Servings : 4

Minutes : 20

Ingredients : 9

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups Asparagus
• 4 cups Arugula (Rocket)
• 1 cup Radishes (thinly sliced)
• 1 cup Strawberries (thinly sliced)
• 1 cup Frozen Peas (thawed)
• 1/4 cup Tahini
• 1 tbsp Maple Syrup
• 1 Lemon (juiced)
• 2 tbsps Water (warm)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. TRIM AND STEAM ASPARAGUS:

   • Trim the woody ends from the asparagus and cut the spears in half.
   • Fill a steamer pot with water and bring it to a boil.
   • Place the asparagus in the steaming basket and steam for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until tender. (Note: The thicker the spears, the longer they will need to steam.)
   • Remove the steamer from the stovetop and run the asparagus under cold water until completely cool.

2. ASSEMBLE THE SALAD:

   • Fill the bottom of a salad bowl with arugula.
   • Top with sliced radishes, strawberries, thawed green peas, and asparagus.

3. PREPARE THE DRESSING:

   • In a small jar, combine the tahini, maple syrup, lemon juice, and warm water.
   • Shake well to blend the ingredients. Add more water to thin the dressing if necessary.

4. DRIZZLE AND SERVE:

   • Drizzle the desired amount of dressing over the top of the salad.

Note:

• Cheese Lover:

  Add crumbled feta-style cheese to the salad for extra flavor.

• No Asparagus:

  Use green beans instead of asparagus in the salad.

• Leftovers:

  Store the salad in the fridge for up to 2 days with the dressing on the side.

NUTRITION:

• Calories: 171
• Sugar: 9g
• Fat: 9g
• Protein: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Sodium: 65mg
• Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
• Calcium: 141mg
• Carbs: 20g
• Iron: 4mg
• Fiber: 6g

Here are some variations of the asparagus and strawberry salad:

1. Grilled Vegetable Salad: Instead of steaming the asparagus, grill it along with other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions. Toss the grilled vegetables with arugula, strawberries, and a lemon-tahini dressing.
2. Quinoa and Asparagus Salad: Cook quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool. Add cooked quinoa to the salad for an extra boost of protein and fiber.
3. Balsamic Glaze: Instead of the lemon-tahini dressing, drizzle the salad with a balsamic glaze or a balsamic vinaigrette for a tangy and sweet flavor.
4. Goat Cheese Delight: Crumble some goat cheese or goat cheese-style crumbles over the salad for a creamy and tangy addition.
5. Nuts and Seeds: Add a variety of nuts and seeds like almonds, pumpkin seeds, or hemp seeds to add crunch and extra nutrients.
6. Strawberry Vinaigrette: Create a dressing using blended strawberries, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and a touch of honey for a fruity and flavorful twist.
7. Spinach and Arugula Mix: Use a combination of baby spinach and arugula for a more varied and vibrant salad base.
8. Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like mint or basil to the salad for added freshness and aroma.
9. Sliced Avocado: Incorporate sliced avocado for a creamy and buttery texture that pairs well with the other flavors.
10. Fruit Twist: Experiment with different fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even orange segments for a unique flavor profile.
11. Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, tofu, or cooked shrimp to make the salad more substantial and satisfying.
12. Minty Fresh: Toss in some fresh mint leaves to give the salad a refreshing and aromatic twist.