This fresh Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad is a tasty mix of crunch and sweetness. It’s packed with healthy ingredients like vibrant broccoli, juicy apples, and protein-rich quinoa!
It’s a fun and colorful salad that makes you feel good…and who can resist a bit of crunch? I love adding a sprinkle of nuts on top for that extra crunch! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Quinoa: This grain is full of protein and fiber. If you’re out of quinoa, try using couscous, farro, or even brown rice as substitutes. Each will bring its unique flavor and texture!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives a nice crunch. If you’re not a fan, you can substitute it with cauliflower or even chopped bell peppers for a different taste.
Apples: Green apples add a tart flavor, but any crisp variety works well. You can also use pears or even berries if that’s what you have available.
Nuts: Almonds and cashews are fantastic, but feel free to use walnuts or sunflower seeds instead. This adds a great crunch and is perfect if you have nut allergies or preferences.
Dried Cranberries: These add a sweet hit! Use raisins or dried cherries if you like. Or, if you prefer no sweetness, you can skip them altogether!
How Do I Cook Quinoa Perfectly?
Cooking quinoa might seem tricky, but it’s simple once you get the hang of it! Rinsing it is important to remove the bitter saponin coating. Here’s how:
- Rinse quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer.
- Combine rinsed quinoa and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until fluffy.
- Fluff with a fork to keep it light and airy!
Get it right, and your quinoa will be perfect every time! Each grain should be separate. Trust me, it makes all the difference in your salad!
Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup quinoa (uncooked)
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces
- 1 medium apple (green or crisp variety), cored and diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or sun-dried tomatoes (as per image appearance)
- 1/3 cup almonds or cashews, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This wholesome salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus around 30 minutes to chill. Overall, you’re looking at about 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for prepping ahead for a picnic or a healthy lunch option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse the Quinoa:
Start by rinsing the quinoa under cold water. This step is super important! It helps remove the natural coating (called saponin) that can make quinoa taste bitter. Just run it under water in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear.
2. Cook the Quinoa:
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Turn the heat up to medium-high and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover it with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
3. Cool the Quinoa:
After cooking, remove the saucepan from heat, and fluff the quinoa with a fork. Let it cool to room temperature while you prepare the other ingredients.
4. Prepare the Veggies and Fruits:
While the quinoa is cooling, chop the broccoli into small bite-sized florets. Then, dice the apple into small cubes. Don’t forget to roughly chop the almonds or cashews as well!
5. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, chopped broccoli, diced apples, dried cranberries or sun-dried tomatoes, and the chopped nuts. Give it a gentle mix!
6. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper. This dressing will bring all the flavors together!
7. Toss and Chill:
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything gently to combine. It’s going to look beautiful! Then, cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing all those delightful flavors to meld together.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, take the salad out of the fridge. You can enjoy it cold or at room temperature! This salad is fresh, crunchy, and bursting with flavor—perfect for any occasion!
Enjoy your crunchy, sweet, and healthy Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the salad. You can also lightly steam the frozen broccoli for a few minutes if you prefer a softer texture.
How Long Does This Salad Last in the Fridge?
This Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad can last in the fridge for about 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Just give it a good toss before serving, as the ingredients may settle over time.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to personalize the salad with other ingredients like feta cheese, spinach, or even cooked chicken for extra protein. Just make sure to adjust the dressing if you add ingredients that release moisture!
Is There a Vegan Option for the Dressing?
Yes! The dressing is already vegan if you use maple syrup instead of honey. It adds a lovely sweetness without any animal products. Enjoy!
