My go-to quinoa seasoning turns the classic whole grain into an irresistible, flavorful side. It’s made with a few pantry staples and is endlessly versatile!
If you’ve ever thought quinoa was bland, think again! This is my go-to way to season it, and it’s absolutely irresistible when it comes to flavor. It’s the recipe that convinced my family to fall in love with quinoa!
With just a few simple ingredients, you can turn this humble grain into something crave-worthy. I’ll walk you through my classic seasoning method first, and then share some fun flavor variations you can try for other quinoa-based dishes.
5 Star Reader Review
“Followed this recipe exactly and it turned out so yummy and tasty! I’m hooked now, thank you!” – Melissa T.
My Favorite Seasoning Option
This whole grain has a naturally bitter and nutty flavor. With the right ingredients, though, you can easily flavor quinoa so that these bitter and nutty notes aren’t overpowering your palate.
Here’s what I use in my classic seasoning to make quinoa taste delicious:
Butter: The richness of butter offsets quinoa’s bitter taste and dryness nicely. For vegan, you can use coconut oil or olive oil.
Garlic powder: Garlic powder adds a nice savory note to quinoa, or use minced fresh garlic instead.
Dried oregano: Oregano adds a nuance of flavor and a Mediterranean flair.
Kosher salt: One of the biggest mistakes people make with quinoa is not adding enough salt! Add just enough so it tastes flavorful but not too salty.
Feta cheese crumbles (optional): Sprinkle savory feta cheese over the quinoa. It’s optional, but it helps take the depth of flavor up a notch.
Pro Tip: If it’s your first time making quinoa – or you just need a quick refresher on the best way to cook quinoa – check out my step-by-step guide here!
Add Some Herbs
Now that I have the base seasoning done, it’s time for some fresh herbs to add some bright, herbaceous flavor! Here are my favorite herbs to use:
Don’t skip the rinse. Quinoa has a natural coating called saponin that can taste bitter. A 30-second rinse through a fine mesh strainer makes a difference.
Use broth for extra flavor. Swapping the water for chicken or vegetable broth is a simple way to make deeper flavor. If you do this, use slightly less salt for seasoning.
Toast it first for a nuttier flavor. A few readers swear by toasting rinsed, dried quinoa in a dry pan for 2 to 3 minutes before adding liquid. I do it when I have time!
Season warm, not cold. Stir in your butter and herbs right after cooking while the quinoa is still hot. The aromatics absorb better into a warm grain than a cold one.
Easy Quinoa Flavor Variations
I use my classic seasoning combo to season quinoa the most. Still, it’s nice to change things up now and then, depending on the type of cuisine I’m making for weeknight dinners.
If you’re feeling a little adventurous, here are some fun flavor variations that I’ve found work great for this superfood:
Asian-inspired quinoa: Stir in a bit of soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and thinly sliced green onions.
Storage
Leftover seasoned quinoa keeps well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen it, or microwave in 30-second increments. It also freezes well for up to 3 months: portion it into freezer bags for easy weeknight use.
Dietary Notes
This quinoa recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is quinoa healthy?
Yes! Quinoa is packed with nutrients and offers a range of health benefits. It’s rich in several key nutrients, is gluten-free, and is higher in protein and fiber than many grains.
It also has a low glycemic index, which is great for helping stabilize blood sugar and energy levels.
While quinoa contains saponins (the primary source of its bitter taste), rinsing quinoa before cooking can remove them, making it a healthy, versatile grain to add to your diet.
Can I cook quinoa in a rice cooker?
Yes, you can! Follow your rice cooker’s instructions, but I generally use the same ratio of quinoa to liquid (1:2).
How do I store leftover cooked quinoa?
Leftover cooked quinoa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
What’s the difference between quinoa and rice?
Quinoa contains more nutrients than white and brown rice. While quinoa and rice can both be part of a balanced diet, quinoa definitely has the nutritional edge.
It’s higher in protein, fiber, and essential minerals like magnesium and iron. Plus, quinoa offers more essential amino acids, making it a more complete source of plant-based protein than rice.
