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January 20, 2021 By Kylie - Curated Life Studio 7 Comments

Easy Broccoli & Quinoa Salad with Peanut Dressing (Gluten Free, Vegan)

Filled with fresh, bright and nutritious vegetables, sunflower seeds and a healthy peanut dressing, this Broccoli Salad with Peanut Dressing is like eating sunshine on a plate. 

Birds eye view looking at two plates overfilling with Broccoli & Quinoa Salad with a drizzle of Peanut Dressing. 

#broccoli #salad #healthy #easy #dressing #vegan #creamy #raisins #best #vegetarian #gluten-free #quinoa #simple

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3
Why You’ll Love This Recipe Nutritional Information Recipe FAQ & Tips
     
Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6
Salad Dressing Options Similar Recipes  Jump to Recipe

 
Summer is well and truly here in Australia! With the scorching days, balmy nights and celebrations with friends, I’m all for effortless, light and revitalising meals!
 
For this reason, I’m so grateful that we start the new year in summer. Eating healthier is easy when we have an abundance of beautiful fresh produce. My “go-to” is a simple no-fuss salad, prepared using fresh market produce, put together in matter of minutes.
 
I recently created this delicious Broccoli and Quinoa Salad and it’s become a regular favourite at our table. It’s been perfect for lunches, picnics and BBQ’s with friends. I especially love how easy the recipe is to adapt for a crowd.
 
The highlight for me though, is that nobody will miss out. Being gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan ensures that all the fussiest of bellies will be well-fed and looked after.
 
Fluffy quinoa, crunchy broccoli and lightly toasted sunflower seeds, this salad tastes like summer on a plate and I am sure you will love it as much as we do!
 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Using one pot and a steamer (or stainless steel sieve), this recipe is cooked and served in under 20 minutes.

  • Perfect served hot or cold, this salad is versatile for either summer or winter.

  • Ingredients such as broccoli, red cabbage, oranges and quinoa make this recipe not only delicious but also nourishing for the body. 

  • Dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan and low carb – this recipe caters for most dietary requirements, while keeping you full.

Pale blue counter with the ingredients splayed on the counter. Bright broccoli, spring onions, avocado, quinoa, cabbage and sunflower seeds.

Is Broccoli Salad Healthy?

Filled with an abundant amount of fresh vegetables, seeds and whole grains, broccoli salad is a powerhouse of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Some of my favourite ingredients are:

QUINOA | Easy to cook, versatile and highly nutritious, the Incas rightfully classified quinoa a gift from the gods. While quinoa is technically a seed, it’s gluten-free, high in iron and a complete protein, making it perfect for people consuming a plant-based whole-food diet. What makes quinoa unique however, is that compared to many of the other grains and seeds, it provides higher amounts of vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, iron, fibre and zinc. 

BROCCOLI | Being high in fibre, Broccoli not only lowers cholesterol levels, but it is also known to help prevent various diseases such as cancer and heart disease. While broccoli provides a small amount of almost every nutrient you need, it contains notable amounts of vitamin c, an important antioxidant to maintain your immunity, and iron. 1

RED CABBAGE | Red cabbage is a nutrient dense vegetable known to lower gut inflammation, it contains cancer-fighting properties thought to reduce the risk of colon cancer, and compounds which promotes a healthy heart. 2


  1. Bjarnadottir, MS, RDN, A., 2021. Broccoli 101: Nutrition Facts And Health Benefits. [online] Healthline. Available at: www.healthline.com (Accessed 17 January 2021).

  2. Petre, MS, RD (NL), A., 2021. 8 Impressive Benefits Of Purple Cabbage. [online] Healthline. Available at: www.healthline.com (Accessed 17 January 2021).

The pale blue background, white linen napkins and light-filled table are reminiscent of summer. In front of you sits a plate of a fresh Broccoli Salad with a drizzle of Peanut Dressing. Sunflower seeds scatter the table.

Broccoli Salad Ingredients:

  • QUINOA – An ancient and highly nutritious grain with a slight nutty flavour. Can be substituted for millet, or cauliflower ‘rice’.

  • BROCCOLI – From the same family of kale and Brussels sprouts, broccoli is a highly nutritious vegetable. The stalks contain many important minerals and vitamins so be sure to include them in your recipe. 

