Quinoa and grilled asparagus salad

BT Toronto | posted Monday, May 26th, 2014

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Quinoa, native to South America, is combined with Ontario grilled vegetables in this easy-to-prepare salad bursting with refreshing flavour. This vegetarian salad is a great option for brunch and outdoor celebrations, as a main dish salad or as a side salad to accompany grilled meat, chicken or fish.

Quinoa and grilled asparagus salad

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Serves 6 to 8

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (250 mL) quinoa, rinsed
• 1 lb (500 g) Ontario Asparagus, trimmed
• 1 Ontario Greenhouse Sweet Pepper (any colour), seeded    and quartered
• 1 large Ontario Onion, cut into 1/2-inch (1 cm) thick slices
• 2 tbsp (25 mL) vegetable oil
• 1 can (19 oz/540 mL) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 1 tsp (5 mL) grated orange rind
• 1/4 cup (50 mL) orange juice
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) Ontario Liquid Honey
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) each red wine vinegar and Dijon mustard
• 1 small clove garlic, finely minced
• 1/4 tsp (1 mL) each salt and pepper

Method:

1. In medium saucepan, bring quinoa and 2 cups (500 mL) water to boil; reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 15 minutes or until most of the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Place in serving bowl; let cool.
2. Meanwhile, place asparagus, sweet pepper and onion on rimmed baking sheet; brush with 1 tbsp (15 mL) of the oil. Place vegetables directly on greased grill over medium-high heat; close lid and grill, turning occasionally, until tender-crisp and lightly marked, 5 to 10 minutes, transferring back to baking sheet as they are done.  Let cool slightly. Cut into bite-size pieces; stir into quinoa along with chickpeas and parsley.
3. In small bowl, whisk together remaining oil, orange rind and juice, honey, vinegar, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper; pour over quinoa mixture and toss to coat. Serve at room temperature.

Tips: For a Brazilian flair, substitute black beans for chickpeas. For a Chilean twist, use cilantro instead of parsley.

Courtesy Mairlyn Smith/Foodland Ontario, www.foodlandontario.ca

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