My go-to seasoning blend turns quinoa into a flavorful, crave-worthyside dish. With a few pantry staples, you’ll have perfectly seasoned andfluffy quinoain no time!
Optional: ¼ cup finely chopped fresh herbs, like chives, basil, dill, oregano, thyme, cilantro, or Italian parsley, ¼ cup feta cheese crumbles
Instructions
Rinse the quinoausing afine mesh strainerto reduce some of the bitterness, then drain completely.
Place the quinoa in a saucepan with 1 ¾cups water*. Bring the water to a boil on thestovetop, then reduce the heat to low.*
Cover the pot and simmer where the water is just bubbling for about 15 to 17 minutes, until the water has been completely absorbed. (Check by pulling back the quinoa with a fork to see if water remains.)
Turn off the heat and let sit with the lid on to steam for 5 minutes, then fluff the quinoa with a fork.
Stir in the butter, dried oregano,garlic powder, and kosher salt. If usingfresh herbs, stir in the herbs (andfetacheese, if using). Taste and add additional salt if necessary.**
Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Notes
*You can also use chicken orvegetable brothinstead of the 2cups of waterthe recipe calls for. This allows the quinoa to absorb extra flavor — just be aware that you might not need to add as much salt if you substitute the water forveggieorchicken broth.
**Other seasoning options:
Mix the quinoa with ¼ cup of basil pesto or vegan pesto instead of the herbs
Stir in 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, herbes de Provence, Greek seasoning, Cajun seasoning, blackened seasoning, taco seasoning, or fajita seasoning
Stir in a bit of soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and thinly sliced green onions
Here’s what to do in the South of France! I traveled to the town of Cassis France on vacation with family and had the time of my life. Here’s a download of everything we did, plus a bit about our stops in Paris and London.
Alex and I we made the slightly crazy decision to take a trip to France with our kids (7 and 1 at the time) and wanted to find a beautiful beach town off the beaten path in the South of France. We became smitten with Cassis!
Cassis is an incredibly unique town near Marseille. It has beautiful beaches and cute winding streets, and is right next to Calanques National Park, a breathtaking area with miniature fjords with turquoise waters. As you may know, we’re obsessed with the Mediterranean diet: and the French Riviera (aka the Mediterranean coastline in France) was just the place to experience it firsthand!
I highly, highly recommend traveling to Cassis if you’re dreaming of the South of France! All the details what to do are below, as well as some notes on our trip to Paris with two kids in tow. I also included London because we made a brief stop there too.
This was a “just for fun” family vacation that ended up being a whole lot more: a big adventure and a creative inspiration for all four of us. There are so many things to share! We’ve included all the info we could think of below.
Cassis is an incredibly unique town in the South of France near Marseille. It happens to not only have beautiful beaches and cute winding streets: it’s also right next to Calanques National Park, a breathtaking natural area with miniature fjords with turquoise waters. It really does look just like a postcard! We were happy to find it wasn’t (yet) overrun with too many vacationers when we were there in early June.
Where we stayed
We stayed at this Airbnb with my sister and my dear friend and her family (8 people total). It had an incredible salt water pool and beautiful gardens with cypress and palm trees, as well as two separate main living areas. It was absolutely perfect and the kids swam every day. Each evening we’d grill dinner and eat on the patio overlooking the water and cliffs. It was perfect for vacationing if you’re with a large group and we’d highly recommend it.
What to do
Since the Paris part of our trip was pretty busy (we visited it first), we wanted to keep Cassis super relaxed. Here’s what we did:
Beach: Our house was near this beach, which a more secluded, private beach than the main Cassis beach. It’s rocky but absolutely perfect for kids, and there are a few bars where you can get a drink or ice cream (our favorites were a double caramel Magnum bar and the traditional Pastis drink, an anise flavored liqueur). Keep in mind that topless sunbathing is not out of the ordinary, so be ready for possible questions from kiddos on the cultural differences!
