Asparagus with Fresh Basil Sauce

Name: Asparagus with Fresh Basil Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 12 servings.
Ingredients: 3/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons prepared pesto; 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1-1/2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed

Add zip to your appetizer platter with an easy asparagus dip that doubles as a flavorful sandwich spread. — Janie Colle, Hutchinson, Kansas

Ingredients

3/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
2 tablespoons prepared pesto
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1-1/2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed

Directions

In a small bowl, mix the first six ingredients until blended; refrigerate until serving.
In a Dutch oven, bring 12 cups water to a boil. Add asparagus in batches; cook, uncovered, until crisp-tender, 2-3 minutes. Remove and immediately drop into ice water. Drain and pat dry. Serve with sauce.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 72 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 149mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat.

Originally published as Asparagus With Basil Pesto Mayonnaise in Healthy Cooking Annual Recipes 2014