Pasta Salad with Asparagus and Pecans in Citrus Vinaigrette

Title:
Pasta Salad with Asparagus and Pecans in Citrus Vinaigrette

Yield:
8 Servings

Categories:
Asparagus,
Vegetables,
Tofu,
Fruits
nuts,
Pasta
noodl




Ingredients:





     1 lb Medium pasta shells


     2 lb Thin asparagus; washed,


          -tough bottoms removed, cut


          -into 1-inch pieces


     1 lb Firm tofu; drained and cut


          -into 1/4-inch cubes


     1 lg Ripe tomato; diced


   1/4 c  Pecan halves


     3 tb Extra-virgin olive oil


   1/2 lg Orange; squeezed OR 1/2 cup


          -fresh orange juice


     1 tb Grated lime zest


     2    Limes; squeezed OR


          -3-tablespoons lime juice


     1 lg Shallot; minced


   1/4 c  Soy milk


          Salt and pepper






 Bring 6 quarts of lightly salted water to a boil in a large covered pot


 over high heat. Stir in the pasta shells. After the pasta has cooked to


 within 5 minutes of the cooking time according to the package directions,


 add the asparagus. Continue cooking for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally,


 until the pasta is cooked and the asparagus is crisp-tender. Drain the


 pasta and asparagus. Rinse under cold water, then drain again. Turn into a


 bowl. Add the tofu, tomato, and pecans. Toss gently but thoroughly to


 combine, using two spoons.


 


 In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, orange juice, lime zest,


 lime juice and shallot. Slowly add the soy milk, whisking to combine. Whisk


 in salt and pepper to taste. Pour this over the pasta salad. Toss well to


 coat, using two spoons. Taste for seasonings. Serve immediately or chilled.


 


 >From CLAIRE'S CLASSIC AMERICAN VEGETARIAN COOKING, By Claire Criscuolo


 (Dutton).


 


 >Edited by Pat Hanneman (Kitpath) 98-Mar


 


 Notes: Asparagus and pecans are delicious together. Here they are combined


 with tiny cubes of firm tofu gently tossed in an orange and lime flavored


 vinaigrette.


 


 Recipe by: CLAIRE'S CLASSIC AMERICAN VEGETARIAN COOKING


 


 Posted to MC-Recipe Digest by KitPATh 
on Mar 18,


 1998