Sure, let’s dive into making a delightful dish of Asparagus with Greens! 🌱 This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavors and nutrients, making it a perfect addition to your repertoire of healthy dishes. With just a few simple steps, you can create a vibrant and delicious plate that will impress your family and friends alike.
Asparagus with Greens Recipe
Ingredients:
- 8 spears of fresh asparagus
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1/2 head of curly endive lettuce
- 1/2 head of radicchio
- 2 leaves of red leaf lettuce
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions:
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Blanch the Asparagus:
- Begin by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. While the water is heating up, prepare the asparagus by trimming off the tough ends.
- Once the water is boiling, carefully add the asparagus spears and blanch them for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp.
- Quickly remove the asparagus from the boiling water and transfer them to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Once cooled, drain the asparagus well and set them aside.
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Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, combine the orange zest, fresh basil leaves, vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Gradually whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is well emulsified and smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
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Prepare the Greens:
- Tear the curly endive lettuce, radicchio, and red leaf lettuce leaves into bite-sized pieces.
- Place the torn lettuce leaves in a large mixing bowl.
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Assemble the Salad:
- Pour about 1/2 cup of the prepared dressing over the torn lettuce leaves in the mixing bowl.
- Gently toss the greens with the dressing until they are evenly coated.
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Arrange the Salad:
- Transfer the dressed greens to a large serving platter, spreading them out evenly to create a bed for the asparagus.
- Arrange the blanched asparagus spears on top of the bed of greens.
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Final Touches:
- Drizzle the remaining dressing over the asparagus spears, ensuring they are well coated.
- Sprinkle the sesame seeds evenly over the assembled salad, adding a delightful crunch and nuttiness to the dish.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Your Asparagus with Greens salad is now ready to be served! 🍽️
- Serve it as a refreshing side dish alongside your favorite main course, or enjoy it on its own as a light and nutritious meal.
This recipe yields 4 servings, making it perfect for sharing with your loved ones or for meal prep throughout the week. Each serving is packed with flavor and goodness, providing a satisfying and wholesome dining experience. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dish to whip up for a weeknight dinner or a vibrant salad to impress guests at your next gathering, this Asparagus with Greens recipe is sure to hit the spot!