Spring Asparagus Quinoa Salad with Tarragon Vinaigrette

Spring is here, and that means asparagus! We can’t seem to get enough asparagus this year. I pick up a few bunches every time I go to the grocery store. As much as I love it simply roasted, I’ve discovered how much I love it thinly sliced and barely cooked. The asparagus maintains its beautiful bright green color  and delicious, sweet crunch, just like in this Spring Asparagus Quinoa Salad with Tarragon Vinaigrette.

Written by: Lindsey Johnson of Cafe Johnsonia

A great thing about this salad, besides being fresh and delicious, is that you can eat it warm, room temperature, or cold. It’s the perfect salad to pop into your lunch bag to take to work or when you’re out running errands and don’t want to hit up fast food for lunch. The different components can be made ahead and assembled at the last minute too, but the leftovers are great the next day too.

I used tarragon for the vinaigrette. It has a nice licorice flavor without being too overwhelming. Tarragon and mustard are a match made in heaven and the honey in the vinaigrette adds just enough sweetness to complement the asparagus. It’s one tasty, healthy salad!

How are you eating asparagus this spring?

More Ways to Enjoy Asparagus this Spring:

• Asparagus Tart with Gruyere
• Spring Green Risotto
• Chicken and Asparagus Stir Fry in a Honey Ginger Sauce
• Chicken Asparagus Wraps | Some the Wiser
• Biscuit-Topped Chicken Pot Pie with Asparagus, Mushrooms and Leeks | Cafe Johnsonia
• Dijon Maple Asapargus | Food Faith Fitness
• Roasted Asparagus, Green Onion, and Blue Cheese Frittata | Naturally Ella

Asparagus Salad with Tarragon Vinaigrette

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Asparagus Salad with Tarragon Vinaigrette is a quick and easy salad made with fresh asparagus and quinoa tossed with a flavorful tarragon-mustard vinaigrette.

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Ingredients

For vinaigrette:

• 2 Tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
• 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• pinch sea salt
• 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• white pepper
• pinch garlic powder

For salad:

• 1/2 cup quinoa
• 1 cup water
• juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 bunch fresh asparagus
• 1 small shallot, halved and thinly sliced
• 2 Tablespoons sliced almonds

Instructions

1. Whisk together vinaigrette ingredients or place in a small jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake. Set aside.
2. If quinoa is not pre-rinsed, wash well in a fine-mesh colander to remove the bitter outer coating. Drain well.
3. Place quinoa in a 2-quart sauce pan.
4. Add the water, lemon juice, and salt.
5. Bring to a boil, lower heat to a simmer and cover.
6. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until water has been absorbed and the quinoa is cooked through. (It will become translucent when it's properly cooked.)
7. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for a few minutes.
8. In the meantime, trim off a few inches of the asparagus stems and discard. Thinly slice the asparagus into 1/8- to 1/6-inch rounds.
9. Add the asparagus, shallot, and sliced almonds to the pan of quinoa. The remaining heat will barely cook the asparagus.
10. Pour some of the vinaigrette over the quinoa and asparagus. Toss to coat. Let stand for a few minutes so it can absorb the vinaigrette.
11. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Add more vinaigrette to taste.

Notes

• You can substitute any whole grain for the quinoa. Couscous would also be delicious.
• Leftovers will keep well for 1-2 days in the fridge.
• To make ahead, prepare salad and vinaigrette and store separately. Add dressing right before serving.

Recommended Products

• 
  Organic Tri-Color Quinoa
• 
  Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 
  Honey
• 
  Pink Himalayan Salt
• 
  Stainless Steel Cookware
• 
  Measuring Spoon Set

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Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 166 Total Fat: 9g Saturated Fat: 1g Trans Fat: 0g Unsaturated Fat: 8g Cholesterol: 0mg Sodium: 227mg Carbohydrates: 20g Fiber: 2g Sugar: 11g Protein: 3g