Warm Quinoa and Roasted Broccoli Salad (Printable Version)
Nutty quinoa meets caramelized roasted broccoli in a vibrant bowl topped with zesty lemon-tahini dressing and crunchy almonds.
# Ingredient List:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets
02 - 1 small red onion, sliced
03 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
04 - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
05 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Grains
06 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
07 - 2 cups water
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Dressing
09 - 3 tablespoons tahini
10 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
11 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
12 - 1 tablespoon warm water, plus more as needed
13 - 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
14 - Pinch of salt
→ Add-Ins & Garnishes
15 - 1/4 cup toasted almonds, chopped
16 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
17 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
18 - Zest of 1 lemon
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Toss broccoli florets and sliced red onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on the baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and tender.
03 - Bring 2 cups water and 1/4 teaspoon salt to a boil in a saucepan. Add quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
04 - Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup (or honey), minced garlic, pinch of salt, and warm water in a small bowl. Add more water, a teaspoon at a time, until smooth and pourable.
05 - In a large bowl, combine the warm quinoa, roasted broccoli and onions, and half the almonds and parsley. Drizzle with the lemon-tahini dressing and toss gently to combine.
06 - Serve warm or at room temperature, topped with remaining almonds, parsley, lemon zest, and feta cheese if using.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The roasted broccoli develops these irresistible crispy edges that make you forget youre eating something so good for you
- This salad keeps beautifully for days, actually tasting better as the flavors meld together
02 -
- Letting the quinoa steam for those 5 minutes off the heat is crucial for perfect texture
- The tahini dressing might look thick at first, but keep whisking and it will emulsify beautifully
03 -
- Toasting the almonds in a dry skillet for just 2 minutes makes them exponentially more flavorful
- Adding the lemon zest at the very end preserves its volatile oils and brightest flavor