Description
This broccoli apple quinoa salad is fresh, crunchy, and perfectly balanced. Fluffy quinoa, crisp apples, and crunchy broccoli are tossed in a light, zippy dressing that keeps everything tasting bright — even after a night in the fridge. It’s an easy, healthy lunch you’ll actually look forward to eating again.
Ingredients
For the salad
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1 cup uncooked white quinoa, rinsed
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2 cups fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped
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1 large crisp apple (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), diced
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¼ cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
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¼ cup chopped nuts or seeds (optional)
For the dressing
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar)
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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Cook the quinoa according to package instructions. Once cooked, spread it out on a plate or tray and let it cool completely.
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While the quinoa cools, chop the broccoli into small, bite-size pieces. If desired, blanch briefly for a softer bite, then cool and dry well.
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Dice the apple and immediately toss it with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
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Add the cooled quinoa and broccoli to the bowl and toss gently to coat.
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Fold in the apples (and onion or nuts if using) and mix carefully until evenly combined.
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Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Notes
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For best texture, always let the quinoa cool before mixing.
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Cut apples last to keep them crisp and fresh-looking.
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This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3–4 days in an airtight container.
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Add chickpeas, feta, or grilled chicken to turn it into a more filling meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 285 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg