Heavenly Quinoa with Asparagus Gluten Free and Vegan
Brighten up your gluten-free and vegan menu with this Heavenly Quinoa with Asparagus recipe—a nutrient-packed, flavor-rich dish that's perfect for any occasion! Tender, garlicky asparagus pairs beautifully with fluffy quinoa, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lemon dressing for a vibrant and wholesome meal. Infused with the fresh flavors of parsley and optional toasted almonds for a delightful crunch, this dish is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s ideal as a light main course or a hearty side dish. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for anyone seeking healthy, plant-based dining.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 bunch asparagus
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons toasted almonds (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine mesh sieve to remove any bitterness.
In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is fully absorbed. Once cooked, fluff the quinoa with a fork and set aside.
While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the asparagus by snapping off the tough ends and cutting the spears into 2-inch pieces.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic cloves (minced) and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add the asparagus to the skillet and stir to coat it in the garlic oil. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is tender but still slightly crisp.
In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper to create a simple dressing.
Combine the cooked quinoa, sautéed asparagus, halved cherry tomatoes, and dressing in a large mixing bowl. Toss gently to ensure everything is coated evenly.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and toasted almonds (if using) for added crunch and flavor.
Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your gluten-free, vegan Heavenly Quinoa with Asparagus!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
168 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 9.8 g | 13% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.3 g | 7% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 256 mg | 11% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 17.3 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.6 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.6 g | ||
| Protein | 5.5 g | 11% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 56 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 3.3 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 425 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
