Asparagus Caesar Salad

If you like asparagus, do try making this asparagus caesar salad. Asparagus are low in calories, contains no fat or cholesterol and is just delicious. The caesar salad dressing goes very well with asparagus. Asparagus are in season now and well priced. What better time to try this beautiful and delicious salad.




Recipe adapted from Meals For Every Occasion by Ricardo Larrivée

Asparagus Caesar Salad

Ingredients

Dressing
1 Egg Yolk
1 Tbsp (15 ml) Lemon Juice
2 tsp (10 ml) Dijon Mustard
1 tsp (5 ml) Chopped Capers
1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) Anchovy Paste or 1 chopped Anchovy Fillet
1/2 Cup (125 ml) Vegetable Oil
Sea Salt and Black Pepper

Salad
2 Slices Bread, cut into 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) cubes
2 Tbsp (30 ml) Butter (approx)
1/2 lb (225 g) Bacon, cut in small pieces
2 lb (1 kg) Asparagus, trimmed
Grated zest of 1 Lemon
Parmigiano Reggiona shavings to taste

Method

In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, lemon juice, mustard, capers and anchovy paste. Add the oil in a thin stream, whisking constantly. Season with salt and pepper.

In a skillet, brown the bread with butter. Set aside on a plate.

In the same skillet, fry the bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels.

Boil the asparagus in salted water until al dente, about 3 minutes. Drain.

In a bowl, toss the asparagus, lemon zest and bacon. Transfer to a plate.

Pour dressing over the asparagus in a thin stream. Sprinkle with croutons and Parmigiano shavings. Serve as an appetizer or as a side dish.