Fresh Asparagus and Avocado Salad

Add cooked shrimp or chicken to make this meal more filling or to keep it vegetarian, serve with warmed crusty bread.

Ingredients:

1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1½ inch pieces
8 medium fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 large ripe avocado, peeled and cubed
1 medium zucchini, diced
1 large tomato, seeded and chopped
1 medium red onion, sliced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper

Directions:

1. Place asparagus and 2 tablespoons water in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave on high for 3 to 6 minutes or until crisp-tender, stirring once; drain and cool.

2. In a large bowl, combine the asparagus, mushrooms, avocado, zucchini, tomato, and onion; toss gently.

3. In a jar with a tight fitting lid, combine the remaining ingredients; shake well. Pour over salad and toss gently to coat. Cover and refrigerate until serving.

Serves 4 

Per serving
Calories 214
Total Fat 16g
Sat 2g
Protein 7g
Carb 20g
Fiber 7g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 195mg

Diabetic Exchange: 2 vegetable, 1½ fat

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Larisa Blinova/Shutterstock.com.