Pasta Salad with Asparagus

Ingredients

• 2 lbs asparagus spears, sliced diagonally into 1-inch (2.5cm) pieces

• 12 oz angel hair pasta, or other pasta, uncooked

• 1/2 cup shallots, minced

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp thyme

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

This cold pasta salad features asparagus and a delicious garlic-dijon dressing. It’s a wonderful dish for brunches, picnics or hot summer nights.

Directions

• Place asparagus in microwave-safe container with small amount of water. Cover and microwave for 3 minutes. Drain. Asparagus should be tender but still bright green.
• Cook pasta in rapidly boiling water until done. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
• In a medium bowl, mix together shallots, olive oil, Dijon mustard, parsley, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper.
• In a large bowl, combine shallot mixture with pasta and asparagus; mix well. Serve chilled.