Molded Asparagus Salad Food

RAW ASPARAGUS SALAD WITH WALNUTS & PARMESAN

Steps:

• Place day-old bread in the food processor and whiz until fine. Measure out 1.5 to 2 cups of crumbs. Heat the 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the crumbs and the salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until crumbs are golden brown. This could take 5 to 15 minutes (or longer) depending on your heat level. If you have the time, go slowly to prevent burning. When the crumbs are nice and golden, turn off the heat. Let cool briefly. Taste. Add more salt if necessary. Measure out 1/3 cup of the crumbs - this is the amount the original recipe calls for. You can use more if you wish.
• Place the walnuts in a medium skillet. Set the skillet over low heat. Allow the walnuts to toast slowly while you prepare the salad. Remove them from the heat when they smell and look toasty. You can chop them on a cutting board or by gently crushing them in a tea towel.
• Using a sharp knife, slice the asparagus thinly on the bias.
• In a large bowl, combine the toasted walnuts, the 1/3 cup (or more!) toasted bread crumbs, the grated Parmigiano Reggiano, the crushed red pepper flakes (starting with 1/4 teaspoon if you are sensitive to heat), salt and pepper to taste, and the zest of the lemon. Stir to combine. Add the asparagus and toss to combine. "Taste and dial in the flavors by adding more salt, black pepper, chile flakes, or lemon juice. When the flavors are bright and delicious, add the mint (if using) and 1/4 cup olive oil." Toss to combine. Taste and adjust the flavors again if necessary.
• Transfer to a serving platter. Crack more pepper over top if you wish.

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.

ASPARAGUS, TOMATO AND FETA SALAD WITH BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile prepare vinaigrette - add vinegar to a small saucepan, bring to a boil over medium heat and allow to boil until reduced by half, about 3 minutes.
• Pour into a jar or bowl, add olive oil, dijon mustard, honey, garlic and whisk to blend while seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
• Add asparagus to boiling water and allow to boil until tender crisp, about 4 - 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile fill a medium mixing bowl with ice and cold water. Drain and immediately transfer asparagus to ice water, let rest about 10 seconds then drain asparagus well.
• Transfer to a bowl with tomatoes and walnuts. Drizzle vinaigrette over top and toss lightly.
• Sprinkle over half of the feta then plate and top with remaining feta (just so the feta doesn't brown from tossing with all the dressing).

GRILLED ASPARAGUS SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat a grill for low heat. Combine the lemon juice and olive oil on a plate. Place asparagus on the plate, and roll around to coat.
• Grill asparagus for about 5 minutes, turning at least once, and brushing with the olive oil mixture. Remove from the grill, and place back onto the plate with the oil.
• In a large bowl, combine the spinach, Parmesan cheese, and slivered almonds. Cut asparagus into bite-size pieces, and add to the salad along with the lemon juice and oil from the plate. Toss to blend, then serve.

ROASTED ASPARAGUS SALAD WITH FETA CHEESE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Place asparagus in a large bowl. Drizzle olive oil over asparagus and season with garlic powder; toss well. Transfer asparagus to a baking sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven until asparagus are tender, about 20 minutes.
• Place lettuce in the same bowl used for asparagus; top with tomatoes, feta cheese, and asparagus.

ASPARAGUS MOZZARELLA SALAD

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, bring 1/2 in. of water to a boil. Add asparagus; cover and boil for 3 minutes. Drain and immediately place asparagus in ice water. Drain and pat dry. Transfer to a large bowl. Add the cheese, tomatoes, onion and basil., In a small bowl, whisk the oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, mustard and pepper. Pour over salad; toss to coat. Drizzle with lemon juice. Chill until serving.

MARINATED ASPARAGUS SALAD

Steps:

• Place asparagus in a large skillet; add 1/2 in. of water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 3-5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Rinse in cold water; drain. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours., Arrange asparagus in a shallow dish. Combine remaining ingredients; pour over asparagus. Let stand at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.

ROASTED ASPARAGUS SALAD

Steps:

• Place asparagus in a 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Combine oil and garlic; pour over asparagus and turn to coat. Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 20-25 minutes or until tender, turning after 10 minutes. Cool completely., In a small bowl, whisk dressing ingredients; pour over asparagus and turn to coat. Serve immediately or allow to marinate. Serve at room temperature.