  • SPRING ONIONS – Fresh, crisp and tender, spring onions taste like spring and are less pungent compared to typical brown onions, making them perfect for eating raw in salads. 

  • RED CABBAGE – Earthy in flavour, not only is red cabbage incredibly good for you, it adds a delightful crunchy texture to the recipe. 

  • AVOCADO – While the avocado is optional based on seasonal availability, its earthy, fresh and buttery texture that includes an addictive creaminess. You’ll wonder why you didn’t include more.

  • GOLDEN RAISINS – Bright and bursting with sweetness, the raisins pair perfectly with this salad. 

  • SUNFLOWER SEEDS – Mild nutty flavours with a slight crunchy texture, adding these seeds will include a little sunshine to your dish that can’t be missed.

Recipe FAQ & Tips:

How Long Will Broccoli Salad Last In The Fridge?

While broccoli salad can be made a day or two ahead, its best eaten within 3 to 4 days of being prepared. While the ingredients don’t go off, broccoli and cabbage taste best fresh while they’re still crisp and bright!

Is Broccoli Salad Gluten-Free?

While dinning in restaurants or at a friends house, practice caution and enquire about the ingredients or products used. If you’re unsure if a product or dressing contains gluten, it’s best to read the ingredients list or enquire with the manufacturer to ensure it aligns with your dietary requirements. 

If you’re preparing broccoli salad from scratch, the recipe can be adapted to “gluten-free” by ensuring you used gluten-free ingredients.

I have a peanut allergy, how can I make the satay dressing peanut-free?

Prepare the recipe as per the instructions and substitute the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter. Or, as an alternative, try another salad dressing.


Birds eye view looking at two plates overfilling with Broccoli & Quinoa Salad with a drizzle of Peanut Dressing. 

#broccoli #salad #healthy #easy #dressing #vegan #creamy #raisins #best #vegetarian #gluten-free #quinoa #simple

What Dressing Goes on Broccoli Salad?

Mixing it up and changing the Salad Dressing will completely transform the taste and feel of your dish! 

Make the recipe your own by trying:

  • Broccoli Salad with Orange & Peanut Dressing (recipe, below).

  • Broccoli Salad with a Lemon Tahini Dressing.

  • Broccoli Salad with a Zesty Italian Dressing.
    (Combine – 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp red wine, 1 tsp or dried oregano, 1 garlic clove, minced). 

Similar Summer Salads To Try:

  • Spring Quinoa & Asparagus Salad with Almond Dukkah 

  • Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Lime Cilantro Dressing

  • Quinoa Sweet Potato Salad with Feta 

A half cut orange and juicer covered in pulp stand beside a tall jar of peanut butter. These ingredients along with some delicious homemade miso paste will create a creamy Peanut Dressing, perfect for most salads.

Birds eye view looking at two plates overfilling with Broccoli & Quinoa Salad with a drizzle of Peanut Dressing. 

#broccoli #salad #healthy #easy #dressing #vegan #creamy #raisins #best #vegetarian #gluten-free #quinoa #simple
Birds eye view looking at two plates overfilling with Broccoli & Quinoa Salad with a drizzle of Peanut Dressing. 

#broccoli #salad #healthy #easy #dressing #vegan #creamy #raisins #best #vegetarian #gluten-free #quinoa #simple

Broccoli & Quinoa Salad with Orange Peanut Dressing

Filled with fresh, bright and nutritious vegetables, sunflower seeds and a healthy peanut dressing, this Broccoli Salad with Peanut Dressing is like eating sunshine on a plate. 
5 from 11 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

Broccoli Salad Ingredients

  • 4 cups (1 litre) filtered water
  • 1 cup tri-coloured quinoa rinsed
  • 1 head of broccoli florets and stalks finely chopped*
  • 3 spring onions chopped
  • 2 cups red cabbage finely chopped
  • 1 avocado seed removed, cubed.
  • 1/2 cup sunflower seeds slightly toasted
  • 1/3 cup golden raisins
  • 1 cup organic broccoli sprouts washed optional

