Asparagus Salad

Name: Asparagus Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 6 servings.
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed; 2 tablespoons water; 4 cups spring mix salad greens; 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons orange juice; 2 tablespoons pineapple preserves; 2 tablespoons apricot preserves; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted; 1 teaspoon minced fresh gingerroot; 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted

A tangy, homemade dressing nearly steals the show from crisp-tender asparagus in Tammy Allison's nutritious salad. "It's a lovely display at dinner parties that isn't a lot of work," she writes from Cape May Court House, New Jersey.

Ingredients

1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
2 tablespoons water
4 cups spring mix salad greens
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons orange juice
2 tablespoons pineapple preserves
2 tablespoons apricot preserves
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
1 teaspoon minced fresh gingerroot
1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted

Directions

Place asparagus and water in a microwave-safe 11x7-in. dish. Cover and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and immediately place asparagus in ice water. Drain and pat dry.
Place salad greens on a serving platter; top with asparagus. In a small bowl, whisk the vinegar, orange juice, preserves, sesame seeds and ginger. Drizzle over salad. Sprinkle with almonds. Serve immediately.

Editor's Note

This recipe was tested in a 1,100-watt microwave.

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 93 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 27mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.

Originally published as Asparagus Salad in Light & Tasty April/May 2006