Crispy Blueberry Grilled Cheese Recipe
A refreshing and nutritious Broccoli Apple Quinoa Salad combining fluffy quinoa, crunchy toasted nuts, crisp broccoli, and sweet-tart apples, all tossed in a tangy honey mustard dressing and topped with creamy feta cheese. Perfect as a light lunch or a vibrant side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad
- ½ cup dry quinoa
- ¾ cup water
- ⅓ cup toasted nuts (walnuts and almonds)
- 3 cups chopped broccoli
- 1 medium honeycrisp apple
- 1 small lemon
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
Healthy Honey Mustard Dressing
- 2 ½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- ½ tablespoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt plus extra to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus extra to taste
Optional Extras
- dried cranberries
- extra sharp white cheddar (in place of feta)
Instructions
- Cook the Quinoa: Rinse and drain the quinoa using a mesh strainer. Bring a small pot to medium-high heat and lightly toast the quinoa, stirring often, to enhance nuttiness. Add water, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and simmer covered with lid slightly ajar for 13 minutes until fluffy and liquid absorbed. Fluff with fork, season with salt and pepper, and cool in fridge.
- Toast the Nuts: While quinoa cooks, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add chopped walnuts and almonds, toast for 2-5 minutes until browned and fragrant, stirring occasionally. Remove and let cool completely for crunch.
- Make the Dressing: Combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, honey, sea salt, and black pepper in a small jar. Secure lid and shake vigorously to emulsify the dressing.
- Prepare Salad Ingredients: Finely chop broccoli into small pieces. Dice the apple and toss it immediately with the juice of one small lemon to prevent browning.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl with cooled quinoa, add chopped broccoli, lemon-dressed apple, and crumbled feta cheese. Pour the dressing over and mix well to combine all flavors.
- Finish and Serve: Toss the salad with toasted nuts for crunch. Add additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy a fresh, hearty salad.
Notes
- Toasting quinoa before cooking enhances its nuttiness and texture but is optional.
- Toasting nuts adds extra flavor and crunch; don't skip this step if possible.
- Lemon juice on the apple prevents browning and adds a fresh tartness.
- Use a mix of walnuts and almonds for best flavor in nuts, but other nuts work too.
- Feta cheese adds creaminess and saltiness; substitute with sharp white cheddar if preferred.
- Optional dried cranberries can be added for extra sweetness and texture.
Find it online: https://alinacooks.com/crispy-blueberry-grilled-cheese-recipe/
