Description
This Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad is a fresh, crunchy, and nutrient-packed dish featuring crisp broccoli, sweet apples, fluffy quinoa, and toasted nuts tossed in a tangy honey mustard dressing. Perfect for meal prep, light lunches, or a vibrant side dish, it’s healthy, satisfying, and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad:
- ½ cup dry quinoa
- ¾ cup water
- ⅓ cup toasted nuts (walnuts + almonds)
- 3 cups chopped broccoli
- 1 medium Honeycrisp apple, diced
- 1 small lemon (juice)
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
Healthy Honey Mustard Dressing:
- 2 ½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tbsp honey
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
Optional Extras:
- Dried cranberries
- Extra sharp white cheddar (instead of feta)
Instructions
- Cook the Quinoa:
Rinse quinoa using a fine mesh strainer. Optionally toast in a pot over medium heat for 1–2 minutes. Add water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 13 minutes. Fluff with a fork, season lightly, and let cool. - Toast the Nuts:
In a skillet over medium heat, toast chopped walnuts and almonds for 2–5 minutes until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool. - Prepare the Dressing:
Add olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper to a jar. Shake well until fully combined. - Assemble the Salad:
Finely chop broccoli and dice the apple. Toss apple with lemon juice. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, broccoli, apple, and feta. - Mix & Serve:
Pour dressing over the salad and mix well. Top with toasted nuts, adjust seasoning, and serve fresh or chilled.
Notes
- Chop broccoli into small pieces for the best texture.
- Let the salad chill for 20–30 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Swap feta with cheddar for a richer taste.
- Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Dressing can be made ahead and stored for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop + Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg