Hello and Happy day to you, my lovelies!
How’s your week going so far? I know everyone’s saying this… but MAY… whoa. How did we get here so fast? It’s wild.
Speaking of wild! Life has been insanely busy on this end lately.
Honestly, I love it that way. A full schedule helps keep my wacky brain in check, but also makes it kind of hard to keep my diet on track.
Just to be clear, when I say diet, I don’t mean like diet diet.
No-way. Not for me. No thanks.
My definition of diet is pretty plain and simple: eat some dang vegetables and fruit everyday. I do it because I love my body and it’s the kind thing to do.
I also do it because it’s damn delicious done right.
Since we’ve been go-go-go here all week, and it doesn’t look like that’s slowing down anytime soon, I made this quick and gorgeous salad for on-the-go meals that shine!
A meal this pretty, flavorful, and quick certainly deserves a seat at your table! So go on and welcome Spring with a sassy little salad.
Your body will totes love you for it.
Asparagus, Avocado, and Orange Quinoa Salad with Sesame – Mint Vinaigrette – Baker by Nature
Serves 4
Ingredients:
12 oz fresh asparagus, ends cut off and chopped into 2 inch pieces
1 large, ripe avocado, cut in half, pitted, and sliced thinly
2 oranges, sliced (blood oranges are gorgeous if you can still find them, if not any kind will work)
1 cup quinoa, rinsed well
Cook your quinoa according to package details. While the quinoa is cooking, prepare an ice bath for your asparagus and bring a pot of water to boil. Once water is at a rapid boil, toss in asparagus and cook for 2 minutes, then immediately transfer to the ice bath so it doesn’t over cook. Once quinoa and asparagus are cooked, combine them in a large serving bowl and toss with 3/4’s of the vinaigrette. Plate the salad and top with sliced avocado and orange. Add an additional tablespoon or so to the top of every salad, then serve immediately.
For the Vinaigrette:
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup red onion, chopped roughly
2 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
1 tablespoon raw honey
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup sesame oil
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
Pepper to taste
Place all ingredients in a blender and pulse until smooth. Pour 3/4 of the dressing over quinoa and toss well. Use the rest of the dressing to top the plated salads.
Sarah says
Oh my god, I am on the exact same diet. It’s working out pretty well!
Kelly @ Life made Sweeter says
Can’t believe it’s May already too! Wow, this salad looks absolutely delicious! Asparagus, avocado, quinoa with mint vinaigrette? Yes please! 🙂
Regina @ SpecialtyCakeCreations says
Woah…girly! You really have been busy here. So many new posts since I last checked in. Thats awesome and browsing around will keep me salivating all day long.
Love your definition of diet. You rock!
Cassie | Bake Your Day says
How did we get to May?! I can’t believe it. I love this salad, Ashley! Everything about it.
Nicole @ Young, Broke and Hungry says
This recipe came in the nick of time! I am trying to eat healthier and this salad looks bursting with flavor.
Eva @ Eva Bakes says
The colors in the salad are so vibrant! It’s almost too pretty to eat!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Happy you don’t just bake! Could this look any better?! Not. Thanks for the deliciousness 🙂
Anne ~ Uni Homemaker says
Such a pretty salad! 🙂 I love asparagus, avocado and blood orange. Yum!!!
Mr. & Mrs. P says
That sesame mint vinaigrette must be amazing… Sounds delicious!!!
Nora @ Buttercream Fanatic says
Holy smokes, you are really on a roll this week. This salad looks so fresh and healthy! And so bright and summery too! Exactly what we need (especially here in Chicago, where “spring” is loosely defined as “winter part deux”).