Looking for a refreshing and nutritious dish that will elevate your meal game? Dive into the vibrant world of our Asparagus Quinoa Salad with Feta Cheese! This delightful salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also packed with wholesome ingredients that will leave you feeling energized and satisfied. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, this recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking a light yet fulfilling dish. Whether you're prepping for a summer picnic or a cozy dinner at home, this salad is sure to impress. Ready to transform your mealtime? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Salad
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While quinoa is cooking, prepare the asparagus by washing and trimming off the tough woody ends. Cut asparagus into 1-inch diagonal pieces.
- Steam or blanch asparagus pieces for 2-3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking and preserve color.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, asparagus pieces, halved cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to create the dressing.
- Pour dressing over the quinoa mixture and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Allow salad to rest for 5-10 minutes at room temperature to let flavors meld together.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to preference.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a light lunch or side dish.
Tips
- Rinse the Quinoa: Don’t skip rinsing the quinoa! This crucial step removes the natural saponins, which can give the quinoa a bitter taste. A fine-mesh strainer works best for this task.
- Perfectly Cooked Quinoa: Keep an eye on the quinoa as it cooks. Once the water is absorbed, fluff it with a fork to keep it light and airy.
- Asparagus Timing: When cooking the asparagus, aim for a bright green color and crisp-tender texture. The ice bath is essential to stop the cooking process and retain that vibrant hue.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients! Avocado, bell peppers, or even nuts can enhance the flavor and add extra crunch.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the salad to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving lets the flavors meld beautifully, creating a more delicious experience.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
