Warm Asparagus Spinach Salad

Name: Warm Asparagus Spinach Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 14-16 servings.
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

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, Connecticut

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.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 299 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 263mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.

Reviews

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Average Rating:

scsvatek

May 11, 2015

I discovered this recipe a few years ago, and my family loves it. I am not a big asparagus fan, but I love it in this salad.
LollyBlue

May 27, 2014

Fantastic combo, all these ingredients. My youngest, 8, gobbled it up. I served it with a side of grilled chicken breast, added a fresh fruit salad and dinner was ready in about 40 mins including prep. How nice is THAT on a weekday? Worthy of guests, too.
jaelspike

Dec 14, 2011

My whole family has a hard time eating asparagus plain, but even the children loved this dish.
Hannah0418

Jun 5, 2011

loved the combination spinach and pasta. great flavor!