Microwave Asparagus Salad

Rating: 4.21 stars
14 Ratings
  • 5 star values: 5
  • 4 star values: 7
  • 3 star values: 2
  • 2 star values: 0
  • 1 star values: 0

Fresh asparagus is cooked in the microwave then tossed with nuts and greens and drizzled with a tangy balsamic vinegar dressing.

By USA WEEKEND columnist Jean Carper

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Recipe Summary

Servings:
4
Yield:
4 servings
Nutrition Info
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Ingredients

4
Original recipe yields 4 servings
The ingredient list now reflects the servings specified
Dressing:

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.

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  • 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.

Tips

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

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving:
156 calories; protein 4.3g 9% DV; carbohydrates 11.6g 4% DV; fat 11.5g 18% DV; cholesterolmg; sodium 128.7mg 5% DV. Full Nutrition

Reviews (12)

Read More Reviews

Most helpful positive review

Lori A.
Rating: 4 stars
05/19/2006
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! Read More
Helpful
(8)

Most helpful critical review

Heather Pulley
Rating: 3 stars
05/05/2006
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. Read More
Helpful
(3)
14 Ratings
  • 5 star values: 5
  • 4 star values: 7
  • 3 star values: 2
  • 2 star values: 0
  • 1 star values: 0
Reviews:
Most Helpful Most Positive Least Positive Newest
Lori A.
Rating: 4 stars
05/19/2006
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! Read More
Helpful
(8)
mrs. kosmos
Rating: 5 stars
04/19/2011
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. Read More
Helpful
(7)
MFLESCH
Rating: 5 stars
05/15/2005
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. Read More
Helpful
(6)
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kevnbro
Rating: 4 stars
10/11/2005
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. Read More
Helpful
(6)
Karin Haese Davies
Rating: 5 stars
12/16/2006
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! Read More
Helpful
(5)
Dianemwj
Rating: 4 stars
08/25/2011
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. Read More
Helpful
(4)
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gail38
Rating: 4 stars
06/06/2008
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!!! Read More
Helpful
(3)
Heather Pulley
Rating: 3 stars
05/04/2006
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. Read More
Helpful
(3)
Bibi
Rating: 4 stars
02/23/2013
I scaled this down to two servings but other than that followed the recipe exactly. I have not prepared asparagus in the microwave so I was interested to see how this would work. I set the timer for 3 minutes and it was a little long for us because it was past the "toothy" stage. 5 minutes would have caused it to disintegrate I believe. There were no problems with the lack of a vent in the plastic wrap. As a matter of fact it worked quite well and as soon as the dish hit room air the asparagus looked like it had been shrink-wrapped. Nice touch to add hazel nuts but I feel walnuts would have worked just as well. This was a tasty salad. Thanks! Read More
Helpful
(1)
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