Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad
Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad is a colorful and nutritious dish that combines healthy ingredients into a tasty meal. This salad is perfect as a side dish or a light meal. It is not only refreshing but also packed with proteins, fibers, and vitamins, making it a great choice for everyone.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the goodness of fruits and vegetables. Quinoa is a super grain full of protein, while broccoli adds crunch and health benefits. The apple brings a sweet twist, and the dried cranberries add a lovely burst of flavor. With its simple preparation, this salad is also great for meal prep and can be a hit at gatherings, picnics, or lunch boxes.
How to Make Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, cooked and cooled
- 2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped
- 1 crisp apple (like Honeycrisp or Fuji), diced
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine quinoa, chopped broccoli, apple, cranberries, walnuts, red onion, and feta if using.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
- Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
- Serve cold or at room temperature for a refreshing crunch.
How to Serve Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad
You can serve this salad as a side dish alongside grilled meats or as a main dish for a light lunch. It looks beautiful on a plate and tastes even better. Add some extra feta or nuts on top for an appealing touch.
How to Store Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. If the salad looks dry after a couple of days, just drizzle a little olive oil or lemon juice to refresh it.
Tips to Make Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad
- Make sure to rinse quinoa before cooking to remove the bitter coating.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra color and nutrients.
- If you enjoy spicy flavors, consider adding some red pepper flakes to the dressing.
Variation
You can create different variations by changing the fruits or nuts. Try using pears instead of apples or sunflower seeds instead of walnuts for a different taste. You can also skip the feta cheese for a dairy-free option.
FAQs
1. Can I prepare the salad a day in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good mix before serving.
2. Can I use another grain instead of quinoa?
Absolutely! You can use couscous, brown rice, or farro as a substitute for quinoa.
3. Is this salad suitable for vegans?
Yes! Just skip the feta cheese and use maple syrup as the sweetener for a fully vegan option.
