Quinoa and Grilled Asparagus Salad

(Foodland Ontario/CTV News Ottawa)

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.

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Ready in: 45 minutes

Grilling Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Makes: 6 to 8 servings

Ingredients

• 1 cup (250 mL) quinoa, rinsed
• 1 lb (500 g) Ontario Asparagus, trimmed
• 1 Ontario Greenhouse Sweet Orange Pepper, 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 fresh Ontario Parsley
• 1 tsp (5 mL) grated orange rind
• 1/4 cup (50 mL) orange juice
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) Ontario 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

Instructions

In medium saucepan, bring quinoa and 2 cups (500 mL) water to boil; reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 15 minutes or until all of the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with fork, remove from heat; let stand covered for 5 minutes. Place in serving bowl; let cool.

Meanwhile, brush asparagus, orange pepper and onion with 1 tbsp (15 mL) of the oil. Place on greased grill over medium-high heat. Grill, covered, turning occasionally, until tender-crisp, 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer to cutting board as they are done. Let cool slightly and cut into bite-size pieces; stir into quinoa along with chickpeas and parsley.

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.

Nutritional Information

1 Serving (When recipe serves 8):

• Protein: 9 grams
• Fat: 6 grams
• Carbohydrate: 35 grams
• Calories: 226
• Fibre: 5 grams
• Sodium: 140 mg