Shaved Asparagus Salad
Seems hard to do. Seems strange to eat. Eating raw asparagus may not be high on your list, but this tangy dressing helps to break down the fibers of these thin sheets of green goodness. Host to mega micronutrients, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber and actually a carb called inulin, which serves as a prebiotic, or food for the healthy bacteria in our belly, asparagus deserves the wellness crown it wears. Eating it raw ensures you are getting the wellness wallop that asparagus offers. This prep tastes best eaten right away.
Ingredients:
Finely grated zest of 1/2 medium lemon
2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1/2 lemon)
2 tsp champagne vinegar
2 T minced shallot (from about 1 medium)
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
3 T pine nuts
1 lb thick asparagus spears, tough bottoms removed
3 T extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup packed shaved good quality Parmesan cheese (about 1 1/2 ounces)
1 T finely chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
Instructions:
Combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, vinegar, shallot, and a pinch each of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Let sit for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, toast the pine nuts in a medium frying pan over medium heat, stirring often, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove to a small bowl to cool.
Using a vegetable peeler, thinly slice the asparagus lengthwise into strips and place in a large bowl. (If you have trouble peeling the final portion of an asparagus spear, prop the spear up on the flat wooden handle of a spatula or spoon. This will raise it just high enough to allow the peeler to move freely.)
Whisk the olive oil into the lemon-vinegar mixture in a thin and steady stream. Taste and season the dressing with salt and pepper as needed.
Add the cooled pine nuts, dressing, half of the Parmesan, and all of the parsley to the asparagus and toss with your hands to combine. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Let sit at least 10 minutes before serving. Serve topped with the remaining Parmesan cheese slices.
Serves: 6
Time: 45 Minutes
HEARTFUL RECIPE - Contains parm. If you're allergic to dairy, find an alternative veggie cheese (I have yet to find a good shredded one). If you're not allergic, but just avoid dairy, I count this amount in my 10%, eat up and enjoy. – One of our real food recipes that focuses on veggies, protein, healthy fats and/or healthy carbs and doesn't include gluten, dairy, soy, refined sugar, corn or peanuts.
