Asparagus and Summer Squash Recipe

My husband and I enjoyed al fresco dining with several friends last evening where we supped on various salads brought by attendees. We made new friends and caught up with longtime friends. Wanting to bring something I could eat (my diet makes it tough at potlucks... even a salad potluck) and get some good protein, I brought my Sprouted Bean Trio Salad. I made a double batch thinking I'd be taking a bit home for lunch the next day. No deal! Everybody loved the salad and I brought home a clean bowl.

Summer is a time for salads and delicious, quick and fresh meals so here's a great recipe to fill that requirement.

Flavorful and fresh asparagus and summer squash are abundant at the markets right now. I pulled together this easy and refreshing recipe with ingredients I had on hand—key to putting together simple and quick meals. You'll find it a compliment to any main dish or just by itself.

I tried something different this time by adding the veggies to the pan with the extra virgin olive oil added before turning on the heat. I tossed the veggies in the pan to coat them with oil. Then cooked them.

I added garlic Gomasio to jazz it up with a nutty, garlic flavor. Gomasio is a low-sodium table condiment made with toasted sesame seeds and sea salt. It is often found in Asian food recipes especially Korean. I like the garlic Gomasio when I cook.

Asparagus & Summer Squash

From Chris Pedersen

Yield 4 servings

Category Side Dish

Cuisine Healthy, Vegetarian

Ingredients

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 bunch of asparagus

2 zuchinni, sliced

2 summer squash, chopped

2 green onion, sliced thin
pinch of each (sea salt (optional), cracked pepper, parsley flakes, basil & garlic powder)

1 tsp garlic Gomasio

1/4 C feta cheese

Directions

1. Cut asparagus into 2-inch pieces on the diagonal.

2. Leaving heat off, pour olive oli in saute pan.

3. Add asparagus, squash and onions to pan and toss to coat with oil.

4. Turn heat to medium-high for 15 seconds to heat the pan. Then turn down to medium and stir veggies.

5. Add seasonings and cook for 5 minutes, stirring regularly, until squash begins to soften.

6. Sprinkle with Gomasio and stir.

7. Remove from heat, sprinkle with feta cheese and serve.

Try this simple and quick recipe and you'll be adding it to your regular cooking schedule (what's that?). Yeah, I know. Who has a cooking schedule? I hear some do.

I'm lucky if I can plan three meals ahead. That's why I throw stuff together with whatever I have. Don't ever be afraid to do that! Vegetables, quick fried in some olive oil and seasonings is so easy. You may discover your own recipes and can share them with us.

What's your favorite pulled together dish? Scroll down and leave a comment.