Fresh Balsamic Asparagus Salad

Julesong's Note:

This is a very tasty fresh salad, crisp and tangy! I love this stuff. :)

• Total Time: 18 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 13 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1 lb baby asparagus
• 4 ounces sliced mushrooms
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, or more to taste
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup loosely packed chopped basil
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese or 2 tablespoons mizithra cheese
• salt, to taste

Directions:

1. Trim the asparagus (keeping the darker green and less fibrous parts) and cut into 1-inch pieces.
2. Thinly slice the mushrooms.
3. Simmer the asparagus in 1/2 cup of water with a pinch of salt until it is tender (about 10-13 minutes).
4. While the asparagus is simmering, whisk the lemon juice, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and garlic together.
5. Gradually add the olive oil and then the black pepper.
6. Once you have drained the asparagus and let it cool, gently toss it with half of the dressing to coat it well.
7. Toss the remaining dressing with the basil and the mushrooms, and sprinkle the mixture over the asparagus.
8. Season to taste with salt, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan or Mizithra cheese, and serve.

Reviews

[pmorgan5]

OUTSTANDING!! I roasted the asparagus w/a little olive oil and sea salt (3-5 minutes, depending on size of stalks), then followed the recipe. Wonderful fresh taste. This is a keeper as long as the local asparagus is available.

[CulinaryExplorer]

This is VERY good! I wanted something a little different than the usual roasted or sauteed asparagus and this was perfect. The flavors were bold, and perfect together, and the dish was simple to prepare. I halved the recipe and made for just two people for 3pts a piece! Not bad at all!

[Chef #982520]

This was wonderful. I steamed the asparagus only about 3 minutes, leaving it a bit crunchy. The combination of ingredients is fantastic, and was the perfect side to lemon/garlic chicken and artichoke ravioli w/ vodka sauce. This goes into my "winner" file!