Warm Asparagus Spinach Salad
Spinach, cashews and pasta are mixed with roasted asparagus in this delightful spring salad. The mixture is topped with a light vinaigrette, seasoned with soy sauce and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. I've used this recipe many times.
-Kathleen Lucas
Trumbull, Connecticut14-16 ServingsPrep/Total Time: 30 min.
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons plus 1/2 cup olive oil, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1-1/2 pounds uncooked penne pasta
- 3/4 cup chopped green onions
- 6 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1 package (6 ounces) fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup coarsely chopped cashews
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Place asparagus in a 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Drizzle with 2
- tablespoons oil; sprinkle with salt. Bake, uncovered, at 400°
- for 20-25 minutes or until crisp-tender, stirring every 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
- In a blender, combine the onions, vinegar and soy sauce; cover and
- process until smooth. While processing, gradually add the remaining
- oil in a steady steam.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the pasta, spinach and asparagus.
- Drizzle with dressing; toss to coat. Sprinkle with cashews and
- cheese. Yield: 14-16 servings.