Asparagus, halloumi, zucchini ribbon & quinoa salad

I love that we are fast approaching that fabulous time of year when both asparagus and zucchini are in season. They are both fantastic in salads. I've partnered them here with salty, pan-fried halloumi and lots of fresh mint. Brilliant as a lunch salad or as a side to BBQ feasts

We’re heading into a long weekend here in NZ and I couldn’t be happier. I’m going to get into my garden and sort out all my summer vegetables.

Happy cooking. Kelly xo

Asparagus, zucchini ribbon, halloumi & quinoa salad.

Serves 4

3/4 cup white quinoa (I always use Ceres Organics)

1 1/2 cups vegetable stock

2 bunches thin asparagus - trimmed of their woody end 

2 medium zucchini

Large handful fresh mint - roughly chopped

120g halloumi cheese

Oli for frying

Sea salt and cracked black pepper

Dressing

60ml Extra Virgin olive oil

Juice of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon wholegrain mustard

1 garlic clove - finely diced

1 teaspoon sugar (any variety)

To serve: additional fresh mint leaves

Place the quinoa and stock in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook, with the lid slightly ajar, for 15 minutes. All the liquid should be absorbed. Remove from the heat and place the lid on tightly for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Set aside to cool completely before using in the salad.

Bring another saucepan of water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook for 2 minutes before draining and cooling rapidly under cold water. This will keep the asparagus crisp and bright green. Lay on a tea towel to remove the excess liquid.

Use a vegetable peeler to create ribbons with the zucchini. Work your way around the outside of the vegetable, stoping when you reach the seedy core.

Place all the dressing ingredients into a jar and shake well to combine. Season to taste.

Wait until you are ready to serve before cooking the cheese. It is best when piping hot. Cut the cheese into 1cm slices. Heat a sauté pan over a medium high heat and add a generous glug of oil. Cook the cheese for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Slice each piece diagonally when cooked.

To assemble: Toss the quinoa, zucchini, asparagus and mint together in a large bowl. Add 1/2 the dressing just before serving, along with sea salt and cracked black pepper. Mix through. Spoon onto a large platter. Drizzle with additional dressing as desired. Top with the hot halloumi and extra fresh mint leaves to garnish. A generous grind of cracked black pepper looks nice on top.