Asparagus Recipes: A Vata's Perfect Spicy Summer Salad

This salad of grilled vegetables is the perfect summer entree or side for the vata body-mind type. Fresh summer vegetables will keep your body happy and your energy high, and the spice and heat will keep your taste buds entertained. Though best prepared on an outdoor grill, the vegetables can be sauteed on days too rainy or muggy to venture outdoors.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium zucchini
• 1 medium yellow squash
• 4 stalks asparagus
• 1 Portobello mushroom
• 2 small plum tomatoes
• Fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

For the dressing:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/8 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin

Preparation:
Slice zucchini, squash, mushroom, and tomatoes to desired thickness. Broad, flat slices will work best for the grill. (Asparagus is best grilled and served in whole stalks.) Preheat the grill. While the grill is heating, prepare the dressing: whisk all of the ingredients together, adjusting quantities to taste. Brush raw vegetables with dressing. Grill to an even char, flipping vegetables after 3-4 minutes. When vegetables are grilled to desired char and tenderness, remove from grill and top with remaining dressing, if desired. Garnish with fresh basil, salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.

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