Salmon and Asparagus Salad

Maple-Dijon Dressing
1/3 cup maple-flavored syrup
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil

Salad
1 salmon fillet, 1/2 inch thick (1 lb)
1 lb asparagus spears
4 cups baby salad greens
1 cup shredded carrots (about 1 1/2 medium)
2 hard-cooked eggs, cut into 8 wedges
Freshly ground black pepper, if desired

Heat gas or charcoal grill.

In small bowl, mix all Maple-Dijon Dressing ingredients with wire whisk.

Cut salmon crosswise into 4 pieces. Brush salmon with 1 tablespoon of the dressing. In large bowl, toss asparagus and 1 tablespoon of the dressing. Place asparagus in grill basket (grill “wok”).

When grill is heated, place asparagus and salmon, skin side down, on gas grill over medium heat or on charcoal grill over medium coals; cover grill. Cook asparagus 7 to 10 minutes and salmon 10 to 15 minutes, shaking grill basket or turning asparagus occasionally, until asparagus is crisp-tender and salmon flakes easily with fork.

Slide pancake turner between salmon and skin to remove each piece from skin. On 4 plates, divide salad greens, carrots and eggs. Top with salmon and asparagus. Sprinkle with pepper. Serve with remaining dressing.

Scarlet Salad

12 oz tiny new potatoes, sliced
12 oz asparagus
6 C salad
1 1/2 C cooked chicken
14 oz baby corn, drained
8 oz beets, drained
1 C fresh pea pods
1/3 C chopped red onion
vinaigrette dressing

Boil potatoes (10 minutes). Add asparagus (2 minutes). Add all other ingredients on plates, top with dressing and serve.

Garlic Asparagus & Pasta

8 oz mafalda or rotini
2 C asparagus
1 summer squash
2 cloves garlic
1 T butter
1/2 C whipping cream
2 t lemon peel

Cook pasta. Cook veggies in butter and add to pasta. Cream and lemon in skillet, boil for 2-3 minutes. Toss to coat.

Cheesy Miracle Asparagus

1 lb asparagus spears, trimmed
1/3 C water
1/4 C mayonnaise
1/4 C milk
1/4 C shredded cheddar cheese

Place asparagus and water in 2 qt microwaveable casserole dish; cover. Microwave on high 4-5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain.

Combine remaining ingredients in medium saucepan. Cook and stir on medium heat until heated through.

Pour sauce over asparagus.