Potato Salad with Artichokes and Asparagus

Creamy, zingy, and a great accompaniment for grilled sausages or burgers. Prep and Cook Time: about 35 minutes. Notes: Make up to 4 hours ahead; keep well chilled until ready to serve. Stir in asparagus just before serving.

Yield: Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

• 8  ounces  asparagus, ends trimmed, spears cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2  pounds  red thin-skinned potatoes, cut into 3/4-inch-thick chunks
• 2  strips thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 2/3  cup  chopped shallots
• 2  teaspoons  finely chopped fresh rosemary
• 5  tablespoons  olive oil
• 1 1/2  tablespoons  red wine vinegar
• 2  tablespoons  plain yogurt
• 1 1/2  tablespoons  coarse-grain mustard
• Salt and pepper
• 1  can (14 oz.) artichoke hearts, drained and cut into quarters
• 2  tablespoons  capers, drained
• Rosemary sprigs (optional)

Preparation

1. Bring a 4- to 6-quart pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add asparagus and cook until barely tender when pierced, 3 to 4 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer asparagus to a bowl of ice water to cool. Pour off ice water and set asparagus aside. Add potatoes to boiling water and cook until tender when pierced, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain in a colander; set aside.

2. In a medium frying pan over medium heat, cook bacon until it is just beginning to brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Add shallots and rosemary and cook until shallots are translucent, about 4 minutes.

3. In a blender, combine olive oil, vinegar, yogurt, mustard, and salt and pepper to taste. Whirl until blended and creamy.

4. In a large bowl, gently toss the asparagus, potatoes, shallot mixture, artichoke hearts, and capers with the dressing. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with rosemary sprigs (if using). Serve warm or at room temperature.

Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.

Nutritional Information

Calories:

323 (53% from fat)

Protein:

6.5g

Fat:

19g (sat 4.3)

Carbohydrate:

32g

Fiber:

3.5g

Sodium:

321mg

Cholesterol:

91mg