Orange, Peanut & Miso Salad Dressing Ingredients

  • 1 orange juiced
  • 2 tbsp organic miso paste
  • 2 tbsp peanut butter
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Instructions:

How to Make Broccoli Salad (Instructions)

  • Fill a medium-sized pot with 1 litre of water and include the tri-colour quinoa. Place the steamer ontop and fill with the broccoli florets and stalks. Bring to simmer and cook for approximately 18 minutes. Once cooked, remove the pot from the stove, strain the quinoa and allow to cool.
  • While the quinoa and broccoli is cooking, chop the spring onions, red cabbage, pit and cube the avocado and toast the sunflower seeds.
  • Toss all the salad ingredients into a bowl, drizzle the salad dressing and serve immediately. Bon Appétit! 🙂

How To Make The Peanut & Miso Salad Dressing (Instructions)

  • In a separate bowl, whisk the orange juice, the miso paste, peanut butter and extra virgin olive oil until well combined.

Notes:

* BROCCOLI TIP – Cut the broccoli from the stem downwards to avoid the broccoli buds blanketing your bench. 
* STEAMER – If you don’t have a pot with a strainer, use a stainless steel sieve. 

Nutrition:

Nutrition Facts
Broccoli & Quinoa Salad with Orange Peanut Dressing
Amount Per Serving
Calories 388 Calories from Fat 226
% Daily Value*
Fat 25.1g39%
Saturated Fat 4.3g27%
Sodium 395mg17%
Potassium 806mg23%
Carbohydrates 37.8g13%
Fiber 10.2g43%
Sugar 14.5g16%
Protein 10g20%
Calcium 86mg9%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Disclosure:

Equipment: This recipe may contain links to products and equipment that I use and love myself. The links may contain affiliate links, meaning if you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

Nutrition: The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator and does not include any other condiments or garnishes. Although Curated Life Studio attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered as estimates and do not replace or substitute a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Now It’s Your Turn!

I hope you’ve all had a festive and safe Christmas New Years’! 🙂

At the start of the New Year, I typically include a summary post on the previous 12-months. This year I was experimenting with a new writing tool and lost my new year’s post (which took 3 days to draft). 

Instead, I recommend you reflect on your own journey with this amazing Free Booklet (no email address needed)! 

I want to hear from you – what kind of recipes are you leaning towards in the new year? 


Kylie - Curated Life Studio

Hey There, I’m Kylie. My passion is plant-based recipes and I want to help you create something gorgeous!

I believe in taking a slow approach to food – to eat locally, seasonally and consciously.

When I’m not taking photos, you can find me wandering the coastal paths of South-East Australia.

Filed Under: 20 minutes, 30 minutes, Asian Inspired, Autumn, Egg Free, Gluten-free, Main Dishes, Quinoa, Salad, Spring, Summer, Vegan, Vegetarian, Whole Grains, Winter

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Nikki Wayne says

    January 26, 2021 at 7:35 am

    Just staring at it makes me feel full.

    Reply
  2. Krysten Quiles says

    January 26, 2021 at 11:14 am

    I’ve been trying to get back into healthier eating and this looks SO GOOD! Going to give it a try.

    Reply
  3. Emily Fata says

    January 26, 2021 at 2:48 pm

    This recipe looks absolutely FANTASTIC! I can’t wait to try recreating it myself at home.

    Reply
  4. Marjie Mare says

    January 27, 2021 at 12:38 am

    This looks so good and I cannot wait to go home and have dinner. I will try to make this soon.

    Reply
  5. Rachel says

    January 27, 2021 at 3:26 am

    This sounds so good! I can’t wait to try this.

    Reply
  6. Lyosha says

    January 27, 2021 at 8:29 am

    Looks very delicious! I absolutely love it. Broccoli is my favorite!

    Reply
    • Kylie - Curated Life Studio says

      February 2, 2021 at 2:22 am

      I know, right? Broccoli is such an incredible vegetable!

      Reply

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G’Day, Welcome!

I’m Kylie, the photographer behind Curated Life Studio, a healthy plant-based recipes blog.

I believe in slow food, a slow life and to cultivate a life of intention.

When I’m not taking photos, you can find me wandering the coastal paths of South East Australia.

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