A delicious side salad to add to your meal. Loaded with fresh market ingredients, straight from the garden!
Ingredients
8 medium spear(s)
Asparagus
(trimmed, snap off ends)
3 tbsp
Extra virgin olive oil
(for dressing)
2 tbsp
Wine Vinegar
(for dressing)
1/2 tsp
Lemon peel (zest)
(grated into a small bowl)
1 pinch
Salt
1 dash
Black pepper
1 cup
Arugula
(chopped)
1 head
Lettuce, butterhead (Boston)
(torn in bite size pieces)
1 cup
Lettuce, spring mix (mesclun)
4 medium
Tomato
(sliced)
12 medium
Black olives
(pitted and chopped; optional)
1 tbsp
Pine nuts, dried
(optional)
Instructions
In a pot of boiling water, cook asparagus for about 4 minutes or until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain well and rinse with cold water. Drain again. Chop into 2-inch (5 cm) pieces.
Meanwhile, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together oil, wine vinegar, lemon zest, salt, and pepper; set aside.
In a large platter or bowl, arrange the arugula, and lettuces around the edge to form the base of the salad. Place the sliced tomatoes in a circle on top and asparagus in the center.
Sprinkle with olives and pine nuts (optional).
Drizzle with dressing to serve.
Notes:
Nutritional Highlights:
Asparagus
is a great source of fiber and vitamins A, C, and E which are powerful antioxidants. It also has chromium which may enhance the body's response to insulin or lowering blood sugar.
Tomato
are a dietary source of lycopene which is an antioxidant. plus it has vitamin C.
Arugula
is "known" as a cancer-fighting power food because of its high content of fiber and antioxidants, it is also composed of 90% water so it is great hydrating food in the summer months.
Pine Nuts
are high in beneficial monounsaturated fats, magnesium, and vitamin E, these 3 work synergistically to help protect the heart.