Spring Fling Roasted Asparagus Quinoa Salad with Lemonherb Vinaigrette

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wondered what sunshine tastes like? Honestly, I think it's this roasted asparagus quinoa salad . This salad is zesty and packed full of flavour!

Brief Overview

This spring quinoa salad brings a little bit of sunshine. It takes about 45 minutes to make. This recipe makes 4 servings.

Main Benefits

It's also packed with goodness! It makes for perfect healthy lunch ideas ! Honestly, this recipe is a total crowd pleaser.

Why You'll Love This Roasted Vegetable Salad

It's seriously simple, even if you think cooking is a total faff! Roasting the asparagus brings out its natural sweetness. The lemon herb vinaigrette gives it a proper zing. You know?

This isn't just a salad; it's a flavour party! I've made this for picnics, BBQs, and even posh dinner parties. It's always a winner!

Spring Fling: Your New Go-To Asparagus Quinoa Recipe

Right, let's talk origins. Think of it as a modern twist on a classic salad. This recipe elevates your asparagus side dish game! It turns simple ingredients into something special.

It’s an easy salad recipe .

Health Boost: It's More Than Just a Salad

Asparagus is a proper superfood! It's loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. Quinoa is a great source of protein. Who knew something so tasty could be so good for you? This is the vegetarian quinoa salad you have been looking for!

The Key Ingredient: Lemon Herb Vinaigrette

Honestly, the lemon herb vinaigrette makes this salad sing. It's bright, fresh, and zesty. Don't be shy with the herbs! I love using a mix of parsley, chives, and dill.

Time To Get Cooking

Fancy giving it a go? I hope you will love this roasted asparagus salad as much as I do. Grab your ingredients and let's get started. I promise you won't regret it!

Right, let's get into what you actually need to make this amazing roasted asparagus quinoa salad . It’s all about fresh ingredients and a few bits and bobs from the kitchen.

This spring quinoa salad is going to be your new go-to!

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, let's talk about what you’ll need for this asparagus quinoa recipe . Don't worry, it's mostly stuff you probably already have.

Plus, I'll give you some cheeky swapsies if you're missing anything.

Main Ingredients

• Asparagus: 1 pound (454g) , trimmed. Honestly, fresh is best here. Look for vibrant green stalks. Avoid anything floppy or mushy. We want that nice, snappy bite when we roast it for the roasted asparagus salad
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon , plus extra for drizzling. Use good quality stuff. It makes a difference!
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, freshly ground is always a win.
• Quinoa: 1 cup (190g) , rinsed. Rinsing is key to ditching that bitter taste. I learned that the hard way, trust me!
• Water or Veggie Broth: 2 cups (473ml) . Broth gives it a bit more flavour, but water works fine.
• Feta Cheese: ½ cup (75g) , crumbled. This is optional but seriously good. That salty tang? Chef's kiss!
• Toasted Slivered Almonds: ¼ cup (30g) , for garnish. Toasting brings out the flavour. Don't skip this!
• Cherry Tomatoes: ½ cup (75g) , halved. These add a sweet burst of flavour.

Seasoning Notes for the Best Flavor!

This lemon herb vinaigrette is the star. We're keeping it simple and fresh.

• Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons . Again, good quality stuff.
• Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons fresh. About 1 lemon usually does the trick. Bottle stuff just isn't the same.
• Fresh Herbs: 1 tablespoon minced. Parsley, chives, dill… whatever you've got knocking about.
• Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon . Adds a bit of zing.
• Garlic: 1 clove , minced. Don’t be shy!
• Honey or Maple Syrup: ½ teaspoon , optional. Just a touch of sweetness to balance the lemon.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

If you are seeking healthy lunch ideas or even a vegetarian quinoa salad , this salad will surely satisfy.

Equipment Needed

Nothing fancy here, promise! This easy salad recipe requires these tools.

• Baking Sheet: For roasting the asparagus.
• Large Saucepan: For cooking the quinoa.
• Whisk: For the vinaigrette.
• Large Bowl: For tossing it all together.

