Description
A fresh and vibrant quinoa salad packed with crisp vegetables, briny olives, and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect as a healthy side or light main dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 cup broccoli, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup brussels sprouts, sliced thin (shaved)
- 1 cup carrots, peeled and grated
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 cup Persian cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half and quarters
- 1/4 cup red onion, peeled and sliced
- 2–3 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup pistachio nuts
- 1–1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons honey or pure maple syrup
- 2 small cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups water in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook on low for 15–20 minutes. Remove from heat, let sit for 20 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Cool completely and refrigerate until chilled.
- In a mason jar, combine Dijon mustard, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, garlic, oregano, basil, and olive oil. Seal tightly and shake well to combine.
- In a large bowl, add the chilled quinoa, broccoli, brussels sprouts, carrots, celery, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, green onions, olives, and pistachios. Toss to combine.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can substitute almonds or walnuts for pistachios.
- Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes before serving to enhance flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
