Mom Chef Craft: Asparagus Salad (Salade d'asperge)

Can YUM be any louder!!!

Complexity Level: Easy

Servings 3-4

Asparagus Salad (Salade d'asperge)
What You Need:
1/2 lb. Asparagus
1 1/2 cups Israeli Couscous (also called: ptitim)**
2 Roma Tomatoes, Diced
4 Green Onions, Chopped
1 Yellow Onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
4 Brine Marinated Artichoke Hearts*, chopped
1 tbsp Olive Oil (or Sunflower Oil)
Salt
White or Black Pepper
1/2 tsp Onion Powder
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
*if you use oil marinated, don't use more oil, just take some from your artichoke jar!
**For Gluten Free, Quinoa is an awesome substitute!

This is an amazing, light, and super fast salad to make! If you are not already familiar with israeli couscous, I hope this inspires you to try it out. For instance, this adorable pasta gem is not to be confused with any other ingredient, as it maintains its shape no matter how often you reheat it, cooks in minutes, and is awesome hot or cold! Oh, and by the way, unlike other pastas it also doesn't tend to clump when cooked. Can I get a "Whoop whoop!?"

In all, this ingredient is super fun, versatile, and simple to make. I get mine in the bulk section of my favorite organic markets, but more and more I find it turning up in the supermarkets. Win win!

So to start this delicious and light spring salad, bring your israeli couscous to a boil in 7-8 cups of water. Cook for 4-5 minutes then drain. It works best to rinse this under cool water, as the salad itself will be called cold.

While the couscous is cooking, flash boil the asparagus then rinse under cold water as well. The shock from hot to cold will keep the gorgeous bright green color. After cooling, chop into 1 - 1 1/2 inch pieces.

From here the rest is simple! Place the drained and cool couscous in a large mixing bowl, and stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, oil, salt, pepper, and vinegar. Once coated, fold in the remaining ingredients (be sure to dice and chop them first).

I serve this chilled and alongside my favorite grilled proteins.... of course you can also just use this to top your favorite greens! Man you just gotta love simple amazing meals!

Thanks for sharing my snack with me! Enjoy!