Asparagus Quinoa chicken salad

Howdy all!

It has almost been forever since I posted last, with finals and my clinical things have just be absolutely crazy. I have had to wonderful experience of a community kitchen, and have to say not the ideal place for a blog ready meal. With that said, today's meal/post is just that. I had some fresh asparagus and was going to make some quinoa, so I decided to make an epic quinoa salad. Very tasty indeed. I have been trying hard to eat healthy and not always succeeding. It is quite a battle when the unhealthy food is so much easier and so tasty. Healthy food takes more time, but more time is also more love and end results mean more and taste better.  

You need-
Asparagus
Olive oil
seasoning of your choice (I used Lawry's Mediterranean blend and garlic powder)
Quinoa- I used 2/3 cup (when uncooked) and twice the water.
1/2cube chicken stock (or beef or vegetable)
vegetables of your choice (I used carrots, radishes, and cucumber)
1 can of chicken meat (optional) well rinsed

 Start with putting the quinoa and I used a bullion cube into the pot on ~medium heat. Allow to come to a boil. Once boiling put the lid on and let simmer until the water is no more and the quinoa is translucent (aka able to see light through).

 Next, cut the ends off your asparagus and put in a pot with water. (I had to break mine in half to fit in a pot, I was limited with my pots and pans)

 Heat the asparagus until it is just softening and then remove and put in a pan with a drizzle of olive oil and your seasonings. Sautee/cook on medium heat until done to your liking.

 I also chopped up my veggies(obviously not pictured)and mixed the cooked quinoa, asparagus, canned chicken meat, and fresh veggies.

Nice and healthy. Side note- I recommend using broth when cooking quinoa but plain water will do fine. I just prefer the added flavor from the broth. I also don't always rinse my quinoa prior to use for the sole fact that I don't have anything to rinse with. I have made is rinsed and un-rinsed and don't really notice a difference between the two.

So there it is. It isn't hard to make, but the quinoa does take about 20 minutes give or take a few minutes. I hope you enjoy this recipe.

What is your favorite healthy meal to prepare?

Happy eatings,
Smashley