Chicken and Asparagus Salad with Strawberry Dressing

Total Time: 40 mins

Servings:  4

Ingredients

•     1 cup cut fresh asparagus, 1 inch pieces,steamed until crisp-tender
•     1 medium ripe avocado, peeled and sliced
•     2 tablespoons lemon juice
•     4 cups european blend salad greens
•     1 cucumber, thinly sliced
•     1 1⁄2 cups sliced strawberries
•     2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cooked and sliced crosswise
•     salt and pepper
•     1⁄4 cup coarsely chopped and toasted walnuts or 1⁄4 cup pine nuts
•     Dressing
•     5 fresh strawberries, halved lengthwise
•     1 tablespoon orange juice
•     2 tablespoons vegetable oil
•     1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
•     1⁄8 teaspoon pepper
•     1⁄2 teaspoon sugar

Directions

1. Add lemon juice to a small bowl; dip avocado slices in lemon juice and set the avocado aside.
2.  In a big salad bowl, add salad greens, asparagus, cucumber, avocado, 1 1/2 cup strawberries, and chicken; toss to combine.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Sprinkle with nuts.
5. For dressing: add strawberries and orange juice to a blender or food processor; cover and process until smooth; pour puree into a bowl.
6.  Add remaining dressing ingredients; stir to combine.
7. Pour dressing over salad; toss to coat.
8. Serve immediately.