Searching for a vibrant, nutrient-dense meal that satisfies your cravings without the guilt? This Asparagus Quinoa Salad with crispy beef is a masterpiece of textures and flavors, combining the earthiness of whole grains with the snap of fresh spring vegetables.
Asparagus Quinoa Salad with Crispy Beef
15 MIN
20 MIN
4 PERS
Ingredients
- • 1 cup uncooked quinoa (rinsed)
- • 2 cups beef broth (replaces alcohol/wine)
- • 1 lb. fresh asparagus (trimmed and cut)
- • 6 strips beef bacon (chopped)
- • 1 cup frozen peas (thawed)
- • 1/2 cup thinly sliced radishes
- • 1/4 cup fresh parsley and 2 tbsp mint
- • Dressing: 3 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tsp Dijon, 1 tsp honey, 1 minced garlic clove
Instructions
- 1 Boil broth, add quinoa, simmer for 15-18 mins, then fluff and cool.
- 2 Crisp the beef strips in a skillet until browned; drain on paper towels.
- 3 Sauté asparagus in the beef fat for 5-7 mins; add peas in the last 2 mins.
- 4 Whisk lemon juice, oil, garlic, mustard, and honey for the dressing.
- 5 Combine quinoa, veggies, radishes, and herbs in a large bowl.
- 6 Toss with dressing and top with the crispy beef just before serving.
Why the Asparagus Quinoa Salad is the Ultimate Superfood Meal
When it comes to balanced eating, the Asparagus Quinoa Salad stands in a league of its own. Quinoa, often referred to as a “supergrain,” is actually a seed that provides a complete protein profile, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. When paired with the fibrous, vitamin-rich asparagus, you create a meal that isn’t just filling, it’s functionally beneficial for your body. This particular version of the Asparagus Quinoa Salad elevates the experience by adding a savory, salty crunch through crispy beef, ensuring that even those who crave hearty meat dishes will find it satisfying.
To ensure the best texture for your salad, using the Cuisinart 8 Cup Food Processor is a game-changer for slicing the radishes and herbs uniformly. A well-constructed Asparagus Quinoa Salad relies on the harmony of its ingredients; having every bite contain a bit of crunch, a bit of zest, and a bit of grain is key. By focusing on fresh, high-quality produce, you ensure that the natural sweetness of the peas and the slight bitterness of the asparagus are perfectly balanced by the bright citrus dressing.
The Science of a Perfect Grain Base
Cooking quinoa can be intimidating for some, but it is the foundation of our Asparagus Quinoa Salad. Many recipes suggest using water, but to truly infuse flavor into the grains, we utilize a rich beef broth. Since we strictly avoid alcohol and wine in our cooking, the beef broth provides a deep, umami-rich undertone that mimics the complexity of more traditional gourmet reductions. The trick to a fluffy Asparagus Quinoa Salad is the ratio and the rest period. Using two parts liquid to one part grain ensures that the quinoa absorbs all the moisture without becoming mushy.
For those who meal prep, storing your cooked grains in Rubbermaid Brilliance Glass Storage containers is essential. These containers keep the quinoa fresh and prevent it from picking up other scents in the fridge, ensuring your Asparagus Quinoa Salad tastes as fresh on day three as it did on day one. Remember to fluff the quinoa thoroughly before mixing it with the other ingredients to prevent clumping.
Elevating Your Salad with Crispy Beef
Traditional salads often use pork-based bacon for a salty finish, but our Asparagus Quinoa Salad celebrates the richness of beef. By using beef bacon or thinly sliced sirloin, you achieve a level of depth that pork simply cannot match. The key to the perfect Asparagus Quinoa Salad is the contrast between the soft quinoa and the ultra-crispy beef bits. To achieve this without excess oil, you can utilize the Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer. It roasts the beef to a perfect crisp while allowing excess fat to drain away, making your Asparagus Quinoa Salad even healthier.
Sautéing the asparagus in the rendered beef fat is a secret technique that ties the whole dish together. It bridges the gap between the vegetable and the protein, making the Asparagus Quinoa Salad feel like a cohesive, chef-inspired dish rather than just a collection of ingredients. The asparagus should remain “al dente”, tender with a slight snap, providing a structural element that makes every forkful interesting.
An Alcohol-Free Dressing That Packs a Punch
Many salad dressings rely on white wine vinegar or wine reductions for acidity. However, for this Asparagus Quinoa Salad, we utilize the powerful zest of fresh lemons and the punch of Dijon mustard. This creates a bright, clean flavor profile that doesn’t mask the delicate taste of the asparagus. Using the Ninja BN751 Professional Plus DUO Blender to emulsify your dressing ensures a creamy, consistent texture that clings to every grain of quinoa.
The addition of honey or maple syrup is vital for the Asparagus Quinoa Salad dressing. It cuts through the acidity of the lemon and the sharpness of the garlic, creating a well-rounded sauce. When you toss the Asparagus Quinoa Salad, do so while the grains are slightly warm; they will absorb the dressing much better than cold grains, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
Long-Term Storage and Freshness
One of the biggest challenges with vegetable-heavy meals like the Asparagus Quinoa Salad is maintaining freshness. Asparagus can become soggy, and radishes can lose their snap. To keep your ingredients at peak quality, consider using the FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer Machine for your bulk-bought beef and vegetables. Keeping air away from your produce is the best way to ensure your Asparagus Quinoa Salad always features the crispest ingredients.
If you are planning to serve the Asparagus Quinoa Salad at a party or as a week-long meal prep, keep the crispy beef and the dressing separate. Only combine them at the moment of consumption. This prevents the beef from getting chewy and the quinoa from getting too saturated. The radishes should also be sliced fresh if possible to maintain that beautiful peppery bite that contrasts so well with the sweet peas.
Customizing Your Asparagus Quinoa Salad
While this recipe focuses on beef and asparagus, the Asparagus Quinoa Salad is incredibly versatile. You can swap the peas for edamame or add some toasted sunflower seeds for an extra layer of crunch. If you want a more Mediterranean flair, adding some sun-dried tomatoes (not stored in wine!) can add a burst of concentrated flavor. The Asparagus Quinoa Salad is a canvas for your culinary creativity, as long as you maintain the core balance of grain, green, and protein.
Can I use frozen asparagus for this salad?
While fresh is always preferred for the best texture in an Asparagus Quinoa Salad, you can use frozen asparagus if necessary. Just be sure to thaw it and pat it completely dry before sautéing to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
How long does the Asparagus Quinoa Salad last in the fridge?
When stored in an airtight container, the Asparagus Quinoa Salad will stay delicious for up to three days. However, the beef is best when added fresh to maintain its crispy texture.
What is the best type of quinoa to use?
For an Asparagus Quinoa Salad, white or tricolor quinoa works best. White quinoa is the fluffiest, while red and black quinoa offer a bit more chew and a nuttier flavor. A mix of all three provides a beautiful visual appeal.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
The beauty of the Asparagus Quinoa Salad is that it can be enjoyed both ways! It is fantastic warm right after the asparagus is sautéed, but it also makes a refreshing cold lunch the next day.
