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Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad Recipe

Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 29 reviews

A refreshing and nutritious Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad combining fluffy quinoa, crisp broccoli, sweet apples, toasted nuts, and tangy dressing for a perfect light meal or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Quinoa

  • ½ cup dry quinoa
  • ¾ cup water

Nuts

  • ⅓ cup toasted nuts (walnuts and almonds)

Produce

  • 3 cups chopped broccoli
  • 1 medium honeycrisp apple
  • 1 small lemon

Cheese

  • ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese (or extra sharp white cheddar as alternative)

Dressing

  • 2½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • ½ tablespoon honey
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt (plus extra to taste)
  • ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (plus extra to taste)

Other

  • Dried cranberries (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Quinoa: Rinse and drain the dry quinoa using a mesh strainer to remove any residue. Optionally, toast the quinoa lightly in a dry pot over medium-high heat to enhance nuttiness, stirring frequently. Add ¾ cup water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer covered (lid slightly ajar) for 13 minutes until fluffy and water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork, season lightly with salt and pepper, and chill in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
  2. Toast the Nuts: While quinoa cooks, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add chopped walnuts and almonds, toasting 2-5 minutes until fragrant and browned. Stir occasionally to avoid burning. Remove from heat and let cool on a plate to crisp up.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small mason jar, combine extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper. Seal the lid tightly and shake vigorously until the dressing emulsifies and thickens.
  4. Prepare the Salad: Finely chop the broccoli into small florets and dice the honeycrisp apple. Toss the apple pieces immediately with the juice of the small lemon to prevent browning. In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, chopped broccoli, diced apple, and crumbled feta cheese.
  5. Assemble and Serve: Shake the dressing again, then pour it over the salad ingredients. Toss thoroughly to coat evenly. Sprinkle the toasted nuts and dried cranberries on top for crunch and sweetness. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired before serving.

Notes

  • Toasting quinoa and nuts enhances flavor and crunch, but can be skipped if short on time.
  • Use extra sharp white cheddar cheese as a tasty alternative to feta for a different flavor profile.
  • Toss apple pieces in lemon juice immediately to prevent browning and preserve freshness.
  • Salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.
  • This salad stores well in the fridge for up to 2 days but is best fresh for maximum crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, quinoa salad, apple salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, gluten free salad

Find it online: https://freshrecipehub.com/broccoli-apple-quinoa-salad-recipe/