Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Asparagus, Scallion and Cucumber Salad


I feel like as of lately I have been sharing some pretty unhealthy recipes, ie Oreo Balls and Spinach Artichoke Wontons. I promise I don't eat like that all the time, although I would like to! I thought I would switch things up this week with a healthy salad recipe. I have had this recipe saved for probably two years now, so what better time to try it out than after my binge fest week of my brother's wedding! I love asparagus, it is one of my favorite veggies. And for all you wine lovers like me, asparagus is one of the best veggies you can eat to clean and detox your liver. Enough said, I eat it at least once a week to soak up all the wine I drink. This salad was way tastier than I thought it would be. The dressing is so good and the cucumber and scallions pair perfect with the asparagus. This is the perfect light summer salad. So go get your asparagus on and clean that liver.




ASPARAGUS, SCALLION AND CUCUMBER SALAD

INGREDIENTS

Dressing
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3/4 tablespoon red wine vinegar
3/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
3/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salad
2 pounds medium asparagus, trimmed
2 cups thinly sliced green onions
2 cups 1/4-inch cubes peeled seeded Kirby or English hothouse cucumbers
1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
2 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon

DIRECTIONS

1.For dressing: Whisk first 5 ingredients in small bowl. Gradually whisk in oil.

2.For salad: Fill large bowl with lightly salted ice water; stir until salt dissolves. Cook asparagus in large pot of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Drain, reserving 3 cups cooking liquid.

3.Transfer asparagus to bowl of salted ice water to cool.*

4.Place green onions in another large bowl; pour hot reserved asparagus cooking liquid over onions and let stand until cool, about 30 minutes. Drain asparagus and green onions well. Transfer onions to clean kitchen towel and squeeze dry.*

5.Combine green onions, cucumbers, and herbs in mixing bowl. Add dressing; toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.

6.Arrange asparagus on platter. Spoon cucumber mixture over and serve.

** I didn't have tarragon so I left it out and I thought the salad still tasted great. It saved well too, as I ate it for dinner one night and lunch the next day and it was still tasty.**

Print Recipe HERE

14 comments:

Julia Ryan said...

oh I love this! There is nothing like a yummy fresh veggie in this heat!

Bud and Leo said...

Thank you for something delish & healthy! I'm currently detoxing so this is right up my alley! And I'm a wino too so the asparagus is a must.

Heather (GurleeGirrl) said...

I cannot wait to try this! Asparagus is my favorite - plus I do love me some scallions and fresh chives!

Portuguese Prepster said...

sounds perfect for Summer!

Jill said...

this is perfect, after the last 2 weeks I have had I need to detox my liver!!

donna said...

Just found your blog! I love that your posts are so fun ---from food to family to clothes. I'll be adding yours to my daily read!

Ms. Bright said...

this sounds delish! I love asparagus!!

natasha {schue love} said...

Ooo this look so refreshing and light...perfect for summer!! Need to try asap!

Becca {A Blonde's Logic} said...

Looks delicious! Thanks for sharing!

Becca
http://beccatm.blogspot.com

Aubrey {All Things Bright and Beautiful} said...

I'm down for pretty much anything that isn't *hot* right now...this is perfection...plus the hubby is an asparagus *FREAK*, totally strange, I know...(c:

Jenny Castle Design said...

So colorful, what a great summer dish!!

Julie said...

This looks delicious and is the perfect summer side dish!

Nat{natyouraveragegirl} said...

this does look good! too bad we didn't grow asparagus in our garden this year! i wonder if i could swap it out for zucchini...

Katie said...

This looks delish! I will have to try this. Haha, I drink some ( nightly) red wine and it is good to know that aspargus detoxes the liver. Asparagus is our veggie of choice!

Married With A Pup!