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Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad Recipe

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3.8 from 1 review

A refreshing and nutritious Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad featuring fluffy quinoa, crunchy toasted nuts, crisp broccoli, sweet apple, and tangy feta cheese, all brought together with a zesty homemade dressing.

  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Quinoa

  • ½ cup dry quinoa
  • ¾ cup water
  • ¼ tsp sea salt (plus extra to taste)
  • ⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper (plus extra to taste)

Nuts

  • ⅓ cup toasted nuts (walnuts and almonds)

Salad

  • 3 cups chopped broccoli
  • 1 medium honeycrisp apple
  • ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese (or extra sharp white cheddar as substitute)

Dressing

  • 2 ½ TBSP extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 TBSP apple cider vinegar
  • 1 TBSP Dijon mustard
  • ½ TBSP honey

Other

  • 1 small lemon (juice for tossing apples)
  • Dried cranberries (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Quinoa: Rinse and drain quinoa using a mesh strainer. Lightly toast quinoa in a small pot over medium-high heat, stirring often to remove excess moisture and enhance nuttiness. Add water, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover with lid slightly ajar and simmer for 13 minutes until quinoa is fluffy and all liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork, season lightly with salt and pepper, then transfer to a large bowl and chill in the fridge for a few minutes.
  2. Toast the Nuts: While quinoa cooks, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add chopped walnuts and almonds and toast, stirring occasionally for 2-5 minutes until browned and fragrant. Transfer nuts to a plate to cool completely, allowing them to crisp.
  3. Make the Dressing: Combine extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey in a small mason jar. Secure lid tightly and shake well to emulsify the dressing.
  4. Prepare Salad Ingredients: Finely chop broccoli into small pieces. Dice the apple and toss with juice from one small lemon to prevent browning and add zing.
  5. Assemble the Salad: Add chopped broccoli, diced apple, and crumbled feta cheese to the chilled quinoa. Shake dressing again and pour over the salad. Mix thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly. Top with toasted nuts and optional dried cranberries. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Toasting quinoa before cooking enhances its nuttiness and improves texture.
  • Feel free to substitute feta with sharp white cheddar for a different flavor profile.
  • Adding dried cranberries gives a sweet, chewy contrast to the salad.
  • Tossing apple in lemon juice prevents browning and keeps it fresh-looking.
  • This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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