Asparagus Salad with Orange, Prosciutto, and Pistachios

Serves 4 as a first course

by Allison Ehri Kreitler
from Fine Cooking
Issue 116
Last Edit Date: 2/28/2012 2:34:46 PM

This makes a pretty first course. Microwaving the asparagus is fast and produces plump, moist results. Be sure to use a loaf pan so the spears stay submerged in water as they cook.

more about:

1 lb. asparagus, trimmed of tough, woody stems
5 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
2 medium oranges
8 thin slices prosciutto
1/2 cup coarsely chopped roasted shelled pistachios
Freshly ground black pepper
1 oz. Parmigiano-Reggiano, shaved into large shards with a vegetable peeler

Put the asparagus in a glass loaf pan with 1/2 cup water, 1 Tbs. of the olive oil, and 1/2 tsp. salt. Toss and then cover tightly with plastic wrap. Microwave on high until the asparagus is crisp-tender, about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, with a knife, segment the oranges over a bowl, squeezing the empty membranes to get all the juice; reserve the juice.

Divide the asparagus among 4 salad plates. Very coarsely tear the prosciutto and arrange over the asparagus. Divide the orange segments among the plates. Top each serving with 2 Tbs. pistachios, 1 Tbs. olive oil, 1 Tbs. of the reserved orange juice, and a few grinds of pepper. Garnish with the shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano and serve.

nutrition information (per serving):
Calories (kcal): 230; Fat (g): 14; Fat Calories (kcal): 130; Saturated Fat (g): 3.5; Protein (g): 14; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 8; Carbohydrates (g): 15; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 2; Sodium (mg): 800; Cholesterol (mg): 30; Fiber (g): 4;