Pool: We used our pool every single day. It was so lovely! Highly recommend finding a place with a pool if possible.
Calanques National Park: Our house ended up being within walking distance to town, the beach, and Calanques National Park, which was absolutely ideal. It is incredibly beautiful and the fjords are simply magical against the turquoise water. There were 3 different Calanques that were within hiking distance from us. The two older kids (7 and 4) were able to hike to the second Calanque and look for shells and wildlife. Different groups of us took hikes over at different times of the day: sunset was especially magical!
Market: There is an amazing farmers’ market open on Wednesdays and Fridays in Cassis, and it’s full of incredible fruits and vegetables and huge displays of olives, spreads, cheeses, and meats. It’s definitely worth a visit. Most days we’d go to the market or grocery and get food for the evening’s dinner and then grill on our patio or make a big cheese board with meats, spreads, olives, and veggies.
There are lots of other great destinations that are great day trips from Cassis (it’s about a 1 hour drive from Marseille — to get there we took the train down from Paris and rented a car). Since we were with kids, we didn’t venture out too much since we wanted to keep things laid back. Next time!
What To Do in Paris
Paris is one incredible city. It is also massive, so much of what you end up doing is neighborhood-based. Here’s a bit about where we stayed and what we did! For this leg of the trip it was the four of us and my sister.
Where we stayed
We stayed at this Airbnb in the 3rd arrondissement, so most of what we did was within walking distance. We did take the subway quite a bit as well, for example to the Eiffel Tower and some dinners. Our trusty travel stroller that was perfect for long walks with a 1 year old (more on that below). We liked the Airbnb pretty well: the neighborhood was residential and not glamorous, but it was close to a lot of things and had a nice Parisian charm on the interior.
Bakeries in Paris
Our favorite thing to do was go to bakeries every day to sample treats! The best we came across were:
Boulangerie du Sentier: Probably our favorite bakery, and everything was vegetarian! A must-try was the kouign aman, a traditional ultra-rich buttery pastry from Brittany (we all agreed this was the best thing we ate while there). They also have amazing vegetarian sandwiches.
The French Bastards: Everything we got here was fantastic. Our favorite was the rose praline roule.
Maison Bergeron: This bakery is near the Eiffel Tower. The almond croissant is incredible and one of our top pastries of the trip (behind the kouign aman).
We loved going to random cafes: our favorite coffee to order was a noisette, or espresso with a little bit of frothed milk (the same as a macchiato).
Lunch in Paris
For lunch, often we ended up getting something from a bakery or cafe, or going back to our Airbnb to eat.
For dinner, it’s customary to make reservations so make sure to get them nailed down before you go!
We had a great romantic meal at the tiny but classic bistro Le Comptoir des Petits Champs (ask for the table by the window if you can). Then we walked to see the Eiffel Tower lights sparkle. The lights turn on for five minutes at the beginning of every hour, starting from nightfall, until 11:00 PM.
Things to do
Eiffel Tower: The best place to view it close up is Trocadero. But our favorite place ended up being at this little flower shop, L’Howea.
Photo shoot: We booked a professional photoshoot near the Eiffel Tower and it was totally worth it!
Notre Dame: It’s still under construction due to the fire in 2019, but it’s still great to visit. Larson watched The Hunchback of Notre Dame before we left to prepare, and it was one of his favorite spots!
The Louvre: Since we were with kids, we decided to do the Louvre but only for a few hours. We made 3 destinations: the Mona Lisa, the period apartments, and the Egyptian artifacts. It was just enough! Make sure to book timed tickets ahead of time to skip the line.
Climbing wall with Eiffel Tower view: For kids, there is a small climbing course on the Seine bank near Notre Dame with lovely views. Larson loved it! It’s the Mur d’escalade pour enfants.
Jardin du Palais Royal: The Tuileries was extremely crowded, so we loved the Jardin du Palais Royal for a little more relaxed feel.
Place des Vosges: The Place des Vosges is our favorite plaza where we love to soak up the beautiful fountains and gardens.
