Italian Asparagus Rice Salad Recipes

SPRING VEGETABLE RICE SALAD (INSALATA DI RISO)

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rice, stir, and adjust heat to maintain a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally to prevent any grains from sticking to the pot, until the rice is just barely done, about 15 minutes. It will continue to cook as it cools. Drain the rice well and spread it out on a tray to cool quickly.
• Bring another large pot of salted water to a boil. Holding an asparagus spear in both hands, bend the spear until it breaks naturally at the point where it becomes tough. Repeat with the remaining spears. Discard the tough ends and cut the tender part into 1/3-inch lengths. Blanch asparagus and peas together in the boiling water for 1 minute and 30 seconds, then lift out with a strainer and transfer to a paper towel lined baking sheet to cool.
• Shell the fava beans, then blanch the unpeeled beans in the same boiling water for about 3 minutes. Drain, transfer them to a paper towel lined baking sheet to cool. Peel the fava beans by pinching open the loose skin; the peeled bean should slip out easily.
• Put the lemon juice in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in the olive oil.
• In a large bowl, combine the cooled rice, asparagus, peas, fava beans, basil, parsley, lemon zest, ham and cheese. Toss with your hands to blend. Pour the dressing over the salad (you may not need it all) and toss gently. Taste and adjust seasoning.

RICE, ASPARAGUS AND CUCUMBER SALAD

Steps:

• Bring 1 3/4 cups water to boil in medium saucepan. Add rice; return to boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook until water is absorbed and rice is tender, about 20 minutes. Fluff with fork; transfer to bowl. Cool to room temperature.
• Cook asparagus in large saucepan of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Drain. Rinse with cold water to cool; drain well. Add asparagus, cucumber and green onions to rice.
• Combine Dijon mustard, sugar, vinegar and dry mustard in small bowl. Gradually mix in oil. Add chopped dill. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover salad and dressing separately; chill.) Mix dressing into salad. Season with salt and pepper. Line large bowl with lettuce. Mound salad in bowl. Garnish with dill sprigs.

ADDICTING WILD RICE & ASPARAGUS SALAD

Steps:

• 1. Cook rice according to directions. About 2 minutes BEFORE rice is finished, add craisins and simmer until rice is cooked.
• 2. In a frying pan, add 1 can of broth, garlic, and onion. Simmer for about 2-3 minutes and then add the asparagus until cooked to your liking. Add mushrooms and cook for about 5 more minutes, more or less.
• 3. Drain any remaining broth and mix the onion mix with the rice and craisins.
• 4. Add vinegar & olive oil, mix well. Then add garlic salt and mix.
• 4. If using nuts, place then under a the broiler for a minute or two (watch them carefully so not to burn!) and then add them to the salad.
• 5. This dish can be served hot and is also quite tasty cold for a quick leftover dish!

ASPARAGUS SALAD, ITALIAN-STYLE

Steps:

• Cut off the woodsy bottoms of the asparagus spears; discard. Cut off the flower ends and set aside.
• Use a vegetable peeler to remove the dark green outer skin of each spear; you should get three or four ribbons from each one. Set aside. Cut the remaining stalks crosswise into 1/4-inch rounds.
• Combine ribbons, sliced rounds and tips in a large bowl. Drizzle asparagus with oil, then sprinkle with lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper, then top with Parmesan.