Microwave Asparagus Salad

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"Fresh asparagus is cooked in the microwave then tossed with nuts and greens and drizzled with a tangy balsamic vinegar dressing." — USA WEEKEND columnist Jean Carper

Directions

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.

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Footnotes

Copyright 2004 Jean Carper. Printed first in USA WEEKEND. All rights reserved.

Reviews More Reviews

Most Helpful Positive Review

Apr 19, 2011

Steamed the asparagus, toasted the hazelnuts, added a splash of honey to dressing and let it all marinade together overnight. Yum! I have to agree that the asparagus tastes better alone than with the greens.

—mrs. kosmos

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Most Helpful Critical Review

May 04, 2006

This was good but nothing amazing. I marinated the asparagus in 1/2 the dressing and then used the other 1/2 on the salad. I also added tomato, cucumber, and boiled eggs. I used almonds instead of hazelnuts. I steamed the asparagus instead of doing it in the microwave. Overall it was very easy but not so great that I'll make it again.

—PULLEYHEATHER

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12 Ratings

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May 19, 2006

I love the simplicity of microwaving the asparagus. I microwaved the asparagus (snapped into thirds) and a little bit of diced red onion. I made the dressing as directed. I loved it. The only reason why I gave it four stars versus five was I do not think you need to serve it over greens. A nice touch but not required. I loved it!

—Lori

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Oct 11, 2005

a nice quick salad although I too added a little sweetness to the dressing (and halfed it)- I added orange honey which complimented the juice. I also steamed the asparagus instead of microwaving it... that allowed me to avoid the hassle of configuring microwave wattage. Running the cooked asparagus under cold water after it was to my liking, also stopped the cooking to help keep it somewhat crisp. This recipe would also go nicely over baby spinach with fresh bacon bits replacing the hazelnuts.

—kevnbro

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May 15, 2005

I halved the dressing recipe, which was more than enough for 1 bunch of asparagus. Also, I added a little bit of sugar - otherwise it was WONDERFUL. I will make it again.

—MFLESCH

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Dec 16, 2006

I have served this at several dinner parties now. It is so easy and absolutely delicious. People like the dressing so much they dip meat in it after the greens are gone!

—KDAVIES123

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Aug 25, 2011

It is nice to know that I can cook asparagus in the microwave. I didn't serve this over greens, just served the marinated asparagus as a side dish. Next time I'll cut the dressing/marinade in half because there was way more than I needed for just the asparagus. Still, this was quite good and we enjoyed it.

—Dianemwj

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Jun 06, 2008

had to use up some asparagus fast.Followed directions,adding a little minced garlic to marinade,used olive oil.I have never been able to cook asparsgus in micro.THANKS FOR THE TIP.This is just delicious,alone or on lettuce.Didn't bother with nuts.Will keep this.Great for company!!!

—gail38

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Nutrition

Calories
156 kcal
8%

Carbohydrates
11.6 g
4%

Cholesterol
0 mg
0%

Fat
11.5 g
18%

Fiber
3.9 g
16%

Protein
4.3 g
9%

Sodium
129 mg
5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

Microwave Asparagus Salad

Serving Size: 1/4 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 156
Calories from Fat: 103

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 11.5g 18 %
** Saturated Fat 1.3g 7 %
Cholesterol 0mg 0 %
Sodium 129mg 5 %
** Potassium 457mg 13 %
Total Carbohydrates 11.6g 4 %
Dietary Fiber 3.9g 16 %
Protein 4.3g 9 %
Sugars 6.4g
Vitamin A 45 %
Vitamin C 31 %
Calcium 9 %
Iron 34 %
** Thiamin 19 %
** Niacin 17 %
** Vitamin B6 11 %
** Magnesium 14 %
** Folate 69 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.