What says spring better than strawberries and asparagus? Although both are now available most times of the year, the local versions are always fresher and better tasting. For those trying to drop a few pounds in anticipation of swimsuit weather, the following Strawberry & Asparagus Salad is beautiful, delicious, and surprisingly lower in fat and calories compared to most other salads. The dressing uses about half of the oil that most dressings call for, and since there is more dressing than is needed, the calories are actually less than posted in the recipe (the dressing should be a complement to the salad ingredients, not the source of a deep reservoir for swimming). Store bought raspberry vinegar is delicious in the dressing, but homemade Cranberry Vinegar is a little bit thick, giving the dressing body; use it if you have it. For a full dinner salad, just add a grilled chicken breast or salmon fillet; the dressing is fabulous on both of these.

Strawberry & Asparagus Salad is very fresh tasting not only due to the fresh strawberries and asparagus in the salad, but also because of the fresh strawberries in the dressing. It is definitely the taste of springtime on a plate.

12 Servings

Dressing
1 cup fresh strawberries, stems removed and sliced
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup Cranberry vinegar or raspberry vinegar
1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt

1 pound fresh asparagus, snapped and cut into 1" pieces

2 to 4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
6 cups romaine lettuce, broken into bite-size pieces
6 cups fresh spinach
1/4 cup red onions, finely chopped
1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

1. Whiz the dressing ingredients in a blender or food processor until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth; set aside.


2. Blanch the asparagus pieces in boiling salted water for 1 minute; rinse with cold water and drain well.


3. Mix the strawberries, lettuce, spinach, onions, almonds, and asparagus; toss with enough dressing to coat lightly.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 120 Calories from Fat 59
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 49% Protein 11% Carb. 40%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 7 g
Saturated Fat 1 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 123 mg
Total Carbohydrate 12 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Sugars 4 g
Protein 3 g

Vitamin A 59% Vitamin C 87% Calcium 0% Iron 9%