Looking for a nutritious and flavorful meal that won’t weigh you down? This Broccoli Quinoa Salad is the perfect answer. It’s not just any salad; it’s a Packed Salad bursting with texture and taste, featuring the delightful combination of Broccoli and Quinoa. Plus, with under 250 calories per serving, it’s an ideal option for a Savory Lunch or a refreshing side dish.
What’s great about this Vegan Quinoa Salad is that it’s versatile and can be enjoyed any time of year. Toss in some seasonal veggies if you’re feeling adventurous! The Homemade Honey Mustard Dressing adds a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess that ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
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Healthy and Delicious Broccoli Quinoa Salad
This Broccoli Quinoa Salad is a nutritious choice, perfect for a light meal or a side dish. The combination of crunchy broccoli and fluffy quinoa results in a delightful mix of textures.
The salad is not only vibrant but also packed with essential nutrients, making it a fantastic option for a savory lunch. With the bright green broccoli florets and colorful cherry tomatoes, it’s visually appealing and satisfying.
Ingredients That Shine
The ingredients in this salad are carefully selected for both flavor and nutrition. Featuring steamed broccoli, cooked quinoa, and fresh vegetables, it offers a well-rounded meal.
The addition of a homemade honey mustard dressing provides a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, tying all the elements together beautifully. Each component complements the other, creating an enjoyable eating experience.
Preparation Made Easy
Preparing this salad is straightforward, making it accessible for anyone wanting to enjoy a wholesome dish. Start by cooking the quinoa, allowing it to cool before mixing it with other ingredients.
The broccoli is steamed until bright green, ensuring it retains its crunch. This method highlights the freshness of the ingredients, making each bite a delight.
Vegan-Friendly Options
This Broccoli Quinoa Salad can easily cater to various dietary preferences, including vegan choices. By substituting honey with maple syrup in the dressing, it remains suitable for those avoiding animal products.
Feel free to customize the salad by adding seasonal vegetables, ensuring a fresh and exciting meal every time!
Perfect for Any Occasion
The versatility of this salad makes it a great option for any gathering, whether it be a casual lunch or a more formal dinner. Its vibrant colors and flavors are sure to impress guests.
Serve it as a main dish or a side, and watch it disappear from the table. It’s a packed salad that not only tastes great but also nourishes the body.
Enjoying Your Salad
Once prepared, this salad can be enjoyed immediately or stored in the refrigerator for later. It maintains its flavor and texture, making it ideal for meal prep.
Garnish with fresh herbs before serving for an extra touch of flavor. Pair it with your favorite protein or enjoy it on its own for a light, refreshing meal.
Healthy and Delicious Broccoli Quinoa Salad
This Savory Quinoa dish is not only light but also packed with nutrients. The crunchy broccoli complements the fluffy quinoa, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. Drizzled with a zesty Homemade Honey Mustard Dressing, it’s a refreshing meal option that’s satisfying yet low in calories.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup corn (fresh or canned)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa under cold water before cooking. In a pot, combine 1 cup of quinoa with 2 cups of water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until fluffy. Let it cool.
- Steam the Broccoli: In a steamer basket over boiling water, steam the broccoli florets for about 4-5 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Set aside to cool.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled quinoa, steamed broccoli, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and corn. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired, and enjoy your Savory Broccoli Quinoa Salad!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 220kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
Table of Suitable Diets and Adjustments
| Diet | Explanation/Adjustments |
|---|---|
| Vegan | Suitable if honey is replaced with maple syrup as a sweetener. All other ingredients are plant-based. |
| Gluten-Free | Naturally gluten-free as quinoa is a gluten-free grain. Ensure that the Dijon mustard used is labeled gluten-free. |
| Vegetarian | Fully suitable for vegetarians as no animal products (other than optional honey) are included. |
| Paleo | Adjustments needed: Replace quinoa with riced cauliflower, omit corn, and use raw apple cider vinegar without additives. |
| Keto | Adjustments needed: Replace quinoa with riced cauliflower to lower carbohydrate content, omit corn, and reduce or replace cherry tomatoes. |
| Low-Calorie | Suitable as is due to low calorie content. For further reduction, use less olive oil or a low-calorie dressing alternative. |
| Dairy-Free | Completely suitable as the recipe contains no dairy products. |
| Nut-Free | Suitable as the recipe contains no nuts or nut-based ingredients. |
