Name: Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Salad:; ½ cup dry quinoa; ¾ cup water; ⅓ cup toasted nuts (walnuts + almonds); 3 cups chopped broccoli; 1 medium honeycrisp apple; Juice of 1 small lemon; ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese; Dressing:; 2 ½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp dijon mustard; ½ tbsp honey; ¼ tsp sea salt (plus more to taste); ⅛ tsp black pepper (plus more to taste); Optional Add-Ins:; Dried cranberries; Extra sharp white cheddar (in place of feta)

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If you’re looking for a fresh, wholesome salad that feels just as good as it tastes, this Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad will absolutely hit the spot. It’s a colorful, nutrient-dense bowl that brings together crisp apples, crunchy toasted nuts, protein-rich quinoa, and a light honey mustard dressing that ties everything together beautifully.

Whether you’re prepping weekday lunches, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just trying to eat a little cleaner, this salad is the kind of recipe that delivers big flavor and even bigger feel-good vibes. It’s vegetarian, gluten-free, endlessly customizable, and works great either as a side or a light main course.

Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect texture: Crunchy broccoli, tender quinoa, juicy apple, and crispy nuts.
Healthy and filling: Full of fiber, plant-based protein, and healthy fats.
Simple ingredients: Nothing fancy—just fresh, clean, real food.
Make-ahead friendly: Stores well and tastes even better as it sits.
Customizable: Swap cheeses, add dried fruit, or change the dressing.

Ingredients

Tip: You can find a full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

½ cup dry quinoa
¾ cup water
⅓ cup toasted nuts (walnuts and almonds work well)
3 cups chopped broccoli
1 medium honeycrisp apple
Juice of 1 small lemon
⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese

Healthy Honey Mustard Dressing:

2 ½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp dijon mustard
½ tbsp honey
¼ tsp sea salt (plus more to taste)
⅛ tsp black pepper (plus more to taste)

Optional Add-Ins:

Dried cranberries
Extra sharp white cheddar (as a feta alternative)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
Rinse quinoa in a mesh strainer. Optional: Lightly toast it in a small pot over medium heat to bring out a nuttier flavor.

Add ¾ cup water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 13 minutes or until fluffy and liquid is absorbed.

Fluff with a fork, season lightly with salt and pepper, then chill in the fridge while prepping the rest.

Step 2: Toast the Nuts
While quinoa cooks, toast chopped nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–5 minutes, stirring often until golden and fragrant. Cool on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Dressing
Add all honey mustard dressing ingredients to a small mason jar. Seal and shake well until fully emulsified.

Step 4: Chop and Mix
Finely chop the broccoli and dice the apple. Toss the apple in fresh lemon juice to prevent browning.

Add broccoli, apple, and feta to the bowl with the cooled quinoa. Pour in the dressing and mix everything well.

Fold in toasted nuts just before serving for maximum crunch. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Variations

Vegan version: Skip the cheese or use plant-based feta.
Add sweetness: Toss in a handful of dried cranberries or raisins.
More protein: Add chickpeas or grilled chicken.
Different cheese: Swap feta with goat cheese or sharp cheddar.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper to the dressing.

Heating & Storage

To Store:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To Serve Later:
Add the nuts just before serving to keep them crunchy. The flavors meld even better on day two.

Not freezer-friendly: This salad is best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making.

FAQs

Do I need to cook the broccoli?

Nope! The broccoli is raw, which gives it crunch and freshness.

Can I use pre-cooked quinoa?

Yes, just measure about 1 ½ cups cooked quinoa to replace the ½ cup dry.

What kind of apple works best?

Honeycrisp is ideal for its balance of sweet and tart, but Fuji or Pink Lady also work well.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely. Omit the feta or use a vegan cheese alternative.

Is it okay to make this in advance?

Yes. In fact, it tastes even better the next day once the flavors marry.

How do I keep apples from browning?

Toss them in fresh lemon juice immediately after dicing.

Can I use store-bought dressing?

Sure, but homemade honey mustard gives this salad a fresh, tangy boost.

What’s the best nut combo?

Toasted walnuts and almonds are great, but pecans or cashews would work too.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes! Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, and there are no gluten ingredients.

What protein can I add?

Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or edamame are all great ways to boost protein.

Conclusion

This Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad is a celebration of textures and flavors—crunchy, creamy, tangy, and sweet all in one healthy bowl. It’s proof that salads can be hearty, exciting, and packed with good-for-you ingredients without ever feeling like a compromise. Whether you’re eating plant-based or just need a vibrant side dish, this one’s a keeper.