ASPARAGUS WITH ALMONDS, GOAT CHEESE, AND BASIL

Steps:

• Dressing: Place egg in a small saucepan; cover with water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Cover pot and let stand 8 minutes. Run egg under cold water to stop cooking. Peel egg; remove white and reserve for another use. Press yolk through a fine sieve into a small bowl.
• Meanwhile, remove peel and pith from 1 lemon. Holding fruit over another bowl, cut between membranes, allowing segments to drop in. Squeeze juice from membranes into bowl; discard membranes. Coarsely chop segments (you should have 2 tablespoons). If you don't have 2 tablespoons of juice or segments, use second lemon.
• Add mustard, lemon juice, sugar, and salt to bowl with yolk. Gradually add oil, whisking constantly until creamy and emulsified. Stir in lemon segments; season with salt and pepper. Dressing can be refrigerated up to 1 week; return to room temperature before using.
• Salad: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread almonds in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and toast until golden brown and fragrant, 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool completely.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add asparagus; return to a boil and cook, uncovered, until bright green and tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain. Run under cold water to stop cooking; drain again and pat dry.
• Remove lemon zest in long strips with a vegetable peeler. Slice zest very thinly into strips; you should have about 2 tablespoons (or use a channel zester). Remove remaining peel and pith from lemon; holding fruit over a bowl, cut between membranes, allowing segments to drop in.
• Arrange asparagus on a platter with cheese. Sprinkle with almonds, zest, lemon segments, and basil. Drizzle with 1/4 cup dressing (reserve remainder for another use). Season with salt and pepper and serve, garnished with whole basil leaves.