MICROWAVE ASPARAGUS SALAD

Microwave Asparagus Salad image

Fresh asparagus is cooked in the microwave then tossed with nuts and greens and drizzled with a tangy balsamic vinegar dressing.

Provided by USA WEEKEND columnist Jean Carper

Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes Asparagus Salad Recipes

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

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Ingredients

24 medium stalks asparagus
4 cups Italian-style salad greens with radicchio
4 tablespoons chopped hazelnuts
6 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons orange juice
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce
Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Steps:

Trim, peel and rinse asparagus (do not dry). Place spears flat, two or three deep, in a glass pie plate or similar dish. Cover tightly with microwavable plastic wrap and microwave on high 2 1/2 to 5 minutes, depending on wattage.
Whisk together dressing ingredients, pour over asparagus and marinate in refrigerator until cool.
Divide greens onto four salad plates; top each with six asparagus spears.
Drizzle with equal amounts of dressing, and top with hazelnuts.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 155.6 calories, Carbohydrate 11.6 g, Fat 11.5 g, Fiber 3.9 g, Protein 4.3 g, SaturatedFat 1.3 g, Sodium 128.7 mg, Sugar 6.4 g