Asparagus! and Heirloom Tomato Salad
Spring has sprung! And the first arrival of the season’s bounty in New Jersey is asparagus. On my way to the grocery the other day I noticed that our roadside farm stand had opened. The sign at Stults Farm said Fresh Asparagus Picked Today! I could not resist. I pulled in and on your honor asparagus for $5 a bunch seemed pricey but I soon found it to be so worth it. Having always had fresh asparagus only come from across the country to my southern home grocery, I have never truly experienced FRESH asparagus. OMG it is beautiful!
This salad is the perfect back drop to highlight the natural delicious flavor of the asparagus. The dressing perfectly pairs with the beautiful spring or summer bounty of asparagus and tomatoes.
Heirloom Tomato and Asparagus Salad
Asparagus is the first bounty of spring and this salad perfectly highlights the beauty and flavor of this tender treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups lettuce, spring mix or butter
- 1/2 lb fresh spring asparagus
- 1 cup large chunk chopped or baby heirloom tomatoes
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
- 2 tbsp roasted pine nuts
Dressing
- 4 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 8 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 2 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper
Instructions
- Cut tough ends off of asparagus to the place where it begins to get tender. Place asparagus in a microwave proof dish with about an inch of water in the bottom. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 3 minutes.
- While the asparagus is cooking, prepare a bowl of ice water large enough to submerge the asparagus completely.
- Once finished in the microwave, drain and place asparagus in the ice bath to stop the cooking and cool completely. Dry on paper towels.
- Build the salad with greens, tomatoes, cucumbers and asparagus. Sprinkle with pine nuts and blue cheese. Salad can be placed in refrigerator at this point to chill before serving.
- Combine all ingredients of the dressing in a jar or salad cruet. With lid on shake until completely mixed and emulsified.
- Pour dressing generously over the salads and serve.
- Recommended proteins to add or put on the side include poached or roasted salmon, chilled or grilled shrimp, or grilled chicken breast meat.