Asparagus Shiitake Salad With Creamy Sesame Dressing Food

PASTA SALAD WITH ASPARAGUS, CORN AND SUN-DRIED TOMATOES

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs; drain and rinse under cold water. Transfer to a large bowl.
• Add the asparagus, corn and sun-dried tomatoes to the bowl with the pasta.
• Make the dressing: Mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic, parmesan, and salt and pepper to taste in a bowl. Pour over the pasta salad and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Chill for up to 3 hours.

ASPARAGUS SHIITAKE SALAD WITH CREAMY SESAME DRESSING

Steps:

• Lightly toast 2 tablespoons of the sesame seeds in a pan over medium heat for 3 minutes, shaking the pan frequently. Set aside. In a food processor or high powered blender, blend remaining 2/3 cup sesame seeds along with the other dressing ingredients, until smooth and creamy. Stir in toasted sesame seeds. To make the salad, preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Place beets and water in a baking pan. Cover and roast for 20 minutes. Uncover and continue roasting until tender. If needed, add more water to keep beets from drying out. Set aside. Meanwhile, water saute' mushrooms over high heat for about 5 minutes, using only enough water to keep from scorching. When mushrooms are tender and juicy, add the asparagus and water saute' until slightly tender but still crisp, about 5 minutes. Toss with VegiZest and garlic powder. Remove from heat and toss with bell pepper and water chestnuts. Place watercress on a plate and pile the vegetable mixture on top. Drizzle dressing over all, topping with the bean sprouts. Arrange roasted beets around the sides.

ASIAN NOODLE SALAD

Steps:

• Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling water. Meanwhile, clean, stem, and slice mushrooms. Add mushrooms and red bell pepper during last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain.
• In a small bowl, mix together vinegar, soy sauce, oil, and ginger.
• Transfer pasta, mushrooms, and pepper to a serving bowl; toss with ginger dressing. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.

EASY SESAME DRESSING

Steps:

• Whisk olive oil, vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and sesame seeds together in a bowl until dressing is evenly mixed.