Quinoa Salad with Asparagus, Peas, Avocado & Lemon Basil Dressing

This is an easy salad to toss together. The quinoa really soaks up the dressing. The lemon really brightens the dish up too. Honestly this would even work as a nice hearty lunch for me. I couldn’t get enough of it!

Quinoa Salad with Asparagus, Peas, Avocado & Lemon Basil Dressing

(Adapted from Two Peas & Their Pod)

 

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For the Dressing:

3 tablespoons olive oil

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon honey or agave nectar

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

 

For the salad:

2 cups water

1 cup quinoa

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 small bunch asparagus, about 15 spears, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 cup frozen peas

1 avocado, chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/4 cup chopped basil

 

In a small bowl or medium jar, combine the dressing ingredients. Whisk to combine or shake with the jar lid on tight. Set aside.

 

 

Add water, quinoa, and salt to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil for 5 minutes. Turn the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.

 

 

While the quinoa is cooking, cook the asparagus. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the asparagus and fresh lemon juice. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the peas and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

 

 

In a large bowl, combine quinoa, asparagus, peas, and avocado. Pour the dressing over the salad and stir until well coated. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in the fresh basil and serve.