Fire up the grill for this savoury spring salad.
Directions for: Grilled Fennel and Asparagus Salad
Ingredients
Vinaigrette1 clove garlic, smashed to paste with a pinch of salt
1 lemon, juice and zest
cup Italian white wine vinegar
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
tsp red pepper flakes
cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salad2 bunches jumbo asparagus, trimmed
1 large bulb fennel, trimmed, halved
Canola oil, for oiling grill
1 Tbsp olive oil
cup pine nuts
cup golden currants
cup oil-cured olives, pitted, crushed
3 cups baby arugula
1 pinch kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 cup shaved Pecorino Romano
Directions
Vinaigrette1. Preheat a grill to medium-high.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the garlic paste, lemon juice and zest, vinegar, salt, pepper and chili flakes. Gradually whisk in the olive oil. Cover and set aside.
Salad1. Add the asparagus and fennel to the vinaigrette and toss to coat well. Brush the grill with some canola oil. Place the vegetables on the grill and cook until just caramelized and charred on all sides, about 4 minutes. Set aside to cool briefly.
2. Heat a small saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and the pine nuts; toast until just golden brown, about 2 minutes. Set aside to cool in the pan.
3. Slice the asparagus on the bias into 1-inch pieces. Core the fennel halves, then slice them 1/8- inch-thick. Add the asparagus and fennel back to the vinaigrette. Add the currants, olives, toasted pine nuts, arugula, salt and pepper. Toss well. Let sit for 5 minutes to allow the salad to absorb the vinaigrette. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with the shaved Pecorino.
See more: Salad, Cheese, Side, Spring, Vegetables