White-Bean and Asparagus Salad

By mirelsonp

Lemon vinaigrette sharpens creamy white beans for a lively vegetarian meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb medium asparagus, trimmed
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp finely grated fresh lemon zest
• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 (15- to 19-oz) cans white beans, rinsed and drained well (3 to 3 1/2 cups)
• 4 slices country-style bread
• 1 (1/2-lb piece Parmigiano-Reggiano
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 garlic clove, halved crosswise

Details

Servings 4
Cooking time 10mins

Preparation

Step 1

Cut asparagus on a diagonal into 1/8-inch thick slices.

Bring oil, lemon zest, juice, salt, and pepper to a simmer in a 4-quart heavy saucepan, then stir in beans and asparagus. Remove from heat and let stand, uncovered, 10 minutes. While beans stand, toast bread until golden. Meanwhile, remove enough cheese from piece with a vegetable peeler to measure about 1/2 cup shavings. Add shavings to beans along with parsley, then toss.

Spread hot toast with butter and rub buttered side of each with cut side of garlic clove, then season with salt and halve. Serve bean salad with toasts.