Broccoli-Quinoa Salad with Buttermilk Dressing Recipe

Broccoli-Quinoa Salad with Buttermilk Dressing Recipe

  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon unseasoned rice vinegar
  • Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon (or more) fine sea salt
  • 1 shallot, finely chopped
  • 2 small heads of broccoli, cut into bite-size florets
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 cup white, red, or black quinoa
  • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped parsley
  • 1/4 cup coarsely chopped tarragon
  • 1/4 cup coarsely chopped pistachios
  1. Whisk buttermilk, olive oil, vegetable oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, rice vinegar, pepper, and 1 tsp. sea salt in a medium bowl. Taste and season with more salt if needed.
  2. Dressing can be made 5 days ahead. Cover and chill.
  3. Stir together shallot and 2 Tbsp. buttermilk dressing in a small bowl and set aside.
  4. Cook broccoli in a large pot of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, about 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer broccoli to a bowl of ice water; let cool. Drain and place on a kitchen towel–lined baking sheet.
  5. Meanwhile, return water in pot to a boil and cook quinoa until slightly al dente, about 12 minutes; drain. Toss quinoa and 2 Tbsp. buttermilk dressing in a large bowl to coat; season with salt. Let cool.
  6. Add dressed shallot, broccoli, parsley, tarragon, pistachios, and 2 Tbsp. buttermilk dressing to quinoa and toss to combine. Season with more salt if needed.