Asparagus with Blue Cheese and Pine Nuts Recipe

Few vegetable seasons draw as much excitement as that of the asparagus.

From February to June (with a peak in April), restaurants and foodies clamor to make the most of this delicious spring vegetable, low in calories and sodium and packed with a variety of nutrients, including an impressive 5 grams of protein per cup. Eaten fresh, grilled, sautéed, baked, pickled and more, the asparagus is both versatile and beneficial to the body.

Asparagus with Blue Cheese and Pine Nuts

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Recipe by Nutrition WorldCourse: SideCuisine: American
Servings

6

servings

    This simple yet elegant side dish blends asparagus with blue cheese to wow your palate.

    Ingredients

    • tablespoons

      red or white wine vinegar

    • teaspoons

      finely chopped shallot

    • salt as needed

    • teaspoon

      freshly ground pepper

    • 2 tablespoons

      olive oil

    • lbs.

      asparagus, trimmed

    • 3 oz.

      firm blue cheese, chilled

    • 3 tablespoons

      pine nuts, toasted

    Directions

    • To make vinaigrette, mix vinegar, shallot, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Whisk in oil and set aside. 

    • Blanche asparagus in a frying pan large enough to hold asparagus in one layer. 

    • Bring approximately 3 inches of water to a boil. Stir in 1 tablespoon salt, then add asparagus. Cook at a medium boil until fork tender (about 3 minutes). Drain on paper towel and cool. 

    • To assemble, arrange asparagus on a platter, then drizzle with vinaigrette. Roll spears to coat with vinaigrette. 

    • Shred cheese onto a piece of wax paper using the small holes of a shredder. Evenly sprinkle shredded cheese over asparagus, then scatter pine nuts over cheese.

    Nutrition Facts (per serving):

    • Calories—130 | Total Fat—11g | Saturated Fat—4g | Sodium—240mg | Carbohydrate—5g | Dietary Fiber—1g | Sugar—0g | Protein—5g

    Facts about Asparagus

    Cooking Tip:

    Use waterless cooking methods (roasting, grilling, or stir-frying) to get the most out of the nutrients and antioxidants in asparagus.

    Nutrition Breakdown per 1 Cup of Cooked Asparagus

    • 32 Calories
    • 5 Grams of Protein
    • 180% Daily Value of Vitamin K
    • 60% Daily Value of Folate
    • 29% Daily Value of Vitamin A

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