Chilled Asparagus With Lemony Garlic Dressing
Description
On those sweltering days when the thought of warm food feels less than appealing, this chilled asparagus dish provides a refreshing and nutritious alternative. This delightful side dish, inspired by the American Heart Association’s Around the World Cookbook, is not only low in calories but also heart-healthy, making it an ideal complement to your spring and summer meals. With its zesty lemon and garlic dressing, this recipe elevates simple asparagus into a vibrant, flavorful dish that your family will love.
Recipe Category
Vegetable
Keywords
German, European, Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Spring, Summer, Under 15 Minutes, Refrigerator, Stove Top, Easy
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Low-fat sour cream | 2 cups |
| Nonfat sour cream | 1 cup |
| Low-fat buttermilk | 1 cup |
| Skim milk | 1 – 2 cups |
| Garlic clove | 1 clove |
| Lemon zest | 1/8 cup |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Asparagus spears | 24 spears |
| Poppy seeds (optional) | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 66 |
| Total Fat | 2.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 6.2 mg |
| Sodium | 39.8 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 9.1 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g |
| Sugars | 2.8 g |
| Protein | 5.1 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the low-fat sour cream, nonfat sour cream, low-fat buttermilk, skim milk, and minced garlic clove. Whisk these ingredients together until they are smooth and well blended. The creamy consistency of the dressing will beautifully coat the asparagus, while the garlic and lemon zest add a bright, zesty kick.
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Chill the Dressing: Once mixed, cover the dressing with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the asparagus. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of your dish.
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Prepare the Asparagus: In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil. Add the asparagus spears and cook them for approximately 5 minutes. You want the asparagus to be crisp-tender, ensuring that it retains its vibrant green color and slight crunch, which will contrast wonderfully with the creamy dressing.
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Drain and Cool: After boiling, drain the asparagus in a colander. For a quick cooling method, rinse the spears under cold water to stop the cooking process, then drain again thoroughly. This step is crucial as it helps maintain the bright color and crisp texture of the asparagus.
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Final Chill: Return the drained asparagus to the refrigerator and chill until you are ready to serve. This ensures that the dish remains cool and refreshing, perfect for those warm summer days.
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Toss and Serve: When you’re ready to serve, gently toss the chilled asparagus with the lemony garlic dressing. Make sure each spear is nicely coated in the dressing for maximum flavor.
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Garnish (Optional): For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle lightly with poppy seeds just before serving. These add a delightful crunch and a pop of visual interest to your dish.
This chilled asparagus with lemony garlic dressing not only makes a wonderful side dish but also a nutritious choice that is easy to prepare and a delight to enjoy, especially during warmer weather. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors will surely impress your guests and family alike, making it a staple for your spring and summer gatherings.
