Quinoa Squash Broccoli Salad Recipe
A fresh, nutritious Quinoa Squash Broccoli Salad featuring fluffy quinoa combined with roasted or steamed squash and broccoli, tossed in a light, tangy dressing. Perfect as a healthy side or light meal packed with vitamins, fiber, and protein.
- Author: Lara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Grains
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
Vegetables
- 2 cups diced butternut squash (about 1 small squash)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While quinoa cooks, steam or roast the diced squash and broccoli florets until tender but still crisp, about 7-10 minutes steaming or 20 minutes roasting at 400°F (200°C).
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Combine Salad: In a large bowl, toss the cooked quinoa with the warm or cooled squash and broccoli. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Serve: Serve the salad warm or chilled as a nutritious meal or side dish.
Notes
- For added protein, sprinkle toasted nuts or seeds on top.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to enhance flavor.
- Roasting the vegetables adds a caramelized depth; steaming maintains vibrant color and nutrients.
- The salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- To make it vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
Keywords: quinoa salad, squash salad, broccoli salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, gluten free, plant based