Fresh asparagus couscous salad

Dressing:

• 1 garlic scape, very finely chopped
• 6 scallions, white parts only, finely chopped (reserve greens for salad)
• 6 Tbsp. lime juice
• 1 tsp. salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3 Tbsp. chopped fresh dill

Salad:

• 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 Tsp. vegetable oil
• 2/3 cup each fish or chicken stock, water, and couscous
• 1 lbs. asparagus, sliced diagonally into 1/3-inch slices, reserve tips
• l/3 lb. cooked small shrimp
• Salad mix or leaf lettuce, for serving

In a small bowl mix the garlic, scallions, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

In a medium saucepan sauté the onions in oil over medium heat for about 4 minutes. Add the stock and water. Bring to a boil, then stir in the couscous, remove from heat, and cover. After 5 minutes, fluff with a fork and allow to stand 5 more minutes, then fluff again. Transfer to a large dish and refrigerate. As other ingredients are readied, remove and fluff every 10 minutes.

Blanch the asparagus until tender but crisp. Place into iced water for 2 minutes, drain and set on towels to absorb extra moisture. Whip the oil into dressing with a fork, then stir in the dill. Mix the asparagus, radishes, green onions, shrimp, and dressing into the couscous. Serve over a lettuce leaf base, garnishing with the asparagus tips.