Chilled Asparagus With Lemony Garlic Dressing

Great when it's too hot for warm food. Low cal, heart healthy side dish from the American Heart Association Around the World Cookbook.

• Ready In: 10 mins
• Serves: 2-4

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons low-fat sour cream or 2  tablespoons nonfat sour cream
• 1  tablespoon low-fat buttermilk or 1  tablespoon skim milk
• 1  garlic clove, minced
• 1 -2  teaspoon  grated lemon zest
• 1⁄8 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 24  fresh asparagus spears, woody bases removed
•  poppy seed (optional)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, mix together first five ingredients until smooth.
2. Cover and chill until serving time.
3. Boil asparagus for 5 minutes (until crisp-tender).
4. Drain (I've served this dish hot by tossing the asparagus in the pan with the dressing and heating for 1-2 minutes at this point).
5. Rinse with cold water and drain again.
6. Cover and chill until serving time.
7. To serve, gently toss asparagus spears with dressing.
8. Sprinkle lightly with poppy seeds, if desired.