While fresh asparagus is available year round, springtime is the time young shoots are shooting up and an ideal time to use asparagus in the kitchen. The recipe below is for Simply Springtime Rice Salad that uses fresh asparagus and ¼ cup of white wine.

Enjoy!

Simply Springtime Rice Salad

Ingredients

6 slices peppered bacon, diced
1 pound fresh asparagus spears, diagonally sliced into 1-inch pieces
3 cups cooked rice
1/4 cup white wine
1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted

Directions

1. Brown bacon in large skillet over medium-high heat, 5 to 7 minutes.
2. Drain fat, reserving 1 tablespoon in skillet.
3. Add asparagus; cook until tender crisp.
4. Add rice and wine; cook until heated through, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
5. Add pine nuts; toss well.

Note: To toast pine nuts, spread nuts on small baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown, stirring frequently.

Recipe provided by USA Rice Federation