Ingredients

  • 1 lb Medium-size asparagus stalks peeled
  • 1/4 c. Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp. Champagne or possibly white wine vinegar - (to 2 tbspns) Dijon mustard to taste Chopped garlic to taste Salt to taste Freshly-grnd black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 lb Fresh mozzarella cut into sticks about 1/4" wide and 1" long
  • 2 x Vine-ripened tomatoes sliced very thin
  • 4 ounce Wafer-thin slices (rounds) of salami
  • 1/4 c. Slivered roasted red bell pepper from the jar

Method

  • Simmer the asparagus till just cooked through.
  • Rinse them under cool water to stop the cooking process.
  • Drain, pat dry and cut the spears, on the diagonal, into 1-inch long pcs; set aside.
  • Make a dressing of extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, mustard and garlic and season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Combine the asparagus and mozzarella and lightly dress with half of the dressing.
  • Alternate rounds of tomato and salami on the outside of each dinner plate; center asparagus and mozzarella mix in the middle; drizzle remaining dressing over the tomatoes and salami.
  • Garnish asparagus and mozzarella with roasted peppers.
  • This recipe yields 2 servings.