Make With Me-Asparagus Salad with Bacon, Red Onion and Balsamic Vinaigrette

Asparagus Salad with Bacon, Red Onion and Balsamic Vinaigrette


Ingredients:

• 2 pounds thin asparagus (about 2 bunches), tough ends trimmed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt
• Ground black pepper
• 6 slices of bacon (about 6 ounces), cut into 1/4 inch strips
• 2 tablespoons minced red onion
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley leaves
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

To make:

• Toss asparagus with tablespoon of olive oil, salt and pepper
• Layer asparagus spears in a single layer on a baking sheet
• Broil, turning spears halfway through, until asparagus is tender and lightly browned (about 8-10 minutes)
• Cool Asparagus for about 5 minutes
• Arrange asparagus on a serving dish
• Fry Bacon strips over medium heat until brown and crisp (about 6 minutes)
• Transfer cooked bacon to paper towel lined plate, blotting extra grease, and set aside
• Whisk onion, balsamic vinegar, parsley and extra virgin olive oil in a small bowl, season to taste with salt and pepper
• Drizzle mixture over asparagus
• Sprinkle with bacon
• Serve immediately
• Enjoy!

Notes:

1. Serves 6-8 people.
2. I adjust the oven rack to about 4 inches from the heating element.
3. Parsley can be substituted with minced garlic.
4. I like to sprinkle parm cheese over the asparagus, this can be done prior to broiling or after the onion and balsamic mix has been added.

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