Asparagus, Tomato and Goat Cheese Salad

Side dishes can really make or break a meal! With our Saturday night foodie dinner we had two phenomenal side dishes that were hearty, healthy and full of fresh local ingredients. I love fresh asparagus and especially when it is raw.

This is a great weeknight salad and has so much flavor and is full of vitamin packed ingredients. Most of the ingredients I usually have on hand and it is a quick trip to pick up asparagus and tomatoes.

Ingredients

• 1  pound  large asparagus spears, trimmed
• 1 1/2  cups  cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2  tablespoons  finely chopped fresh chives
• 2  tablespoons  fresh lemon juice
• 2  teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2  teaspoon  freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2  teaspoon  Dijon mustard
• 1/4  teaspoon  sugar
• 1/4  teaspoon  salt
• 1/2  cup  (2 ounces) crumbled goat cheese

Directions

Chop asparagus into one inch pieces. Place in large bowl with tomatoes.

Combine chives and next 6 ingredients (through 1/4 teaspoon salt), stirring with a whisk. Drizzle over the asparagus mixture, tossing gently to coat. Top with goat cheese.