Quinoa Salad with Asparagus, Feta, and Pine Nuts

This Quinoa Salad with Asparagus, Feta, and Pine Nuts is a delightful and nutritious dish that combines the earthy flavors of quinoa with the freshness of asparagus, the creaminess of feta cheese, and the crunch of pine nuts. Tossed in a zesty lemon-garlic dressing, it's a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

Run cold water over the quinoa several times to clean it

Put the quinoa and water in a medium-sized saucepan

Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the quinoa is done and the water is full

Take it off the heat and let it cool down

To make the asparagus white, boil them for two to three minutes in salted water while the quinoa cools

After draining, put them right into an ice bath to stop the cooking

Once more, drain and set aside

Toast the pine nuts over medium-low heat in a dry skillet until they turn a light golden color

Watch out not to burn them

Take it off the heat and set it aside

Salt and pepper should be mixed with the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and whisked together in a small bowl

Toss the cooked quinoa, blanched asparagus, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted pine nuts together in a large salad bowl

Add the dressing to the salad and mix everything together until it's well mixed

Put fresh basil leaves on top of the salad

Serve right away as a tasty and healthy salad option