Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is the perfect combination of crunchy, fresh vegetables and sweet, crisp apples, creating a delightful side dish that pairs well with almost any meal. It’s vibrant, full of textures, and can easily be made in advance, making it a great addition to potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad because it's so easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of fresh broccoli, crunchy sunflower seeds, sweet dried cranberries, and the slightly tart Honeycrisp apples offers the perfect balance of flavors. Plus, the dressing made with Greek yogurt and honey gives it a creamy texture without feeling too heavy. It’s the perfect light salad that’s both nutritious and satisfying!

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets

• 1 large Honeycrisp apple, diced

• ½ cup shredded carrots

• ⅓ cup dried cranberries

• ¼ cup sunflower seeds

• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced

• ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt

• ⅓ cup mayonnaise

• 1½ tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon honey

• Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, I combine the broccoli, diced Honeycrisp apple, shredded carrots, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and red onion.

2. In a small bowl, I whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

3. I pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss everything together, making sure it’s evenly coated.

4. To let the flavors meld, I chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes before serving.

5. After chilling, I give the salad a final toss and serve it cold.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: None

• Total Time: 35 minutes (including chilling)

• Servings: 6 servings

Storage/Reheating

I recommend storing this Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad can be enjoyed cold, and it’s just as refreshing the next day! However, I wouldn’t recommend reheating it, as the crispness of the apples and broccoli is what makes it so refreshing.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this salad?

Yes, while Honeycrisp apples are my favorite for this recipe due to their sweetness and crunch, you can use other varieties like Gala or Fuji apples. Just make sure the apples are firm and crisp.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad is great to make ahead. I usually prepare it a few hours before serving, or even the night before, and refrigerate it to let the flavors meld together.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions. Just be sure that the mayonnaise and other ingredients are labeled gluten-free if necessary.

How can I make this salad vegan?

To make this salad vegan, you can substitute the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives. There are many delicious vegan mayo and yogurt options available that work wonderfully in this recipe.

Can I add other vegetables or fruits to this salad?

Absolutely! If you want to experiment, you can add other fruits like grapes, pears, or even strawberries. As for veggies, I think chopped celery, bell peppers, or even cauliflower would be tasty additions.

Conclusion

This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is a refreshing, light, and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s simple to prepare and packed with nutritious ingredients like fresh broccoli, apples, and seeds. The sweet and tangy dressing ties everything together, making it a salad that’s as delightful to eat as it is to look at. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue or packing it for a picnic, this salad is sure to be a hit!