Grilled Asparagus Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

Happy Easter, a little bit early! Here is a beautiful salad that would be a great compliment to anyone's holiday meal.
Asparagus seems to be a natural choice right now. It is in season and it is fairly cheap. Plus, it is really pretty and makes for a nice presentation.
Another nice thing is the fact that my kids LOVE it! I have to ration it out, so that everyone has some on their plate, otherwise, it will just disappear!
Back to the salad- The asparagus is marinated with a light vinaigrette, grilled or in my case, I just broiled it, and then served over mixed greens, with more of the Orange vinaigrette.
I reduced the amount of oil in the vinaigrette, just because I think you can always reduce the oil in dressing and it doesn't really affect the taste. I also left off the bacon because I wanted this salad to be fresh and light and bacon doesn't really fit into either of those categories, plus I don't care for it.
So, have a great weekend and enjoy something green, light and fresh!

Grilled Asparagus Salad with Orange Vinaigrette from Southern Living
1 1/2 pounds fresh asparagus
1 1/2 tablespoons grated orange rind
1/3 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 cup olive oil (I used about 1/4 cup)
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 pounds mixed gourmet salad greens
6 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled (optional) (I opted not to include this)
Garnish: orange rind strips

Snap off tough ends of asparagus; place in a shallow dish.

Whisk together grated rind and next 6 ingredients. Pour one-third of vinaigrette over asparagus; cover and chill 1 hour. Drain. Set aside remaining vinaigrette.
Grill asparagus, covered with grill lid, over medium-high heat (350° to 400°) 8 to 10 minutes or until crisp-tender; cool.
Combine greens, remaining vinaigrette, and, if desired, bacon; place evenly on 6 salad plates. Arrange asparagus over salad. Garnish, if desired.


Coming Monday- Spicy Black Bean Cakes