Celebrating salads

Asparagus & Fennel Salad with Honeydew Vinaigrette

30  Asparagus (Trimmed) - Glutathione, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin C
½ Bulb Shaved Fennel
From 2 oranges Orange Supreme’s
1 bunch Fresh Watercress
¼ cup Marcona Almonds - Vitamin C, Selenium, and Vitamin E
8 ounce Honeydew Vinaigrette (See Recipe)

Salad Method

1. Trim and discard the “woody” end of the asparagus stalks (This step is not necessary with Michigan asparagus as it is hand harvested) season with olive oil, Kosher salt and fresh milled pepper and grill for 1 minuet turning often. Cool asparagus and cut into bite size pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
2. Shave the fennel very thin and add to the asparagus.
3. Add all remaining ingredients toss and serve

Dressing
1 whole Honeydew (Rind and seeds Removed) - Vitamin C, Potassium, Foliate, B-6
2 ounce Rice wine vinegar
2 ounce Fresh lemon juice - Vitamin C, Phytochemicals
2 ounce Fresh lime juice - Vitamin C, Phytochemicals
2 ounce Fresh Orange juice - Vitamin C, Potassium, Phytochemicals
3 tablespoon Canola and olive oil blend - Omega 3 fatty acids
1 Tablespoon Fresh chopped mint
1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Dressing Method
1. Chop honeydew and purée in a food processor.
2. Add puree and all the honeydew juice in a thick gauge sauce pan and reduce until only 1 quart is left. Remove from pan and cool to below 40 degrease.
3. Add all remaining ingredients except oil and mix well.
4. Add oil in a slow steady stream
5. This will yield about 6 cups and the salad will only need about one cup but this dressing will last for about 6 days in the refrigerator and is great on any Salad, Chicken and many other uses.

Asparagus: Glutathione, found in Asparagus, is one of the most potent anti-carcinogens and antioxidants found in the body.

Mint: As most aromatic plants, mint is a carminative and aids in digestion. Peppermint soothes nasal symptoms and has exhibited some anti-cancer properties.

Lemons: Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C, one of the main antioxidants found in food. Vitamin C travels through the body neutralizing any free radicals with which it comes into contact. Free radicals can interact with the healthy cells of the body, damaging them and causing inflammation in the body. This is one of the reasons that vitamin C is helpful in reducing some of the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Lime Juice: Limes carry many phytochemicals that are high in antioxidant and anti-cancer properties.

Oranges: The speridin in oranges acts as an anti-inflammatory and can lower cholesterol and heart rate. Oranges can also help prevent cancer and help viral infections.

• Certain types of lettuce, such as iceberg, do not contain nearly as many nutrients as darker leafy greens.
• Iceberg lettuce does not provide a substantial amount of nutrients compared to other leafy greens.
• Leafy greens like red and green leaf lettuce provide vitamin A and K.
• Compared with people who consume a diet with only small amounts of fruits and vegetables, those who eat more generous amounts as part of a healthful diet are likely to have reduced risk of chronic diseases, including stroke and perhaps other cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers.
• Many salad dressings can have up to 15 grams of fat in just two tablespoons.
• Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables—particularly dark leafy greens, like spinach, is important for keeping our eyes healthy and could prevent diseases like macular degeneration.