Name: Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Fresh broccoli florets; Honeycrisp apples; Red onion; Dried cranberries; Sunflower seeds or chopped nuts; Mayonnaise; Greek yogurt or sour cream; Apple cider vinegar; Honey; Salt and pepper

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This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is a crisp, colorful, and refreshing dish that combines sweet apples, crunchy broccoli, and a tangy-sweet dressing. It’s perfect as a light lunch, a holiday side, or a potluck favorite. The combination of textures and flavors makes it both nutritious and irresistibly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh, vibrant flavors with a balance of sweet, tangy, and savory.
Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy days.
Packed with nutrient-rich ingredients for a healthy boost.
Perfect for any season and pairs well with a variety of main dishes.
Great make-ahead option since the flavors deepen after chilling.

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

Ingredients

Fresh broccoli florets
Honeycrisp apples
Red onion
Dried cranberries
Sunflower seeds or chopped nuts
Mayonnaise
Greek yogurt or sour cream
Apple cider vinegar
Honey
Salt and pepper

Directions

Chop the broccoli into small bite-sized florets and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Core and dice the Honeycrisp apples into small cubes, leaving the peel on for added color and texture. Add to the bowl.
Thinly slice the red onion and add it along with dried cranberries and sunflower seeds.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 and takes about 15 minutes of active prep time, plus 30 minutes of chilling for best flavor.

Variations

Use gala, Fuji, or Pink Lady apples instead of Honeycrisp for a different sweetness level.
Add shredded carrots for extra crunch and color.
Swap dried cranberries for raisins or chopped dried apricots.
Use toasted almonds, pecans, or pumpkin seeds instead of sunflower seeds.
For a lighter dressing, replace mayonnaise with all Greek yogurt.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, as the dressing may settle at the bottom. This salad is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours as the flavors meld.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Frozen broccoli will not have the same crisp texture, so fresh broccoli is best.

How do I keep apples from browning?

The vinegar in the dressing helps prevent browning, but you can also toss the apples in lemon juice before adding them to the salad.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free yogurt or mayonnaise alternative in the dressing.

Can I add cheese to this salad?

Yes, crumbled feta or shredded cheddar pairs wonderfully with the flavors.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all ingredients used are certified gluten-free.

What type of vinegar works best?

Apple cider vinegar is ideal, but white wine vinegar can also work.

Can I use a different apple variety?

Yes, just choose a crisp and sweet variety for the best texture and flavor.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, just keep the dressing-to-salad ratio consistent.

How long can it sit out at a picnic?

No longer than 2 hours, or 1 hour if the weather is very warm.

Conclusion

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is a fresh, crunchy, and flavorful dish that’s as versatile as it is healthy. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, packing it for lunch, or bringing it to a gathering, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The sweet apples, crisp broccoli, and creamy tangy dressing create a combination you’ll want to make again and again.

Jane