Asparagus Salad

Asparagus is one of the most powerful vegetables in your healing toolbox. It's high in essential minerals such as selenium, zinc, and manganese which are vital for a strong and healthy immune system. It is also high in vitamins A, K, and B-complex including folate which is a building block for a healthy cardiovascular system and for women who are trying to conceive.

Asparagus contains aspartic acid which is an amino acid that neutralizes excess amounts of ammonia in the body that is often the cause of exhaustion, headaches, and poor digestion. It contains significant amounts of healthy fiber and protein which help to maintain blood sugar levels, prevent constipation, stabilize digestion, and stop the urge to overeat.

There's a compound called asparagine in asparagus which is a natural diuretic that breaks up oxalic and uric acid crystals stored in muscles and the kidneys and eliminates them through the urine. This natural diuretic is helpful in reducing water retention, bloating, and swelling in the body. Asparagus is also high in glutathione which is an antioxidant powerhouse and particularly beneficial for those suffering with autoimmune conditions, liver disease, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. It's known to help strengthen the liver, kidneys, skin, ligaments, and bones and its chlorophyll content makes it a great blood builder.

Asparagus also contains inulin which encourages good bacteria in the gut that boosts nutrient absorption and helps to keep the immune system functioning properly. Asparagus is a nutrient-packed, delicious vegetable that can be eaten raw or steamed and added to soup, salads, stews, rice, and/or veggie dishes.

In today's recipe, the asparagus is roasted and served on top of a fresh salad that perfectly merges cool and warm elements. The roasted asparagus and tomatoes warm you from head to toe, while a bright punch of lemon, tender leafy greens, and the delicious crunch of pine nuts hit all the right flavors and textures. It takes only minutes to prepare and is a clean, green way to enjoy mealtime!

Roasted Asparagus Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of asparagus, ends trimmed
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 8 cups mixed greens
• 2 tbsp pine nuts
• 1 lemon
• 1 tsp olive oil (optional)
• 1/4 tsp sea salt (optional)

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2) On a baking tray lined with parchment paper, spread out asparagus stalks evenly. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle over with sea salt if desired. Roast for 12 minutes or until tender.

3) Place cherry tomatoes on baking tray alongside asparagus. Roast for 12 to 15 minutes until slightly puckered.

4) Divide mixed greens between two plates. Arrange asparagus and cherry tomatoes on top.

5) Top salad with pine nuts, a generous squeeze of lemon, and cracked black pepper.

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This item posted: 21-Mar-2016