Don't have a whisk? A fork will do in a pinch. See? Easy peasy! Now let’s get cooking this roasted vegetable salad and this asparagus side dish !

Cooking Method: Roasting Asparagus for the Best Quinoa Salad

Honestly, making a cracking roasted asparagus quinoa salad doesn't need to be scary. Think of it as a posh picnic in a bowl.

It's one of my go-to healthy lunch ideas , especially when I want something a bit fancy but can't be arsed with loads of faff.

This vegetarian quinoa salad is an absolute game changer. I was chatting with me mum the other day, I was telling her it's so easy she couldn't believe it.

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

Right, first things first: mise en place, as the fancy chefs say. Chop your veggies and get everything measured out.

This saves time and keeps you from panicking later. Wash the 1 cup of quinoa thoroughly. Seriously, don't skip this.

It's like giving your quinoa a spa day. I always make sure to preheat the oven before starting. I find it gives the most consistent results.

Remember safety first when using a knife! If you can get a friend to help, even better.

step-by-step Process: Roasting Like a Pro

1. Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) .
2. Toss 1 pound (454g) of trimmed asparagus with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 10- 15 minutes , until tender crisp.
4. Cook 1 cup (190g) of quinoa with 2 cups (473ml) of water. Simmer for 15 minutes .
5. Whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, herbs, and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard for your lemon herb vinaigrette .
6. Combine quinoa, asparagus, and ½ cup (75g) of feta.
7. Drizzle with vinaigrette.
8. Garnish with ¼ cup (30g) toasted almonds.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Salad

Don't overcook the asparagus! It should be tender but still have a bit of bite. A roasted vegetable salad is only as good as the vegetables.

To add a bit of extra oomph , toast the almonds beforehand. It brings out their flavour. And definitely taste the lemon herb vinaigrette before you chuck it on.

Remember this is a spring quinoa salad .

Honestly, roasted asparagus salad doesn't get much simpler than this. It's a fab asparagus side dish and makes a brilliant easy salad recipe .

So there you have it! Get in the kitchen and give this a whirl. You won't regret it! I really hope this asparagus quinoa recipe helps you out.

Recipe Notes: Elevate Your Roasted Asparagus Quinoa Salad

Alright, let's chat about some extra bits and bobs to make your spring quinoa salad even more amazing. I'm not a chef, but I love to experiment, so here are my little nuggets of wisdom that I have learned along the way.

Serving Suggestions: Make it a Feast for the Eyes (and Tummy!)

Presentation is key, innit? When plating your roasted asparagus quinoa salad , consider using a shallow bowl to show off all the lovely colors.

A sprinkle of extra toasted almonds and a drizzle of the lemon herb vinaigrette is always a good shout.

For a complete meal, this vegetarian quinoa salad pairs brilliantly with grilled salmon. Fancy something lighter? It's also spot-on with a cool glass of Pinot Grigio.

Honestly, the fresh flavors just sing together. It's perfect for healthy lunch ideas or a light supper.

Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh, Keep it Fabulous

Got leftovers? No worries! This easy salad recipe is still cracking the next day.

Refrigeration is your best friend here. Store the roasted asparagus salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

I wouldn't recommend freezing it, as the asparagus can get a bit soggy.

Reheating instructions? Simple! If you want to warm it up, gently toss it in a pan over low heat. However, it's best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

Variations: Tweak it to Your Taste Buds

Fancy a change? No problem!

For a vegan version of this quinoa salad , simply omit the feta cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey in the lemon herb vinaigrette . Trust me, it's still delicious.

If asparagus isn't your thing (each to their own, I suppose!), you could use broccoli or green beans instead for this roasted vegetable salad .

And if you’re looking for asparagus side dish ideas, roasting them and then adding them to a salad is a winner!

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

This asparagus quinoa recipe is packed with nutrients. Quinoa is a brilliant source of protein and fiber. Asparagus is low in calories and high in vitamins, and the lemon herb vinaigrette provides healthy fats.

The estimated serving is 350-450 calories, full of goodness!

Remember, that's just an estimate. So dig in and enjoy your roasted asparagus quinoa salad ! You've made something seriously good for you.