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Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad

Bright and Crunchy Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad Recipe

This Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad is a vibrant, nutritious dish packed with fiber and flavor, perfect for a quick lunch or refreshing side.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 13 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup quinoa white, red, or tri-color
  • 2 cups water for cooking the quinoa
  • 2 cups chopped broccoli finely chopped for texture
  • 1 medium Honeycrisp apple or substitute with other apple varieties
  • 1 cup toasted nuts (walnuts & almonds) can substitute with pecans or pistachios
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese use sharp white cheddar or omit for a vegan option
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil base of the dressing
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar provides tanginess
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard adds a zesty kick
  • 1 tablespoon honey use maple syrup for a vegan alternative
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice helps prevent apples from browning
  • to taste sea salt & black pepper to enhance flavor
Optional Extras
  • dried cranberries for a sweet-tart contrast
  • additional nuts for extra crunch

Equipment

  • Medium Saucepan
  • skillet
  • Mason jar or small bowl
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. Toast in a medium saucepan with a drizzle of olive oil for 2 minutes. Add 2 cups of water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 13 minutes. Fluff with a fork and cool.
  2. Toast the mixed nuts in a skillet over medium heat for 2-5 minutes until golden and fragrant. Cool and chop roughly.
  3. Combine 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon honey in a jar. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Shake or whisk until emulsified.
  4. Finely chop 2 cups of broccoli and dice the Honeycrisp apple. Toss apple in 1 tablespoon lemon juice to prevent browning.
  5. In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, chopped broccoli, diced apple, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle dressing and toss to coat. Add toasted nuts, combining gently.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 7gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This salad is best enjoyed fresh. Store dressing separately to maintain crispness.

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