Do you get excited when asparagus starts showing up at the farmer’s market? I do, and I usually just roast it with some salt and pepper, and maybe some paprika or garlic powder. But, obviously, I’m always looking for new ways to prepare my favorite foods, and this easy recipe caught my eye right away.

The asparagus is just blanched and dressed in a simple vinaigrette, so it’s totally different from my usual preparation, but shows off the fresh springtime flavors nicely. I bet the dressing would be delicious on a green salad, or even Brussels sprouts!

Asparagus Salad with Soy-Mustard Dressing from The New York Times
serves 4

Ingredients:

• 1 pound thick asparagus, trimmed and peeled
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 egg yolks, preferably organic
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Extra virgin olive oil as necessary.

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook asparagus just until bright green but tender, up to 4 or 5 minutes for thicker spears. Drain and immediately rinse with cold water (or, better still, plunge into ice water). Drain again and set aside. (You can wrap asparagus and refrigerate for up to a day at this point. Bring to room temperature before serving.)

2. Whisk together mustard, egg yolks, soy sauce, lemon juice and just enough olive oil (start with a tablespoon) to make a smooth dressing. Toss with asparagus and serve.