MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - Apr 11, 2011) - (Family Features) For food lovers, the arrival of spring means the arrival of fresh asparagus. This versatile vegetable can be steamed, simmered, boiled, grilled, roasted, sautéed -- it can be enjoyed in just about any way imaginable.
Naturally low in calories, carbohydrates, fat, cholesterol and sodium, asparagus is widely recognized as a "Super Food" -- an excellent source of folate, vitamin C, thiamine, and vitamin B6 and an important source of micro-nutrients, as well. Asparagus is also high in rutin which may strengthen blood vessels.
The California Asparagus Commission has these tips for choosing and storing your delicious asparagus:
How to Buy Asparagus
How to Store Asparagus
For more information and recipes, visit www.calasparagus.com.
Super Foods Salad with Chive Vinaigrette
Makes 4 main dish servings
8 | cups mixed salad greens, in small pieces |
1 | pound salmon fillet, poached |
1 1/2 | cups fresh asparagus, par-boiled or steamed, sliced diagonally into 1-inch pieces |
1 | cup fresh blueberries |
1/2 | cup almonds or walnuts, chopped, toasted |
Lemon zest to garnish | |
Vinaigrette | |
2 | tablespoons fresh lemon juice |
1/2 | cup olive oil |
2 | tablespoons white wine vinegar |
Salt and pepper to taste | |
1 | tablespoon fresh chives |
Spread salad greens into large salad bowl. Tear salmon into medium pieces and arrange on greens. Sprinkle asparagus, blueberries and chopped nuts throughout the bowl. Top with lemon zest.
In a jar with a lid, add all vinaigrette ingredients. Shake well. Stir 1/2 to 3/4 of the dressing into the bowl. Plate individual salads chilled with the remaining dressing alongside.
Nutrients per serving: calories 493, calories from fat 315, fat 35 g, saturated fat 5 g
Contact Information:
Wendy MacDonald
wmacdonald@familyfeatures.com
1-888-824-3337 ext. 235
http://editors.familyfeatures.com