Asparagus-tomato salad

Asparagus-tomato Salad

I took this to a potluck and it was a hit.  I added feta cheese and make sure you put in fresh basil.  I always crave this salad/

Ingredients

• 
  DRESSING:
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Crisco® Olive Oil
• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
• 1/2 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 
  SALAD:
• 12 fresh asparagus spears, cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces
• 3 small tomatoes, seeded and diced
• 1 small red onion, sliced

Directions

• In a medium bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients; set aside. Place asparagus in a large saucepan with enough water to cover; cook until crisp-tender. Drain and cool.
• Combine asparagus, tomatoes and onion in a bowl. Pour dressing over salad; toss to coat. Serve immediately or refrigerate. Yield: 4 servings.

Tomato Soup Recipe from Our Best Bites via Liz

Creamy Tomato Soup

Recipe by Our Best Bites,

1 T reserved oil from sun-dried tomatoes, or olive oil

1 C chopped onion

¾ C shredded carrot

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp kosher salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1 Tbs dried basil

1/2 tsp dried oregano 2/3 C sliced sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil

2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes, undrained

1 (14oz) can chicken broth

3 oz reduced fat cream cheese

optional: 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

Optional: Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for garnish

1. Place oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and garlic, and cook for 3-4 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring often.

2. Add sun-dried tomatoes, canned tomatoes, chicken broth, sugar, salt, pepper, oregano and basil. (If you’re adding red pepper flakes, add them now)



3. Bring soup to a boil and then reduce heat to simmer. Cover pan and simmer for 30 minutes.
 


4. Remove from heat. Place soup in a blender (do this in 2 batches if necessary). Add cream cheese. Remove center piece of blender lid to allow steam to escape, but place a paper towel over opening in blender lid to avoid spills. Process for a few minutes until smooth. You could also add cream cheese directly to the pot and use an immersion blender to combine.

5. Add additional salt and pepper to taste and then divide soup among bowls. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese and a fresh basil leaf if desired.