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.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

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)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine mesh sieve to remove any bitterness.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the asparagus by snapping off the tough ends and cutting the spears into 2-inch pieces.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

Combine the cooked quinoa, sautéed asparagus, halved cherry tomatoes, and dressing in a large mixing bowl. Toss gently to ensure everything is coated evenly.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and toasted almonds (if using) for added crunch and flavor.

Step 9

Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your gluten-free, vegan Heavenly Quinoa with Asparagus!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1305.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1064.9

Total Fat 49.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.9g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4267.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 126.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.7g	0%
Total Sugars 14.8g
Protein 38.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 224.5mg	0%
Iron 15.4mg	0%
Potassium 1728.3mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.2%

Protein: 14.0%

Carbs: 45.7%