This Apple Broccoli Salad is fresh, crunchy, and easy to make. It mixes broccoli, sweet apples, nuts, and a creamy dressing for a bright side dish or light lunch. For a different apple salad idea, try the Snickers caramel apple salad for a sweeter twist.
why make this recipe
This salad is quick and healthy. It uses fresh ingredients you can buy any time. It works for weeknight meals, potlucks, and picnics. Kids and adults like the mix of crunch and sweet.
how to make Apple Broccoli Salad
- Wash and cut the broccoli into small florets.
- Core and dice the apples. Leave the skin on for color and fiber.
- Chop the walnuts or pecans.
- Mix broccoli, apples, nuts, and dried cranberries in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until coated.
- Serve right away or chill for 30 minutes for the flavors to blend.
Ingredients :
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, diced
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, diced apples, chopped nuts, and dried cranberries.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
how to serve Apple Broccoli Salad
Serve cold or slightly chilled. Put it next to grilled chicken, sandwiches, or as part of a picnic spread. You can also spoon it onto lettuce leaves for a light meal.
how to store Apple Broccoli Salad
Keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for 2 to 3 days. If you want extra crunch, store the nuts separately and add them when you serve.
tips to make Apple Broccoli Salad
- Use crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Gala for best texture.
- Cut broccoli into small, bite-size pieces so it mixes well.
- Taste the dressing and add more honey or vinegar if you need sweetness or tang.
- If you use mayonnaise, the salad will be richer; Greek yogurt makes it lighter.
variation (if any)
- Add shredded cheddar for a richer salad.
- Swap dried cranberries for golden raisins or chopped dried apricots.
- Use sunflower seeds instead of nuts for a nut-free option.
- Add cooked bacon bits for a savory touch.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes. Mix everything and chill for up to 30 minutes before serving. For best crunch, add nuts right before serving if you want them extra crisp.
Q: Can I use a different dressing?
A: Yes. You can use a store-bought vinaigrette or a mix of mayo and lemon juice instead of yogurt and vinegar.
Q: Is this salad kid-friendly?
A: Yes. Kids often like the sweet apple and crunchy broccoli. Chop ingredients small for young children.
Q: Can I freeze this salad?
A: No. Freezing will make the apples and broccoli soft and watery. Keep it in the fridge instead.
Q: How do I keep the apples from browning?
A: Toss the apples in a little lemon juice before mixing, or add them right before serving.
Apple Broccoli Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh, crunchy salad mixing broccoli, sweet apples, nuts, and a creamy dressing, perfect as a side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, diced
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and cut the broccoli into small florets.
- Core and dice the apples. Leave the skin on for color and fiber.
- Chop the walnuts or pecans.
- Mix broccoli, apples, nuts, and dried cranberries in a large bowl.
- Whisk Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until coated.
- Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for the flavors to blend.
Notes
For extra crunch, store nuts separately and add them just before serving. Use crisp apples and adjust dressing to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
