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Broccoli Pesto Quinoa Salad

Broccoli Pesto Quinoa Salad

Craving something fresh and vibrant? The Broccoli Pesto Quinoa Salad is packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor. This easy weeknight dinner combines crunchy vegetables, creamy avocado, and a zesty homemade pesto. Perfect for meal prep or as a colorful side dish at your next gathering!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bunch broccolini or broccoli, cut into pieces
  • 3 large leaves kale chopped (about 3 loose-packed cups)
  • Extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling
  • ½ lemon juice , more to taste
  • 2 heaping cups cooked quinoa
  • 1 watermelon radish or 3 red radishes thinly sliced
  • 1 avocado cubed
  • ½ cup mixed fresh herbs I used mint and dill
  • cups Roasted Chickpeas
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup hemp seeds
  • ½ cup frozen peas thawed
  • 1 small clove garlic
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt , more to taste
  • 1 cup packed fresh spinach or sub basil
  • ¼ cup fresh dill or sub basil or mint
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil , more if desired

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Food Processor
  • Chef's Knife
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet

Method
 

  1. Prepare a large pot of salted boiling water and a large bowl of ice water. Drop the broccolini into the boiling water and blanch for about 1 minute, or until tender but still vibrant green. Transfer the broccolini to the ice water for 1 minute to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
  2. Make the Lemony pea pesto: In a food processor, place the hemp seeds, peas, garlic, and salt and pulse until combined. Add the spinach, dill, lemon juice, and mustard and pulse again. While the processor is running, drizzle in the olive oil. For a thinner pesto, add more olive oil until it reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings.
  3. Place the kale into a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil, pinches of salt and pepper, and the lemon juice. Massage the leaves until they soften and wilt down.
  4. Portion into serving bowls with the quinoa, watermelon radish, avocado, herbs, and broccolini. Season to taste with additional olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  5. Add the roasted chickpeas and serve with dollops of pea pesto.

Notes

  • Tip 1: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
  • Tip 2: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cooked quinoa and chickpeas separately.
  • Tip 3: Pairing this salad with grilled chicken elevates it from a side to a full meal.
  • Tip 4: Feel free to add other seasonal vegetables for a colorful twist.