Warm Quinoa Asparagus Salad (Printable Version)
Fluffy quinoa meets tender roasted asparagus in this vibrant warm salad with lemon vinaigrette.
# Ingredient List:
→ Grains
01 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Vegetables
04 - 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 lb), trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
05 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
→ Dressing
07 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
09 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
10 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
11 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
13 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
14 - 2 tablespoons toasted sliced almonds
15 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Toss asparagus pieces with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on the prepared baking sheet.
03 - Roast asparagus for 12–15 minutes, until tender and slightly caramelized. Remove from the oven and set aside.
04 - While asparagus roasts, combine quinoa, water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
05 - In a large bowl, whisk together remaining olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper.
06 - Add warm quinoa, roasted asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and red onion to the bowl. Toss gently to combine and coat in the dressing.
07 - Transfer salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. Top with crumbled feta, toasted almonds, and chopped parsley.
08 - Serve warm or at room temperature.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The lemon dijon dressing seeps into warm quinoa and creates this almost creamy texture without a drop of cream.
- Everything comes together in the time it takes to roast vegetables, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
02 -
- Adding the quinoa to the dressing while still warm is non negotiable because cold grains will not absorb the flavors properly.
- Toasting almonds in a dry pan for two minutes transforms them from bland to brilliant.
03 -
- Double the dressing and keep half in the fridge for salads throughout the week because it works on everything.
- Do not skip rinsing the quinoa or you will taste a soapy bitterness that no amount of dressing can hide.