Description
Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that effortlessly combines fresh ingredients for a delightful burst of flavor. This salad features protein-packed quinoa, crisp broccoli, and sweet honeycrisp apples, making it an ideal choice for picnics, potlucks, or as a wholesome lunch option. With its balance of textures and flavors, this salad is not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare in just 15 minutes. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with grilled proteins, this recipe will surely impress your guests while keeping your meal light and refreshing.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup dry quinoa
- ¾ cup water
- 3 cups chopped broccoli
- 1 medium honeycrisp apple
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese (or extra sharp white cheddar)
- ⅓ cup toasted walnuts and almonds
- 2 ½ TBSP extra virgin olive oil
- 1 TBSP apple cider vinegar
- 1 TBSP dijon mustard
- ½ TBSP honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 13 minutes until the water is absorbed. Let sit covered for an additional 5 minutes before fluffing.
- While the quinoa cooks, chop broccoli into bite-sized pieces and dice the honeycrisp apple. Zest and juice the lemon.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
- In a large salad bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chopped broccoli, diced apple, nuts, cheese (or alternative), cranberries (if using), lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Serve immediately or chill for about 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg