Spring Salad with Asparagus & Meyer Lemon

Making 6–8 servings

This salad is a celebration of Meyer lemon season, which overlaps with the commencement of the spring asparagus festival where I live. Sweet citrus fruits go well with a chewy mixture of farro, pearl couscous and crisp asparagus. Add a few almonds and goat cheese, and lunch is ready!

INGREDIENTS

3 cups water
1 tsp. salt, plus more to taste
8 oz. pearled farro (1¼ cups)
14 oz. pearl couscous or your favorite grains blend
Juice of 3 Meyer lemons, divided
14 oz. asparagus
2 tbsp. olive oil, divided
1 cup sliced almonds or walnuts, toasted
4 oz. soft goat cheese
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a 2-quart pot, bring the water to a boil. Salt the water with 1 teaspoon and add the farro, then cover. Lower the heat to medium and cook for 15 minutes, or until al dente.
2. Meanwhile, cook the couscous or grain mixture in another pan according to the package instructions. Spread the couscous out on a large baking sheet and allow it to cool. Sprinkle half the lemon juice over the grains and stir.
3. Remove the woody ends of the asparagus, then cut the stalks into 1-inch pieces. Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat and add the asparagus. Cook until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes.
4. Place the asparagus stalks in a large bowl. Add the almonds and goat cheese.
5. Mix together the leftover Meyer lemon juice and remaining olive oil. Pour the dressing over the salad, add salt and pepper to taste and stir to combine.

NUTRITION • PER ONE SERVING

Calories 350
Total Fat 19g (24%)
Saturated Fat 4.029g (20%)
Trans Fat 0.002g
Total Carbohydrate 38g (14%)
Dietary Fiber 7g (25%)
Total Sugars 2g
Includes 0g Added Sugars (0%)
Cholesterol 5mg (2%)
Sodium 420mg (18%)
Protein 11g (22%)
Vitamin D 0.2mcg (0%)
Calcium 77mg (6%)
Iron 2.9mg (15%)
Potassium 319mg (6%)
Phosphorus (15%)

This AMAZING Recipe can be found in my Mediterranean Meals on a Budget Cookbook  here >>