Asparagus Summer Salad Food

ASPARAGUS SALAD WITH LEMON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In a large pot boil the asparagus for 3-5 minutes. Rinse in cold water.
• In a large bowl combine spinach, radish, cherry tomatoes, peas, onion, and feta cheese.
• In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, salt and pepper.
• Pour the desired amount of dressing over the salad and mix together.

GRILLED ASPARAGUS SALAD WITH LEMON & FETA

Steps:

• Preheat the grill to high.
• Place the asparagus spears on a foil-lined baking sheet for easy clean-up. Directly on the prepared baking sheet, toss the asparagus with 2 tablespoons of the oil, the salt and the pepper.
• Place the asparagus spears on the grill, making sure they are perpendicular to grates so they don't fall through. Set the baking sheet near the grill (you'll need it for the cooked asparagus). Cover and cook the asparagus for 3 to 4 minutes, until nicely browned on one side and still crisp -- do not overcook. Remove the asparagus from the grill and place back on the foil-lined baking dish. Let the asparagus cool.
• Transfer the spears to cutting board and cut on the bias into bite-sized pieces. Place the cut asparagus in a mixing bowl. Add the remaining tablespoon olive oil, lemon zest and lemon juice; toss well. Add the feta and toss gently. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper and lemon juice (I usually add up to ¼ teaspoon more salt). Transfer to a serving platter. Serve room temperature or cold.

CHILLED ASPARAGUS SALAD

Steps:

• I like asparagus al dente, slightly crunchy. Bring the water to a boil in a large pot over medium heat. Add salt until it tastes like mild seawater. How will you know? Take a little water with a spoon and taste it, then add the sugar.
• Prepare an ice bath by filling a bowl, large enough to hold the asparagus, with cold water. Add some ice cubes. Plunge the asparagus into the ice bath before cooking. This will help to bring any limp stalks back to life. Remove from the ice bath, plunge them into the boiling water and allow them to cook, 2 to 3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water, transferring them immediately to the same ice bath. Allow them to sit in the ice bath for a few minutes, swirling them gently in the water to assure they are all cooling quickly in the cold water.
• The most important step for this dish? Drying the stalks once they are removed from the ice bath. Taking care that no water gets into the final salad is the best way to assure that the maximum flavor will be enjoyed! Transfer the asparagus to a large plate or platter lined with a kitchen towel and refrigerate.
• In a medium bowl, combine the lemon juice, white wine vinegar, honey and mustard. Stir to blend. Whisk in the olive oil in an even, steady stream. When all of the oil has been integrated, taste and adjust the seasoning, if needed.
• When ready to serve, remove the kitchen towel from the asparagus and simply toss the asparagus in the dressing to coat them completely. Arrange the stalks on plates and serve.

WARM ASPARAGUS SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and fill a large bowl with ice water.
• Add the asparagus to the boiling water and cook until just tender, 1 to 2 minutes. Drain and transfer to the ice water. Once cooled, drain and pat dry and add to a medium bowl.
• Heat the oil in a small saucepan over medium heat, add the walnuts and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until just golden, 1 to 2 minutes. Pour mixture over the asparagus and toss to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• To serve, transfer asparagus to a platter and scatter Parmesan on top. Drizzle with lemon juice and serve immediately.

SUMMER ASPARAGUS, CORN AND TOMATO SALAD

Steps:

• Break or cut tough ends from asparagus and discard. Cook asparagus in boiling water 2 minutes and drain well and place in ice water to stop cooking. Cut diagonally into 1 1/2 in pieces. Cut avocado in cubes or slice.
• Cut corn kernels from cobs with a sharp knife into a large deep bowl; cut close enough to release milky white substance with kernels.
• Halve tomatoes; toss gently with corn, asparagus and basil. Add dressing mixture and toss to coat; season with salt and pepper to taste. Let stand a few minutes if time allows.
• Top with avocado and crumbled cheese right before serving.
• These ingredients need not be exact. Add or subract to your liking.

ASPARAGUS SALAD

Steps:

• Cook bow tie pasta according to directions on box about 10 to 12 minute's.
• Cut pear tomatoes or cherry tomatoes in half. Slice green ends of green onions, chop celery thin slices. Place all ingredients in bowl as you cut your vegetables. Break ends off lower ends of asparagas and place in boiling water for 3 minutes. Drain and place immediately into ice water bath to keep them greener and a little crunchy. Pat them dry and cut into 1/2 inches. Mix this in with the cooked bow-tie pasta that has been rinsed in cold water and drained off. Add 1/2 cup Italian Dressing and mix well.
• Shave the parmesan cheese into the bowl and mix well. Chill for till ready to serve about 2 hours or 24 hours. Serves 8.