BABY GREENS WITH ALMOND VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Blanch the asparagus in a large saucepan of boiling salted water until bright green, about 1 to 2 minutes. Immediately transfer to a bowl of iced water. Drain and cut on the diagonal into 2-inch long pieces. Set aside.
• Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat until smoking. Saute the mushrooms just to soften, about 1 minute. Add the garlic and saute briefly until the aroma is released. Remove from the heat. Stir in the parsley, lemon juice, salt and pepper and set aside to cool.
• In a large mixing bowl, lightly toss the baby greens with about half of the Almond Vinaigrette. Divide into 6 portions and place on serving plates. Divide the mushrooms and sprinkle across the top.
• In the same bowl, toss the blanched asparagus with the remaining vinaigrette. Divide among the salads, fanning the spears across the top.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spread the almonds on a baking sheet and bake until slightly golden, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
• When the almonds are cool, transfer to a blender along with the remaining ingredients. Puree until smooth. Store in a container in the refrigerator up to 5 days.