Asparagus Shiitake Salad With Creamy Sesame Dressing Recipes

EASY SESAME DRESSING

Steps:

• Whisk olive oil, vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and sesame seeds together in a bowl until dressing is evenly mixed.

CREAMY VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, pepper and shallots until the vinaigrette is emulsified.
• Toss the greens with enough dressing to moisten and serve immediately.

ASPARAGUS SHIITAKE SALAD WITH CREAMY SESAME DRESSING

Steps:

• Lightly toast 2 tablespoons of the sesame seeds in a pan over medium heat for 3 minutes, shaking the pan frequently. Set aside. In a food processor or high powered blender, blend remaining 2/3 cup sesame seeds along with the other dressing ingredients, until smooth and creamy. Stir in toasted sesame seeds. To make the salad, preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Place beets and water in a baking pan. Cover and roast for 20 minutes. Uncover and continue roasting until tender. If needed, add more water to keep beets from drying out. Set aside. Meanwhile, water saute' mushrooms over high heat for about 5 minutes, using only enough water to keep from scorching. When mushrooms are tender and juicy, add the asparagus and water saute' until slightly tender but still crisp, about 5 minutes. Toss with VegiZest and garlic powder. Remove from heat and toss with bell pepper and water chestnuts. Place watercress on a plate and pile the vegetable mixture on top. Drizzle dressing over all, topping with the bean sprouts. Arrange roasted beets around the sides.

PASTA SALAD WITH ASPARAGUS, CORN AND SUN-DRIED TOMATOES

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs; drain and rinse under cold water. Transfer to a large bowl.
• Add the asparagus, corn and sun-dried tomatoes to the bowl with the pasta.
• Make the dressing: Mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic, parmesan, and salt and pepper to taste in a bowl. Pour over the pasta salad and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Chill for up to 3 hours.

SOBA NOODLE SALAD WITH PEANUT DRESSING

Steps:

• Make the salad: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the soba noodles and cook until al dente according to the package directions. Drain the noodles and reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking water.
• Transfer the noodles to a large bowl; add the cucumbers, carrots and bell peppers.
• Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, sesame oil, honey, garlic and the reserved cooking water until creamy.
• Add the dressing to the bowl with the noodles and toss to combine. Garnish with crushed peanuts and cilantro. Serve warm, chilled or at room temperature.