Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that brings together the freshness of vegetables and the sweetness of fruit. This salad is perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish at gatherings. It is packed with protein from quinoa, vitamins from broccoli, and healthy fats from nuts. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a great option for meal prep.
how to make Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 apple, diced
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds, chopped
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Rinse quinoa under cold water and cook it according to package instructions. Allow it to cool.
- Steam or blanch broccoli florets until bright green and tender-crisp, then cool them under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, broccoli, diced apple, toasted almonds, and pecans.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil; season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or store in the fridge for meal prep.
how to serve Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad
You can enjoy Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad as a main dish or a side. It pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or any protein of your choice. This salad is also a great option for potlucks or picnics. Just serve it chilled or at room temperature for the best taste.
how to store Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad
To store Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. If you plan to make it ahead of time, you can store the salad and the dressing separately to keep the ingredients fresh. Just mix them together when you’re ready to eat.
tips to make Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove bitterness.
- Use a variety of apples for added flavor, such as Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness.
- Toast almonds and pecans in a dry skillet for extra flavor.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, like bell peppers or carrots, for more color and crunch.
variation
You can add different ingredients to customize your salad. Consider adding feta cheese for a creamy texture or dried cranberries for extra sweetness. You can also substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan option.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the salad.
2. How do I make this salad vegan?
To make the salad vegan, simply replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
3. Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prep. Just store it in the fridge and enjoy it over the next few days.
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Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad
A delicious and nutritious salad combining the freshness of vegetables with the sweetness of fruit, perfect for meal prep or gatherings.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 apple, diced
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds, chopped
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water and cook according to package instructions. Allow to cool.
- Steam or blanch broccoli florets until bright green and tender-crisp, then cool under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, broccoli, diced apple, toasted almonds, and pecans.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil; season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or store in the fridge for meal prep.
Notes
Rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove bitterness. You can customize with different vegetables or nuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian