Description
A vibrant and nutritious Brussels Sprouts & Quinoa Salad combining tender quinoa, shredded Brussels sprouts, toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries, all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing with sautéed shallots and garlic for a flavorful and healthy meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 cup fresh Brussels sprouts
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Dressing and Aromatics
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 shallots, minced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons water, divided
Instructions
- Sauté Shallots and Garlic: In a small saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add minced shallots and cook, stirring, for about 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. Remove the mixture from heat and set aside.
- Cook Quinoa: In the same saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the liquid is absorbed, approximately 12-15 minutes. Remove from heat and fluff the quinoa with a fork. Let it cool.
- Microwave Brussels Sprouts: Place the fresh Brussels sprouts and remaining 2 tablespoons water in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and microwave on high for 6-8 minutes until tender, stirring every 2 minutes for even cooking. Drain the Brussels sprouts and let cool. Once cool, remove the leaves from the sprouts and discard the cores.
- Prepare the Salad Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, shredded Brussels sprouts leaves, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, and chopped parsley.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, salt, pepper, and remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir in the sautéed shallots and garlic.
- Toss and Chill: Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine thoroughly. Cover the salad and refrigerate for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- You can toast walnuts on a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, to enhance their flavor.
- Microwaving Brussels sprouts is a quick alternative to steaming or boiling and keeps them tender yet crisp.
- For extra protein, add some grilled chicken or chickpeas to the salad.
- This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it versatile for different occasions.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Microwaving
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Brussels sprouts salad, quinoa salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, lemon dressing, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, easy side dish
