Shrimp and Asparagus Salad with Balsamic Vinegar

recipe ingredients
2 Tbsp. dried tomato pieces (not oil-packed)
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp. snipped fresh basil
2 tsp. Dijon-style mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp. sugar
1/8 tsp. pepper
12 ounces fresh or frozen peeled and deveined shrimp
4 cups water
1 clove garlic
8 ounces asparagus, cut into 2-inch lengths
6 cups torn mixed salad greens
2 medium pears, thinly sliced

recipe directions
In a small bowl pour boiling water over tomato pieces to cover; let stand for 2 minutes. Drain. For dressing, in a screw-top jar combine tomato pieces, vinegar, the olive oil, basil, mustard, the 2 cloves garlic, sugar, and pepper. Cover and shake well. If desired, cover and chill for up to 24 hours.

Thaw shrimp, if frozen. In a large saucepan bring the water and the 1 clove garlic to boiling; add asparagus. Return to boiling. Simmer, uncovered, for 4 minutes. Add shrimp. Return to boiling. Simmer, uncovered, for 1 to 3 minutes more or until shrimp are opaque. Drain, discarding garlic. Rinse shrimp under cold running water; drain well. Cover and chill for 4 to 24 hours.

To serve, divide greens and pears among 4 salad plates. Top each with some of the shrimp and asparagus. Shake dressing; drizzle each serving with about 2 tablespoons of the dressing.

Other Suggested Recipes:

• Low Fat Greek Ceasar Salad With Shrimp
• Tomato Asparagus Salad
• Asparagus and Shrimp Stir-fry with Noodles
• Shrimp and Asparagus Medley
• Grilled Corn and Shrimp Salad