French Open: We got to go to the French Open while we were there, which was the experience of a lifetime! (We recently became tennis fans after watching the Netflix documentary Break Point!) If you ever have a chance to go, we highly recommend it.
Great Fosters in London
Adding this just for fun: we actually stayed just outside London for 2 nights in a magical Bridgerton-esque manor house called Great Fosters. Alex somehow found a much cheaper ticket out of Marseille back to Indianapolis via London, so we made a quick 2 day stop instead of flying straight back.
We stayed at this incredible manor house and gardens and still ended up ahead on ticket prices, so it felt like we were making money (ha!). We got a good deal on staying here because our dates seemed to be off-season.
What we did:Great Fosters feels like Bridgerton meets Downton Abbey meets Hogwarts. It’s a historic manor with extensive gardens and it felt like something out of a fairy tale. Here’s what we did:
Gardens: We ran around in the gardens for hours, playing tag in the hedges, walking near the moat, watching the geese and herons and playing in the rose gardens. It was totally magical.
Restaurants and bar: We had a great casual meal of perfectly crisp fish and chips and a bramble cocktail in the bar area. We also had a great sit-down dinner with the kids in the restaurant. If we weren’t with kids, we would have tried to hit up the Michelin-starred restaurant (next time).
Tennis, pool and hot tub: There was a tennis court onsite, so we played some tennis with the kids. Larson and I hit up the pool and hot tub, and ended up being the only people there (again, it was the off season!).
Tea: One of my favorite parts was doing a high tea with Larson, complete with a 3 tiered-tray of tea sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and pastries.
We skipped trying to get anywhere in London, though we hope to get back to the city someday. This country escape was just what we needed at the end of the trip!
Travel Essentials
Many of you readers have asked about travel tips, both with and without kids! Here are some of our must-have items and some tips for traveling with kids and jet lag:
Travel stroller: This travel stroller was the champion of the trip! It was super light weight and easy to collapse.
Camera: We are absolutely obsessed with this camera for taking next-level travel photos. We primarily used our 18mm and 27mm pancake lenses.
Travel cubes: These travel cubes were perfect for fitting all our stuff for 2 weeks into 3 suitcases.
Walking sandals: Many of you asked about my walking sandals from the photos — these are the most comfortable sandals I’ve ever worn and I’ve taken them on both of our last two Europe trips. They are Naot brand and designed for extensive walking (I prefer them to tennis shoes).
Travel steamer: This steamer worked great for getting out all the wrinkles in our clothes over the 2 weeks! It’s high quality and we’re now just going to use it as our regular steamer, too.
Outlet adapters: These adapters were a godsend for European travel.
Travel crib: We packed this travel crib which fits in half of a suitcase. However two of the three places we stayed already had cribs, so if you are traveling with kids you may not even need this!
Travel With Kids Tips
Bring extra adult or two
Our top advice for traveling with kids is to invite along an extra adult or two, like aunties, uncles, friends, or grandparents. We brought my sister and met up with dear family friends and their 4 year old, and it was crucial for having help with the kids.
We also took turns babysitting on different nights after bedtime to allow the other people to go out. If you can, this is clutch for traveling with kids!
How to manage the time zone adjustment
We were a little nervous about the time zone adjustment, but our kids did great! We were traveling from EST, so it was a 6 hour time difference to Paris.
For the flight there, we left in the evening EST, so we tried to all sleep as much as possible on the flight there since it was our “night”. (We used melatonin for our 7 year old.) The flight arrived in Paris at 9 am, so we stayed up all day and then went to bed at a normal time Paris time, which had us well adjusted by Day 2.
For the way back, we left around 2 pm London time and arrived at 9 pm EST, so we tried to stay awake for the entire 8 hour flight. Larson (our 7 year old) did great and just watched movies; Britta was very squirmy but did stay awake the entire time.
Then we crashed hard when we got home and they both slept through the entire night, making us right back on EST the first day we were back. We also used melatonin for Larson to adjust for the first 2 days back.
