Roasted Pepper and Asparagus Salad with Pecans

Here's a healthy twist for asparagus - pair it with roasted peppers and pecans for a full bodied, and a bit tangy, side dish.

Ingredients:

  • Lightly Steamed asparagus spears
  • 1 Roasted Red Pepper
  • small handful of Pecans (raw or soaked)
  • Fresh, chopped basil leaves
  • Mixed greens
  • Fresh Lemon Juice
  • Olive Oil
  • Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Sea Salt
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

Directions:

  • Lightly steam asparagus spears (cut off tough ends) and set aside.
  • Roast the Pepper: Put the whole pepper on an open flame or broiler on high heat until most of the skin is brown or blackened. Remove from heat and put in a plastic bag and tightly tie the bag. Leave for about 5 minutes. Remove pepper from bag and peel off the skin; it should pretty much slide right off. Cut the remaining pepper as chopped or slices and remove the core.
  • Mix: In a small bowl, mix together the chopped basil, roasted peppers and pecans and set aside.
  • Make your dressing; mix the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard and sea salt with a whisk.
  • Arrange Salad: Put mixed greens on your dish, lay asparagus over this then top with pepper and pecan mixture.  Drizzle entire salad with your dressing.