Broccoli-Cheddar Quinoa Salad
Recipe from Jamie Vespa MS, RD · original post · full recipe on dishingouthealth.com
Broccoli-Cheddar Quinoa Salad with apples, toasted almonds, and dates in Honey-Mustard Dressing. This easy quinoa salad is nutritious, filling, and perfect for make-ahead lunches.
Ingredients
- quinoa — rinsed170 g
- broccoli florets — finely chopped225 g
- Honeycrisp apple — diced1 ea
- sharp cheddar — grated or cubed55 g
- roasted salted almonds — coarsely chopped45 g
- pitted dates — finely chopped4 ea
- chopped fresh chives2 tbsp
- Dijon mustard2 tbsp
- apple cider vinegar — 2 tbsp40 ml
- honey — 1 tbsp28 g
- extra-virgin olive oil80 ml
- kosher salt — ¾ tsp; divided4.5 g
- black pepper0.25 tsp
Method
- Combine quinoa, 2 cups of water (or vegetable broth for extra flavor), and 1/2 tsp. salt in a medium pot. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce the heat. Simmer for 15 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Place broccoli in a large bowl and season with a good pinch of salt. Add hot quinoa and toss to combine; let sit for ~15 minutes. (The residual heat of the hot quinoa will help steam and slightly soften the broccoli.)
- Meanwhile, prepare Honey-Mustard Dressing by combining all ingredients in a glass jar or large glass measuring cup; shake or whisk well to combine. Taste and season with extra salt or black pepper, if needed, or an extra drizzle of honey if you prefer it sweeter.
- To the broccoli-quinoa mixture, add apples, cheese, almonds, dates, and chives. Pour dressing overtop and toss to combine.
Cooking for a different diet?
Swaps that keep this dish what it is. The prices on this page are for the recipe as written.
Vegan
Broccoli and Dairy-Free Cheddar Quinoa Salad
- 55 g Dairy-free cheddar instead of sharp cheddar
- 30 ml Maple syrup instead of honey
Nothing changes in the method; whisk the maple syrup into the dressing in place of the honey.
Dairy-free
Broccoli and Dairy-Free Cheddar Quinoa Salad
- 55 g Dairy-free cheddar instead of sharp cheddar
Nothing changes in the method; add the dairy-free cheddar where the cheese goes.
Swaps are suggestions — check labels if you are cooking for an allergy.
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Not priced
- quinoa · 170 g
- broccoli florets · 225 g
- Honeycrisp apple · 1 item
- sharp cheddar · 55 g
- roasted salted almonds · 45 g
- pitted dates · 4 items
- chopped fresh chives · 2 tbsp
- Dijon mustard · 2 tbsp
- apple cider vinegar · 40 ml
- honey · 28 g
- extra-virgin olive oil · 80 ml
- kosher salt · 4.5 g
- black pepper · 0.25 tsp