Introduction
Welcome to a delightful culinary adventure that celebrates the vibrant flavors of fresh produce! This Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad is a harmonious blend of crisp broccoli, sweet apples, and hearty quinoa, all brought together with a tangy dressing that will leave your taste buds dancing. Perfect for a light lunch, a side dish at dinner, or packed as a nutritious snack, this salad beautifully balances textures and colors while delivering a burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 large apple, diced (Honeycrisp or Fuji works wonderfully)
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup walnuts, chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions and Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth (or water). Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the liquid has been fully absorbed.
- After simmering, remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. This step allows the quinoa to steam and become fluffy. Fluff the quinoa with a fork once it is finished.
- While the quinoa is cooking, steam the broccoli florets until they are bright green and tender, approximately 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, steamed broccoli, diced apple, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, finely chopped red onion, and fresh parsley.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper until the dressing is well emulsified.
- Drizzle the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients. If you wish, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese for an extra creamy touch.
- Serve the salad immediately, or for the best flavor, chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes or Tips
This salad is fantastic for meal prep! Prepare it in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can modify the ingredients based on your preference – try adding in other nuts, seeds, or even grilled chicken for some added protein. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
Cooking Techniques
Steaming broccoli helps retain its bright color and crunch, making it a perfect addition to this refreshing salad. Rinsing quinoa is crucial to remove bitterness, so don’t skip this step! Fluffing the quinoa after cooking creates a light texture that won’t clump together, allowing every bite to be enjoyable.
FAQ
Can I use a different grain instead of quinoa?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in farro, barley, or even brown rice for a different twist.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free quinoa.
Can I omit the walnuts?
Certainly! You can replace walnuts with any other nut or seed of your choice, or leave them out altogether for a nut-free version.
Conclusion
This Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad is a delicious way to incorporate healthy ingredients into your meal rotation while satisfying your taste buds. The combination of crunchy vegetables and sweet fruits creates a refreshing side or main dish that everyone will love. Enjoy the burst of flavors, and don’t forget to share with friends and family—you might just inspire them to embrace healthy eating too!