Tips for the plane ride
Honestly, the plane ride home was a little tricky with a 1 year old! She slept much of the way on the way there, but the way back was harder. We brought a small handful of toys and a sticker book (which held a little more attention since she could put stickers on herself and other people). Overall, she really didn’t want to sit still that long, but we powered through it!
Larson had a great time watching the plane movies and snacking: he was a complete breeze! There was a lot of preparation involved for explaining to him all the lines at passport control, customs, etc and transporting our suitcases between the destinations: he did really well but at the end of the trip we were all pretty exhausted!
Managing walking
We did a lot of walking on this trip, and our 7 year old handled it great! He couldn’t have done as well at 5 or 6, so we’re glad we waited until this age. We carted 1 year old Britta around in the travel stroller the entire time and she also did great: it was perfect for when she wanted to zone out for a bit too.
Planning activities:
Overall, when travelling with kids you have to make some sacrifices: you’re not going to be able to see or do all the things you’d do with an adults-only trip! It was nice because we had been to Paris before, so we didn’t feel like we were missing out.
In Cassis, we tried to keep things pretty laid back with pool, beach, hiking and cooking at home, which was a nice rhythm. We made sure to do a quiet / rest time each day during Britta’s nap (around 1:00-3:00 pm), which was a nice pace.
Overall thoughts on travel with kids
After experiencing this trip with kids, we’d absolutely recommend it but keep in mind: travel with young children is totally non-stop!
There was lots of managing bodily functions, changing diapers in weird places, preparing kids for lots of waiting during travel, adjusting expectations and daily rhythms, etc.
We are 1000% glad we did it! However, it does requires a lot of organization and energy. Next time I think we will be ready to try a longer trip away from them and go just the two of us! :)
What are we missing?! Let us know what other questions you have by replying to this email. Also, tell us where you’re thinking of traveling!
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Here’s how to make grilled tofu! It tastes irresistible when infused with smoky flavor and drenched in a sweet and savory marinade.
Tofu is one of my favorite plant-based proteins, so when the season rolls around—I’m all about grilling it! My favorite grilled tofu recipe is so satisfying, charred to perfection and brushed with a sweet and savory marinade.
Grilled meals can be harder when you’re eating plant-based: you can eat piles of grilled vegetables but you need a protein to stay full! Grilled tofu is a great healthy grilled dinner idea that’s full of plant-based protein. You might even convert meat eaters when they take a taste of this one—it’s absolutely delicious!
5 Star Reader Review
“So easy and delicious. I served it with grilled vegetables for a healthy meal. Next time, I may add some brown rice or couscous with the veggies. Leftover tofu will go into a salad and/or be eaten as a snack!” -Jan
Ingredients For Grilled Tofu
I love easy meals so for this grilled tofu, I kept things super basic. It’s got a zesty marinade with just a few ingredients that bring big flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
Extra-firm or firm tofu: Firm or extra firm is key; avoid packages marked soft or silken tofu. This is a soft version of tofu that is not intended for grilling. (Sometimes silken refers to soft tofu, but we’ve also seen a brand on the shelves called Silken. Just look for Firm or Extra Firm anywhere on the package!)
Mirin: Mirin is a type of Japanese rice wine. It brings a subtly sweet complexity that in this recipe that’s hard to replicate, so we recommend seeking it out. You should be able to find it in your local grocery near the soy sauce.
Rice vinegar: Rice vinegar adds an extra tang to the marinade.
Soy sauce: Use full sodium soy sauce for the best flavor, or substitute tamari for gluten-free.
Sesame oil or olive oil: Olive oil or standard sesame oil are our top choices here. Avoid toasted sesame oil since that is intended for flavoring in small quantities.
Sriracha hot sauce: Add a hint of hot sauce for a kick, if desired!
Flavor Variation
For Mediterranean-style flavors, I love using just soy sauce and olive oil, and a mix of garlic powder, onion powder and smoked paprika. This is great for when you’re using it to top a grilled salad or in a tofu sandwich. See the recipe below for quantities!
