Ingredients
For the pickled red onions:
- ½ cup white vinegar
- ½ cup water
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
For the dressing:
- ¼ cup dill
- ¼ cup chives
- ¼ cup parsley
- ¼ cup tarragon
- 1 clove garlic, finely grated
- 2 anchovy filets
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp greek yogurt or sour cream
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
For the salad:
- 1 lb asparagus
- 1 cup pearl couscous
- 4 persian cucumbers, cut into rounds
- 4 cups arugula
- Chopped parsley and chives, to garnish
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese
- ¼ cup lightly toasted pine nuts
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese
Directions
- To prepare the pickled onions, add the vinegar, water, sugar and salt to a saucepan. Bring to a simmer, and cook until the sugar has dissolved. Place the sliced onions in a bowl, and top with the hot pickling liquid, ensuring the onions are submerged. Marinate a minimum of 30 minutes to pickle.
- To prepare the dressing, add the dill, chives, parsley, tarragon, garlic, anchovies, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, and yogurt to a small food processor/blender. Season with salt and pepper, and blend until somewhat smooth.
- Trim the woody part of the asparagus (typically 2 inches from the bottom), and discard. Then cut the asparagus on a bias into 1.5 inch pieces. Bring a large pot of water to the boil, and season with 1 tsp of kosher salt. Add the asparagus and blanch for 2-3 minutes, or until tender but still crisp. Remove the asparagus with a slotted spoon, and then place in ice water to shock.
- To the same boiling water, add the pearl couscous and cook for 8-10 minutes or until tender with a bit of bit. Then drain, and cool slightly.
- To assemble, add the asparagus, couscous, persian cucumbers, arugula, and ¾ cup of the pickled onions to a large bowl. Add the dressing, and toss to combine.
- Arrange the salad on a platter, and garnish with the chopped parsley and chives, goat cheese and pine nuts.