ASPARAGUS, BEET, RED ONION, AND WALNUT SALAD

Steps:

• Vinaigrette: Mix mustard, vinegar, honey, oil, garlic and basil in bowl. Season with a little salt and pepper and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• Salad: Bring a large pan of lightly salted water to boil. Add the asparagus spears to the water and cook for 3 minutes. Drain. Plunge the spears into cold running water to halt the cooking process. When cooled, drain the asparagus on paper towels, toss the asparagus with 1/2 cup of the vinaigrette. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
• Bring medium saucepan of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the beets and cook until tender when pierced with a sharp knife. Drain. Slip off the skins under cold running water. Slice the beets 1/4 inch thick. You need approximately 24 slices. Toss the beets with 1/4 cup of the vinaigrette. And refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.
• To assemble the salad, layer the beets, onions, and asparagus on small salad plates. Drizzle the remaining dressing around the plates and sprinkle with walnuts.