How To Grill Tofu (Step By Step)
You don’t need anything special for grilled tofu: you can just place it right on the grill grates! Here are the basic steps. For exact steps and quantities, go to the full recipe below.
Step 1: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (375 to 450°F). Slice the tofu in half slice lengthwise. Place in a large bowl and microwave 2 minutes. Drain excess liquid.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together mirin, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and olive oil. Cut each slab into 3 large slices, or 12 slices total. Brush all sides of the slices with the sauce and sprinkle with kosher salt.
Step 3: Place the tofu slabs onto the grill and cook 2 to 3 minutes per side, until lightly browned with grill marks, and the tofu releases from the grates. Remove from the grill. Transfer to a serving plate and brush on remaining sauce, pouring any leftover over the top.
Tip: No Need to Press The Tofu
Many recipes call for pressing tofu to remove extra liquid, which often takes about 1 hour. But Alex and I have developed a special quicker way to remove the liquid! Here’s what to do:
Cut the tofu in half and microwave it for 2 minutes.
Drain the liquid! Then you can proceed right to marinating and grilling!
Customizing The Flavors To Taste
Add a hint of hot sauce to this recipe if you’d like! The Sriracha hot sauce is just 1 teaspoon, so it adds complexity to the flavor without adding heat. If you love spicy food, you could always increase the Sriracha up to 1 tablespoon! But as written, this recipe is not spicy. You can also omit the Sriracha if you prefer.
Ways To Serve Grilled Tofu
Once you’ve got your grilled tofu, how to accessorize it? Alex and I like to serve it up with a big platter of vegetables! Here are our favorite grill recipes or vegetarian grill recipes to pair:
Leftover grilled tofu stores very well for 3 to 5 days in the fridge. To reheat, place in a skillet and heat over medium heat. I like adding leftover to a salad or grain bowl, like this tofu bowl, farro bowl, or fajita salad.
Dietary Notes
This grilled tofu recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Won’t tofu just fall apart on the grill?
Not if you prep it correctly! Pressing tofu removes excess moisture, allowing it to hold its shape and achieve a nice sear on the grill.
What’s the best way to marinate tofu for grilling?
Marinades are your friend! Use flavorful combinations with soy sauce, citrus juices, herbs, spices, or your favorite Asian-inspired sauces. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for deeper flavor.
My tofu isn’t getting crispy on the grill. What am I doing wrong?
Here are some tips for achieving grill-worthy crispness:
Medium high heat: Sear the tofu over medium high heat to create a crust.
Press the tofu: Pressing the tofu before grilling it is key to achieving a desirable texture.
How can I tell when my tofu is done grilling?
Look for a golden brown sear on both sides. There’s no need to measure with a digital read thermometer like with meat or fish.
What are some delicious ways to serve grilled tofu?
The possibilities are endless! Here are some ideas: Veggie skewers: Add grilled mango and veggie skewers or grilled veggie kabobs.
Tofu salad: Top your salad with grilled tofu slices for a protein and flavor boost. Tofu tacos: Marinate and grill tofu for flavorful and protein-packed tacos. (Cut into smaller pieces after grilling.)
Remove the tofu from the package and drain the liquid. Cut each tofu package into half lengthwise and place it in a large bowl. Microwave it on high for 2 minutes; this helps to extract liquid. Drain off excess liquid released in the microwave.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mirin, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and olive oil.
Cut each slab into 3 large slices, or 12 slices total. Brush all sides of the slices with the sauce (reserving the remainder for after grilling), and sprinkle generously with kosher salt. Allow to marinate while you preheat the grill.
Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (375 to 450°F).
When the grill is ready, place the tofu slabs onto the grill and cook 2 to 3 minutes per side, until lightly browned with grill marks, and the tofu releases from the grates. Remove from the grill. Transfer to a serving plate and brush on remaining sauce, pouring any leftover over the top. Taste and if necessary, add a few more pinches kosher salt.
Notes
*Do not use soft or silken tofu! This type will not hold up on the grill.
