Asparagus Artichoke Salad

Ingredients

• 1 large shallot, sliced thin
• 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 pounds thick asparagus, rinsed, tough ends broken off and discarded
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• Salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
• 1 15-ounce jar of good quality marinated artichoke hearts, quartered or cut in half

Directions

1. Soak the sliced shallots in the lemon juice as you get ready to make the rest of the salad.
2. Roast or Grill the asparagus:
3. To roast the asparagus, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Coat the asparagus spears with 1 Tbsp of olive oil, and salt them well. Lay in a single layer in a foil-lined roasting pan, and cook for 8-10 minutes until lightly browned and fork tender.
4. To grill the asparagus, prepare your charcoal or gas grill for high direct heat. Coat the asparagus with 1 Tbsp of olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Grill them until nicely charred and fork tender, between 5 to 10 minutes.
5. Remove the asparagus from the oven or grill and cut into bite-sized pieces.
6. Put the asparagus and all the remaining ingredients into a large bowl and mix to combine. Add as much of the marinating liquid from the jarred artichokes as you like. Serve chilled or at room temperature.