Warm Asparagus Spinach Salad

Submitted by celeste and co.

"I found this in a recent Taste of Home magazine. I tried it out on my family and we all thought it was Zaar-worthy. Slightly adapted for my family's taste. This makes a lot so you may want to half the recipe."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 10mins
• Ingredients: 11
• Serves: 14-16

ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 lbs fresh asparagus, trimed and cut into 1 inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus
• 1⁄2 cup olive oil, divided
• salt
• 1 1⁄2 lbs uncooked penne or 1 1/2 lbs penne pasta
• 3⁄4 cup chopped green onion
• 6 tablespoons white wine vinegar (this amount may be too vinegary for some tastes so start low and add up to taste)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) package fresh Baby Spinach
• 1 cup coarsely chopped cashews
• 1⁄2 - 3⁄4 cup shredded parmesan cheese

directions

1. Put the asparagus into an large oblong baking dish.
2. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil; sprinkle evenly with salt.
3. Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 20-25 minutes or until crisp-tender; stir every 10 minutes.
4. While the asparagus is cooking, prepare the pasta according to package directions; drain.
5. Add the onions, vinegar, and soy sauce in the container of a blender; process.
6. While processing, gradually add the remaining olive oil in a steady stream.
7. In a large serving bowl, add the pasta, spinach, and asparagus; drizzle dressing over all; toss to coat.
8. Season to taste with pepper, if desired.
9. Sprinkle with cashews and Parmesan cheese.
10. Serve warm.

Reviews

[Mary W.]

I made this for company and made half a recipe. There were 4 of us - and we had a little left over. I will definitely make again! The only thing I would suggest - is make sure everything else is ready so you can serve it just as soon as you add the hot ingredients. We served it with grilled chicken breast and mango salsa.

 

[sugarpea]

We enjoyed this as well. I microwaved the asparagus without the olive oil as I was short on time and calories but otherwise followed the recipe. I will probably add a bit more seasoning next time, say garlic and some fresh herbs.