique
Did you know positivity is contagious because emotions are often mirrored through a psychological process called emotional contagion? When you’re around someone who’s genuinely positive — smiling, encouraging, or upbeat — your brain tends to mimic their emotions, often without you realizing it.
Not kidding!
This happens through mirror neurons, which help us understand and reflect the feelings of others. So, when someone is in a good mood, it lifts the mood of those around them. Over time, this creates a ripple effect, spreading positivity like a chain reaction. We feed off each other’s energy, and positive energy is powerful!
How to be More Positive
1. Practice Gratitude – Take a moment each day to think of 2–3 things you’re thankful for.
2. Surround Yourself with Positive People – Being around uplifting people makes it easier to maintain a positive mindset.
3. Challenge Negative Thoughts – When you catch yourself thinking negatively, ask: Is this true? Then reframe it with a more helpful perspective.
4. Take Care of Your Body – Regular exercise, sleep, and healthy food can improve mood and boost your natural positivity.
5. Do Things That Make You Happy – Make time for hobbies, nature, or whatever brings you joy.
6. Help Others – Acts of kindness, no matter how small, not only brighten someone else’s day but boost your own mood too.
Positivity is a practice, not perfection. Little things add up. You can do it!
Ideas and Inspiration
Beyond gardening, another benefit of my new home is bird-watching. Last week, I counted 12 species at my feeders at one time! I am in bird nerd heaven.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a world leader in the study, appreciation, and conservation of birds and biodiversity. You may know about the Cornell Bird ID app and their IG page @cornellbirds.
Do you know about their birdcams? Check out the webpage for a flock of cams and make sure to follow @cornellbirdcams on Instagram, too!
Good and Good for You™Living Spotlight
Let’s go eat asparagus next spring in FRANCE!!
I am thrilled to partner with TripBoutiq, a full-service, luxury travel advisor specializing in custom vacation, honeymoon, or multi-generational trips for discerning travelers, on a Riverboat Cruise on the Rhone through Burgundy and Provence. For more information, please check out the website.
Join me on a culinary river cruise through Burgundy and Provence. Savor fine wines, explore charming villages, enjoy exclusive cooking demos, and fun-packed market visits. It’s a delicious journey through the heart of France, blending gourmet experiences with the beauty of the Rhône. I am so excited to return to the region.
Discounts are available, and the group is limited to 30 people. Check it out!
Make it Count
Thanks so much for reading. If you want more info about asparagus – including the phenomenon known as “asparagus pee” check out this post.
Hey — so please give me a follow on IG @virginiawillis for more best life tips, self-care techniques, ideas and inspiration, and healthy recipes.
As long as you’re doing what’s Good and Good for You™ more often than not, you’re on the right track. 🙌🏻 You can do it! Let me know if you try the Shaved Asparagus Salad!
Bon Appétit Y’all!
Virginia Willis
Shaved Asparagus and Lemon Salad
Ingredients
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 small shallot very finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon pine nuts toasted
- 1 pound asparagus spears tough bottoms removed
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup loosely packed shaved Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
- Coarse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, shallot, mustard, and salt and pepper in a bowl. Meanwhile, toast the pine nuts in a medium pan over medium heat, stirring often, until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove to a small bowl to cool.
- Using a vegetable peeler, thinly slice the asparagus lengthwise into strips and place in a large bowl. (If you have any trouble peeling the asparagus, place the spear on the flat wooden handle of a spatula. This will lift it high enough to allow the peeler to move freely.)
- Whisk the olive oil into the lemon-vinegar mixture in a thin and steady stream. Taste and season the dressing with salt and pepper.
- Add the reserved pine nuts, dressing, half of the Parmesan, and the parsley to the asparagus and toss to combine. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Let sit at least 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
