Sunday, May 31, 2009

Asparagus Citrus Salad

Asparagus Citrus SaladDo you ever have those nights where you go to fix something and the ingredients you were so sure you had on hand have magically disappeared?

That was the case when I went to fix this favorite of mine though if I were being completely honest it could have been because I've fixed it so many times I didn't actually check the recipe when I made out my shopping list and just spaced it.

At any rate, I love this spring salad. I love the asparagus, I love the fresh orange flavor, I love the pasta, and when I've served it to others they've been as excited as I am about the whole experience.

12 ounces penne (you see I used macaroni but that's only because I forgot to buy the penne which works better)
7-8 asparagus spears (I used about half a bundle but you can pretty much eyeball it and add as much as you'd like)
8 ounces sugar snap pea pods (again, I messed up so you see regular peas, the snap peas are better)
2-3 green onions, chopped on the bias
juice from one orange
zest from one orange
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
salt and pepper to taste

Cook the pasta, rinse it in cold water and drain it well. Cut the asparagus into thirds then boil for one to two minutes then plunge into a cold water bath to keep them crisp and green. Toss the pasta and asparagus with the snap peas then mix up the dressing by combining the olive oil, vinegar, orange juice, salt and pepper then toss. Sprinkle with the zest of the orange.

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10 comments:

Bee said...

That sounds so good! Salads like this are perfect suppers for our hot, humid SC nights.

Stephanie Wilson she/her @babysteph said...

YUM. I was just at the farmer's market yesterday and they had the best looking asparagus!

Is this meant to be served cold?

Steph

Melissa B. said...

Looks like a delightful repast; as the temps climb this summer, we'll be more into salads and other lighter fare, so I'm happy to snatch another recipe out of your recipe box! Thanks mucho...

PS: Please don't forget to join our Sunday Funnies with a visit to Sx3 today!

Scribbit said...

Yes, cold. You run cold water over the pasta and put the veggies in a cold water bath to stop the cooking.

Chris said...

Sounds like a good one dish meal too by adding shrimp or something...we love salad dinners in the summer! Can't wait to try it!

jacjewelry said...

Looks delicious!

jeanie said...

Oh my - I am married to an asparagus lover, but he has an aversion to fruity mains - I am gradually getting him to come across the line, this may do something...

Madeline said...

What a nice spring dish! I love asparagus. I actually figured out that I was pregnant with my son when I looked at some beautifully prepared asparagus, and couldn't bring myself to put it in my mouth.

Denese said...

Sounds and looks delicious -I love asparagus! Thank you for sharing the recipe. :)

Serena said...

This sounds delicious! Anything with asparagus...