Green Love Quinoa Salad with Lemon Garlic Vinaigrette

Name: Green Love Quinoa Salad with Lemon Garlic Vinaigrette
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ teaspoon finely grated lemon zest ((plus extra for the finished salad)); 3 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 clove garlic, finely minced (preferably grated on a Microplane); ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard; ½ teaspoon agave nectar/maple syrup; sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste; ½ cup olive oil; 3 tablespoons pine nuts; ½ cup quinoa, rinsed and drained; 1 cup water; sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste; 250 grams asparagus, ends trimmed and diced into 1-inch pieces ((about 1½ cups diced asparagus)); 250 grams broccoli, diced into small florets ((about 3 cups diced broccoli)); 1½ tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon za'atar spice blend; ⅓ cup chopped fresh dill; ⅓ cup chopped fresh chives; ¼ cup crumbled vegan soft cheese, optional ((see notes))