Dinner

Broccoli-Cheddar Quinoa Salad Recipe

ByLila Prescott September 18, 2026September 18, 2026

Introduction

This Broccoli-Cheddar Quinoa Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Packed with fresh broccoli, sweet apples, sharp cheddar, and crunchy almonds, it’s tossed in a tangy honey-mustard dressing that ties everything together beautifully.

A close-up view of a broccoli quinoa salad in a white bowl, showing small, light beige quinoa grains spread evenly throughout. There are bright green broccoli florets scattered on top and mixed in, creating a fresh, vibrant texture. Small pieces of pale yellow cheese and reddish-brown chopped nuts are mixed in, adding chunky contrast. Tiny red dried fruit pieces are visible along with some white shredded cheese or coconut flakes sprinkled across. The salad has a textured and mixed look with natural colors and a fresh feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup dry quinoa, rinsed
1/2 tsp kosher salt

4 cups finely chopped broccoli florets (about 8 ounces)
1 cup diced Honeycrisp apple (or apple variety of choice)

1/2 cup grated or cubed sharp cheddar cheese
1/3 cup roasted, salted almonds, coarsely chopped

4 pitted dates, finely chopped
2 Tbsp chopped fresh chives
2 Tbsp Dijon mustard

2 Tbsp apple-cider vinegar
1 Tbsp honey
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 tsp each kosher salt and black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Combine the rinsed quinoa, 2 cups of water (or vegetable broth for extra flavor), and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt in a medium pot. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork.
Step 2: Place the chopped broccoli in a large bowl and season with a pinch of salt. Add the hot quinoa and toss to combine. Let this mixture sit for about 15 minutes; the heat from the quinoa will slightly soften the broccoli.

Step 3: While the quinoa and broccoli rest, prepare the dressing. Combine Dijon mustard, apple-cider vinegar, honey, olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a glass jar or measuring cup. Shake or whisk well until fully blended. Taste and adjust seasoning or sweetness as desired.
Step 4: Add the diced apples, cheddar cheese, chopped almonds, chopped dates, and fresh chives to the quinoa and broccoli mixture. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, cook quinoa in vegetable broth instead of water.

Swap almonds for toasted walnuts or pecans for a different crunch.
Use goat cheese or feta instead of cheddar for a tangier taste.
Add dried cranberries or raisins if you prefer a sweeter salad.

Let the salad chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.

Storage

Store the broccoli-cheddar quinoa salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the fresh apples and broccoli, the texture is best enjoyed within this time frame. Before serving leftovers, give it a gentle toss and let it come to room temperature or enjoy chilled.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a mixed quinoa salad showing small, round, pale beige quinoa grains as the base layer scattered throughout. Bright green broccoli florets and small cauliflower pieces are mixed in evenly, adding a fresh, textured contrast. There are small chunks of light pink apple pieces and dark red dried cranberries dotting the salad, along with slivered, reddish-brown almonds, adding a crunchy texture. Light off-white shredded cheese is sprinkled over the top, blending with the other ingredients. The salad is shown in a large white bowl placed on a white marbled surface, with a silver spoon partly visible among the layers. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, simply omit the cheddar cheese or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative to keep it vegan-friendly.

How can I prepare quinoa to avoid bitterness?

Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water before cooking to remove its natural bitter coating called saponin. This helps improve the flavor and overall taste of the salad.