I love the smoky sweetness that develops when asparagus is grilled. In fact, grilling is my favorite way to cook asparagus. Thick spears are a must. Pencil-thin spears tend to slip through the grill grate and, because they lack meatiness, can overcook and char in an instant.

Beauty isn’t the only thing this salad brings to the table—it is a mosaic of complementary textures and fresh spring flavors. I found magenta-centered watermelon radishes at Food Front coop in Northwest Portland, but if you can’t track them down substitute another radish variety. Castelvetranos are big, buttery, bright green olives that are found at… Read More