Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad

If you’re looking for a fresh and vibrant dish that combines nutrition and taste, I’m excited to share my beloved Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad with you! This salad has become a staple in my kitchen, perfect for busy weeknights or when I want to impress friends at a family gathering. The crispness of the broccoli, the sweetness of the honeycrisp apple, and the nutty quinoa create a delightful harmony that keeps everyone coming back for more. Plus, it’s vegetarian and gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for all diets!

I think what makes this salad so special is its versatility. It’s not just a side dish; it can easily be a star on your dinner table. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this salad is ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: The combination of flavors appeals to both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep or potlucks, you can make it in advance and enjoy it later.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats, it’s a guilt-free treat.
• Delicious Flavor: The sweet-tart balance of apples with savory quinoa makes every bite delightful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to make this Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad shine! You might already have some of these items in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Salad

• ½ cup dry quinoa
• ¾ cup water
• ⅓ cup toasted nuts (I like using walnuts + almonds)
• 3 cups chopped broccoli
• 1 medium honeycrisp apple
• ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese or extra sharp white cheddar
• dried cranberries

For the Dressing

• 2 ½ TBSP extra virgin olive oil
• 1 TBSP apple cider vinegar
• 1 TBSP dijon mustard
• ½ TBSP honey
• ¼ tsp sea salt (plus extra to taste)
• ⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper (plus extra to taste)

Variations

This Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad is incredibly flexible! Feel free to play around with different ingredients based on what you have at home or your personal preferences. Here are some ideas:

• Add More Veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or shredded carrots for an extra crunch.
• Change Up the Nuts: Use pecans or sunflower seeds instead of walnuts and almonds for different flavors.
• Boost the Protein: Add chickpeas or edamame for an extra protein punch.
• Sweeten It Up: Mix in some diced pears or raisins if you prefer a sweeter touch.

How to Make Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad

Step 1: Cook the Quinoa

Start by rinsing your dry quinoa under cold water. This helps remove any bitterness. Then add it to a pot with ¾ cup of water. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 13 minutes until all the water is absorbed. Fluff it with a fork afterward! Cooking quinoa properly is key as it gives that lovely fluffy texture we all enjoy.

Step 2: Prepare Your Ingredients

While your quinoa is cooking, chop up the broccoli into bite-sized pieces and dice the honeycrisp apple. I love leaving the skin on for added nutrients and color! Toast your nuts lightly in a skillet over medium heat until they are golden brown—this enhances their flavor beautifully.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, honey, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined. This dressing adds zing and ties all the flavors together perfectly!

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large bowl, combine your cooked quinoa, chopped broccoli, diced apple, toasted nuts, dried cranberries (if using), and cheese. Pour over your dressing and mix everything gently but thoroughly. This step ensures that each bite is packed with flavor!

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

You can serve this salad immediately or let it chill in the fridge for about half an hour to allow those flavors to meld even further. Either way, you’re in for a delicious treat! Enjoy sharing this delightful Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad with family and friends—it’s bound to be loved by all!

Pro Tips for Making Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad

Creating the perfect Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad is all about balance and flavor, and these tips will help you nail it every time!

• Rinse your quinoa: This simple step removes any bitterness from the quinoa, allowing its natural nutty flavor to shine through.
• Toast your nuts: Toasting enhances the flavor of walnuts and almonds, giving your salad an extra crunch and depth that’s simply irresistible.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh broccoli and crisp honeycrisp apples add vibrant color and a refreshing taste, making your salad not only delicious but also visually appealing.
• Adjust the dressing: Feel free to tweak the acidity or sweetness of the dressing according to your taste. A little extra lemon juice or honey can make all the difference!
• Let it chill: Allowing the salad to sit for a bit in the fridge helps the flavors meld together beautifully. It’s like a little vacation for your ingredients!

How to Serve Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad

Serving your Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad can be just as fun as making it! With a few thoughtful touches, you can turn this healthy dish into a showstopper at any meal.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: Adding a sprinkle of parsley or cilantro brightens the dish and adds an aromatic touch.
• Sliced avocado: Creamy avocado not only elevates the flavor but also adds healthy fats, making each bite even more satisfying.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy chicken skewers seasoned with herbs pair perfectly with the freshness of this salad. They offer protein while keeping things light.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes bring a subtly sweet contrast to the crunchy salad. Simply toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting until golden.
• Cucumber Yogurt Dip: A cool dip made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs provides a refreshing complement to the salad’s robust flavors. It’s great for dipping veggies or pita chips!
• Quinoa Stuffed Peppers: For a heartier side option, consider stuffed bell peppers filled with quinoa, black beans, corn, and spices. They echo the flavors of this salad while adding additional textures.

By thinking outside the box when serving your Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad, you can create a delightful dining experience that satisfies both your palate and your guests’ appetites!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad is perfect for meal prep! It holds up well in the refrigerator, allowing you to enjoy its flavors throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the salad to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer the salad to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• If possible, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for optimal freshness.

Freezing

• This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze components separately.
• Cooked quinoa can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Broccoli can also be blanched and frozen for similar storage times.
• Avoid freezing dressed salad as the texture will be affected after thawing.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen quinoa in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat quinoa in a microwave-safe dish or on the stovetop with a splash of water until warm.
• Fresh broccoli can be lightly steamed if you prefer a warm salad.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad.

Can I make Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad keeps well in the fridge for several days, making it great for meal prep or quick lunches.

What can I use instead of feta cheese in Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad?

If you prefer an alternative, extra sharp white cheddar works beautifully. You could also try a vegan cheese substitute if you’d like a dairy-free option.

Is Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free since quinoa is a gluten-free grain.

Can I add other vegetables to my Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad?

Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or even some leafy greens for added nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad! It’s not only nutritious but also bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you’re prepping for busy weeknights or looking for a fresh side dish, this salad has got you covered. Enjoy every bite, and happy cooking!