You will be surprised at how much flavor toasted cumin seeds add to this salad. If you find leeks to be on the stronger side with an edgy bite to it,  you can use garlic instead in this hearty and healthy salad.

Sugar Snap Peas, Leeks & Asparagus Cumin Quinoa Salad
with Lemon Herb Dressing:
makes 6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• Sugar Snap Peas roughly cut. 10oz or 2 cups
• 2 cups finely chopped asparagus
• 1 stalk leek, greens removed and white part thinly sliced. Or 1 small onion finely chopped.
• 2 garlic cloves finely chopped for the snap peas and asparagus.
• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 4 stalks cilantro finely chopped. You can also use basil or parsley instead.
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• Salt & pepper
• Olive oil
• Ingredients for Lemon Herb Dressing: 
  • Juice of 2 lemon
  • 6 mint leaves finely chopped
  • 1 tsp herbs like fresh thyme or oregano.
  • 1-2 tsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper
  • 4 tbsp olive oil

Directions:

• Cook quinoa and set aside.
• Place chopped asparagus, sugar snap peas and 2 cloves crushed garlic on a cookie sheet. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and toss around.  Broil in oven for 5 minutes until vegetables a slightly charred.  Set aside.
• Make Lemon Herb dressing. Set aside. Lemon Herb Dressing
• In a pan heat 1 tbsp oil and toast the cumin seeds until slightly brown and cumin aroma is released. Add cut leeks or onions and sauté until tender and translucent. Add cooked quinoa to cumin mixture and toss.
• Make the salad: Toss together quinoa, broiled sugar snap peas and asparagus, and lemon herb dressing.
• Serve at room temperature with cilantro or parsley/basil garnish.