CHILLED ASPARAGUS WITH BASIL CREAM

Chilled Asparagus with Basil Cream image

My family loves chilled asparagus. It's the perfect veggie to have on a warm night, or any night for that matter. My kids like this side dish so much that they snack on leftovers while watching TV at night. -Melissa Puccetti, Rohnert Park, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 20m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
4 tablespoons minced fresh basil, divided
2 garlic cloves, peeled and halved
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
1 tablespoon grated lemon peel

Steps:

In a large saucepan, bring 8 cups water to a boil. Add half the asparagus; cook, uncovered, just until crisp-tender, 2-4 minutes. Remove and immediately drop into ice water. Drain and pat dry. Repeat with remaining asparagus. Arrange on a serving platter., Place mayonnaise, cream, 3 tablespoons basil, garlic, salt and pepper in a food processor; cover and process until blended. Spoon over asparagus. Garnish with pine nuts, lemon peel and remaining 1 tablespoon basil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 235 calories, Fat 24g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 296mg sodium, Carbohydrate 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.