Asian Asparagus Salad with Pecans

Ingredients and Weight:

• 200 grams of fresh asparagus
• 100 grams of pecans (halved)
• 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
• 1 cucumber (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
3. In the meantime, wash and trim the asparagus, removing the tough ends. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
4. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the asparagus for 3-4 minutes, until tender but still bright green. Drain and set aside to cool.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooled asparagus, halved pecans, chopped red bell pepper, and chopped cucumber.
6. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour over the salad and toss gently to combine.
7. Arrange the salad on a serving plate or bowl and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information:

(Based on average values)

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 8g
• Fibre: 4g

Dish Characteristics:

• Blend of Asian and American flavors, with a crunchy texture from the pecans and a fresh taste from the asparagus.
• The soy sauce adds a savory note, while the lemon juice provides a touch of acidity for a balanced flavor profile.

User Comments:

1. "This salad is a great blend of flavors! The pecans add a nice crunch, and the asparagus is so fresh."
2. "I love the combination of soy sauce and lemon juice in this salad. It's a unique and tasty dish."
3. "This salad is perfect for a light meal or as a side dish. The preparation is quick and easy, and it tastes great!"

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure to buy fresh asparagus and inspect it for freshness (it should be bright green with firm tips).
• Toast the pecans for best flavor.
• Adjust the seasoning according to taste, adding more soy sauce or lemon juice if desired.