Flavor variation: For Mediterranean-style flavors, use the following as a marinade: 6 Tbsp soy sauce, ¼ cup olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1 tsp smoked paprika.
This shaved asparagus salad makes raw asparagus into mild, refreshing ribbons tossed with a bright lemon vinaigrette and Parmesan. It’s a stunning, no-cook side dish ready in 15 minutes!
Ever tried asparagus raw? The first time I did, I was a little wary. Would it taste bitter, like cooked asparagus often does? Oddly enough: it was the exact opposite! Raw and shaved into thin ribbons with a vegetable peeler, asparagus has a mild flavor: fresh and almost sweet.
If you’re trying to convince an asparagus hater to try this healthy vegetable: this is your gateway! Drizzled in a lemon vinaigrette topped with Parmesan, this shaved asparagus salad is begging to get on your table.
Tip On Asparagus Size
To make this recipe, it’s easiest to use large asparagus spears. Now, typically Alex and I would tell you to get thin, tender asparagus spears. The flavor tastes milder, and they’re the best for most recipes, like roasted asparagus or lemon asparagus pasta.
Thin spears have such thin ribbons, they’re almost impossible to shave off with a peeler. They break easily and they look sad on the plate. However, Alex did figure out a way to peel smaller spears: in a bunch! See my Shaved Asparagus Salad video on Instagram (or Tiktok) for more.
How to Make Shaved Asparagus Salad
The hardest part of a shaved asparagus salad is—you guessed it!—shaving the asparagus! It will take a little practice to get comfortable. But here’s my method:
Place the asparagus spear on a cutting board. Nope, don’t hold it in the air! It bends under the weight of a peeler. Instead, place it on a cutting board.
Shave from the tip to the base. With a vegetable peeler, shave each spear from the from from the tip to the base. This is important, because otherwise the asparagus can break off. It takes a little practice, but is easy once you get the hang of it! Special note: If you have very thin spears, shave them in a bunch like in my Shaved Asparagus Salad video.
Pat dry to remove moisture. Place the shavings in a bowl. Because the raw asparagus carries a lot of moisture, then pat them dry to remove extra water.
Use the discarded asparagus! The shaving method for asparagus ends up with a large “discard” pile. A lot of half shaved pieces will remain. Use them for a stir fry or saute them up! They’re not pretty, but they taste great.
Add the dressing and Pramesan: Now you’ve got a big bowl of shaved asparagus, all you have to do is whisk up lemony vinaigrette, and the tangy flavor was just perfect. The best part is adding Parmesan cheese: it takes it to another level. But it’s very tasty without, if you’d like to go totally plant based.
Variations & Adders
You can add many different things to a shaved asparagus salad! I recently made a social media video for this salad and I added thinly sliced radishes and sprinkled everything with sumac (below is a photo I snapped on my phone).
A note on leftovers: they taste even better! As the salad sits in the refrigerator, the flavors meld together and get a bit stronger. If you’re serving to guests, we recommend serving immediately since the asparagus can pick up water as it sits. Leftovers aren’t the prettiest: but they’re extremely tasty!
Dietary Notes
This shaved asparagus salad recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free. For vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free, omit the cheese.
Make the shavings: Lay asparagus spears on a flat surface. With a vegetable peeler, shave each spear from the tip to the base (discard the outer peel). It takes a little practice, but it’s easy once you get the hang of it! Place the shavings in a bowl, and pat them dry to remove extra water. (You’ll have a lot of discarded pieces: you can save these and use them in a stir fry.) Special note: If you have very thin spears, shave them in a bunch like in my Shaved Asparagus Salad video.
Make the vinaigrette: In a medium bowl, add the lemon juice. Then gradually whisk in the olive oil, 1 tablespoon at a time.
Serve: Toss the vinaigrette with the asparagus shavings, Parmesan shavings, kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper. Top with lemon zest (here’s how to zest it!) and a few pinches of red pepper flakes. Taste, and add additional seasonings if desired.
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