Warm Air-Fryer Broccoli Quinoa Salad
This simple quinoa salad is loaded with chickpeas and veggies. Make it using a full head of broccoli and learn a new way to reduce food waste.
Ingredients
- 1 bag Success® Tri-Color Quinoa
- 1 head broccoli
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 can (19 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup jarred roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
Instructions
Wholesome Tri-Color Quinoa mixed with plenty of vegetables make the perfect combination for a festive and filling dish!
Step 1
Prepare quinoa according to package directions.
Step 2
Snap florets from stem and cut into small pieces. Trim and discard tough end of broccoli stem; peel and cut remaining stem into bite-size pieces. In medium bowl, toss together florets, chopped stems, oil and salt.
Step 3
Preheat air-fryer according to manufacturer’s instructions. Place broccoli, in batches, in air-fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 5 to 7 mins or until golden, crispy and tender.
Step 4
In large bowl, toss together quinoa, air-fried broccoli, chickpeas, roasted red peppers, pesto, lemon zest and lemon juice until well combined.
Recipe Tips
Chopped broccoli stems can also be used in soups, salads or stir-fries.
Add peelings from broccoli stems to water when making vegetable broth.
Alternatively, instead of air-frying broccoli, roast broccoli in conventional oven on parchment paper-lined baking sheet with convection setting at 400°F or regular setting at 425°F for 18 to 20 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
How to Prepare Broccoli Stems
You’ll undoubtedly rethink the way you prepare broccoli after a bite of this tasty quinoa salad! Adding an earthy, subtle sweetness to a dish, broccoli stems taste comparable to kohlrabi. It doesn’t take much to turn those tough stems into tasty, tender treats! Well, almost all of the stems – the bottom couple inches can be tossed.
Keep in mind that, like any vegetable, smaller pieces will cook more quickly. So, thinly slicing the broccoli into coins is generally a safe bet. You may want to consider removing any particularly tough and bumpy areas with a standard potato peeler or knife. When making delicious dishes, there’s no need to discard half the broccoli or only buy florets – you can Cut Down On Food Waste by using as much of the stalk as possible.
Craving Quinoa
Soft and chewy, nutty quinoa is the perfect base for a hearty meal. Not only is this soft and chewy pseudocereal the perfect base for a hearty bowl, it’s also quite diverse!
For a meal packed with greens, a light Crunchy Quinoa Spring Salad is just what you´re looking for! Or hone your meal prep skills by baking up a batch of Cheesy Quinoa Bites. No matter what you are in the mood for, quinoa can satisfy your craving! Now, perfect your quinoa game and get going on other delicious dishes. Looking for a dinner idea? Try our: easy Spanish rice.
