Asparagus With Salmon Tomato And Bocconcini Dressing Recipes

ROASTED SALMON WITH ASPARAGUS, LEMON AND BROWN BUTTER

Steps:

• Heat oven to 450 degrees. Rub salmon all over with 1 tablespoon oil and season with salt and pepper. Arrange skin side-down on a rimmed baking sheet and roast until medium, 8 to 10 minutes.
• While the salmon roasts, prepare the asparagus: In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high. Add asparagus, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Transfer asparagus to a plate.
• Reduce heat to medium and add butter to skillet. Cook, stirring, until foam subsides and butter is deep golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. (Be careful not to burn). Turn off heat and stir in lemon juice, capers, peas, parsley and cooked asparagus. Season with salt and pepper.
• Divide vegetables among plates. Top with salmon and spoon over any remaining pan sauce. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

GRILLED SALMON AND ASPARAGUS SALAD

Steps:

• Sprinkle the salmon on both sides with the canola oil, salt and pepper. Set aside.
• Light a grill with a very clean rack and heat it until very hot.
• Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a large skillet and add the asparagus in one layer. Cover, bring to a boil and boil gently for about 3 minutes, until most of the water has evaporated. Drain the asparagus and set it aside, uncovered, so it will cool without discoloring.
• Cut the tomatoes crosswise into 1/4-inch slices. Divide the slices among six plates and, leaving space in the center and around the edge of each plate, arrange the tomatoes in a slightly overlapping circular pattern. Divide the onion rings among the plates and arrange them on top of the tomatoes.
• In a bowl, mix together the dressing ingredients and dribble the dressing over the tomatoes and onions on the plates. (This can be done up to 1 hour ahead.)
• When ready to serve, place the salmon on the grill and cook, covered (if your grill has a lid) for about 2 1/2 minutes on each side, or for about 3 minutes, uncovered, on each side. Transfer the salmon to a serving plate and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before carving. (While resting, it will continue to cook in its own residual heat. It should be somewhat rare in the center.)
• With the asparagus pieces, create a border around the tomatoes and onions. Cut the salmon into 1/2-inch slices and arrange them in the center of the plates. Sprinkle with tarragon and serve immediately.

SALMON AND ASPARAGUS WITH MAîTRE D'HôTEL BUTTER

Steps:

• For the maître d'hôtel butter: With a mortar and pestle, mash the anchovies together with the horseradish (see Cook's Note). Add the honey, Dijon, butter, lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste. Combine to form a cohesive paste. Add the parsley and mix to combine. Set aside. If not using right away, transfer to a sheet of parchment paper or plastic wrap and, using the wrap, form it into a cylindrical shape; refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.
• For the asparagus: Cut or snap off the woody ends of the asparagus. Place the asparagus and 1 tablespoon water in a shallow microwave-safe baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 2 1/2 minutes. Remove, then drain and season with the oil, salt and pepper, lemon zest and parsley.
• For the salmon: Place 2 salmon fillets in a shallow bowl or plate. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and microwave on 50% power in 1-minute increments until the salmon is cooked to your liking, 2 to 2 1/2 minutes. Transfer to plates. Repeat with the remaining 2 fillets.
• While the filets are still warm, dollop with some of the maître d'hotel butter on top and allow it to melt (save the remaining maître d'hotel butter for another use). Serve with the asparagus and lemon wedges.

ASPARAGUS WITH SALMON, TOMATO AND BOCCONCINI DRESSING

Steps:

• Remove the woody ends from the asparagus and place in a microwave dish.
• Mix the other ingredients together in a bowl, ensuring everything is well combined.
• Microwave the asparagus on high for one minute.
• Spoon the salmon mixture over the asapargus and cook on high for another 30-40 seconds.
• Remove and serve.