This Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad is a vibrant, crunchy, and nutritious dish featuring fluffy quinoa, fresh broccoli, crisp apple, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a healthy honey mustard dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a wholesome side dish.
Total Time:33 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Ingredients
Quinoa and Salad
½ cup dry quinoa
¾ cup water
⅓ cup toasted nuts (walnuts and almonds)
3 cups chopped broccoli
1 medium honeycrisp apple
1 small lemon
⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
Healthy Honey Mustard Dressing
2 ½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
½ tablespoon honey
¼ teaspoon sea salt plus extra to taste
⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus extra to taste
Optional Extras
Dried cranberries
Extra sharp white cheddar cheese (in place of feta)
Instructions
Cook the Quinoa: Rinse and drain the quinoa using a mesh strainer. Toast the quinoa in a small pot over medium-high heat, stirring often, to enhance nuttiness. Add water, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and simmer covered with lid slightly ajar for 13 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Fluff with a fork, season lightly with salt and pepper, then transfer to a large bowl and chill in the fridge to cool.
Toast the Nuts: Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add chopped walnuts and almonds, toasting until browned and fragrant for about 2-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a plate to cool and crisp.
Make the Dressing: Combine extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, honey, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small mason jar. Secure lid and shake well to emulsify.
Prepare Salad Ingredients: Finely chop the broccoli. Dice the apple and toss with the juice of the small lemon to prevent browning.
Assemble the Salad: To the bowl with cooled quinoa, add chopped broccoli, diced apple, and crumbled feta cheese. Shake dressing again and pour over the salad. Mix thoroughly, then toss with toasted nuts. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Toasting the quinoa is optional but enhances its nuttiness and texture.
You can substitute walnuts and almonds with other nuts like pecans or cashews.
Use extra sharp white cheddar instead of feta cheese for a different flavor profile.
Add dried cranberries for extra sweetness and texture.
For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
Chilling the quinoa before assembling helps keep the salad fresh and crisp.
