Citrus-Tarragon Asparagus Salad

  Salads

I created this colorful salad when I was invited to a friend's Easter egg hunt and potluck picnic. The guests were begging to get my recipe. Let the flavors infuse overnight for the best taste.

Citrus-Tarragon Asparagus Salad

Average Rating: 5

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 40 min. + chilling Broil: 15 min.
YIELD: 12 servings.

Ingredients

  • 3 medium sweet red peppers
  • 3 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed
  • 1/2 cup minced shallots

  • DRESSING:
  • 1/3 cup white balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons grated orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh tarragon
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 2/3 cup walnut or olive oil

Instructions

  • 1. Preheat broiler. Place peppers on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil 4 in. from heat until skins blister, about 5 minutes. With tongs, rotate peppers a quarter turn. Broil and rotate until all sides are blistered and blackened. Immediately place peppers in a large bowl; let stand, covered, 20 minutes.
  • 2. Meanwhile, in a 6-qt. stockpot, bring 8 cups water to a boil. Add asparagus in batches; cook, uncovered, just until crisp-tender, 1-2 minutes. Remove asparagus and immediately drop into ice water. Drain and pat dry; cut into halves.
  • 3. Peel off and discard charred skin on peppers. Remove stems and seeds. Cut peppers into 1/4-in.-wide strips. In a large bowl, combine asparagus, red peppers and shallots. For dressing, in a small bowl, whisk vinegar, orange zest, tarragon, honey, salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in oil until blended. Drizzle over asparagus mixture; toss to coat. Refrigerate up to 4 hours before serving, stirring occasionally.

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