Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is a refreshing, crunchy side dish that pairs crisp vegetables and sweet fruit with creamy dressing for a balanced, flavorful bite. Tender broccoli florets are combined with juicy Honeycrisp apple slices — known for their sweet-tart flavor — alongside toasted nuts and tangy dried cranberries. The result is a vibrant salad that’s both refreshing and satisfying on its own or as a partner to grilled meats or sandwiches.
What makes this salad especially appealing is the contrast of textures and flavors: crunchy raw broccoli, crisp apples, chewy fruit, and nutty toppings come together with a smooth dressing that lightly coats every bite. Easy to make and versatile, this salad fits perfectly into casual lunches, picnic spreads, holiday tables, or as a colorful side to your everyday dinner. Its simple, fresh ingredients ensure it’s both healthy and delicious.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Small bowl for dressing
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- Fresh broccoli florets – 4 cups
- Honeycrisp apple – 1 large (diced)
- Red onion – ¼ cup (finely sliced)
- Dried cranberries – ½ cup
- Toasted sunflower seeds – ½ cup
- Toasted sliced almonds – ¼ cup
- Greek yogurt or mayonnaise – ⅓ cup
- Honey – 2 tablespoons
- Apple cider vinegar – 1 tablespoon
- Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry the broccoli florets, and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Core and dice the Honeycrisp apple into bite-sized pieces and add to the bowl.
- Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the bowl.
- Add the dried cranberries, toasted sunflower seeds, and toasted almonds.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), honey, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Chill briefly before serving for best flavor.
Recipe Info
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Side Dish / Salad
How to Store
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent the apples from browning, drizzle a little extra lemon juice before storing. Keep dressing separate if preparing ahead and toss just before serving.
What Not to Do
- Do not add the dressing too far in advance if serving later — the broccoli may soften.
- Avoid cutting the apple too early before serving; cut just before assembling to maintain crunch.
- Do not use overheated or wilted broccoli; fresh florets ensure crisp texture.
Tips & Variations
- Add crumbled feta or goat cheese for extra creaminess and tang.
- Swap dried cranberries for raisins or dried cherries.
- Use pecans or walnuts instead of sunflower seeds and almonds.
- For extra citrus brightness, add orange segments.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)
- Calories: ~200 kcal
- Protein: ~4 g
- Fat: ~10 g
- Carbohydrates: ~28 g
- Fiber: ~5 g
- Sugar: ~14 g
Crunchy Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Rinse and pat dry the broccoli florets, and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Core and dice the Honeycrisp apple into bite-sized pieces and add to the bowl.
- Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the bowl.
- Add the dried cranberries, toasted sunflower seeds, and toasted almonds.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), honey, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Chill briefly before serving for best flavor.
Notes
- Protein: ~4 g
- Fat: ~10 g
- Carbohydrates: ~28 g
- Fiber: ~5 g
- Sugar: ~14 g
Conclusion
Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is a crisp, vibrant dish that pairs fresh produce with a creamy, sweet-tangy dressing for a refreshing side. Easy to prepare and full of texture and bright flavors, this salad is perfect for weeknight meals, entertaining, or anytime you want a healthy, satisfying dish.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes — prepare the ingredients and dressing separately, then toss just before serving for maximum freshness.
Can I substitute the apple?
Yes — other crisp apples like Gala or Fuji work nicely.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes — swap Greek yogurt for dairy-free yogurt or extra mayonnaise.
How do I keep the apples from browning?
Toss with lemon juice immediately after cutting.
Can nuts be omitted?
Yes — omit nuts or replace with seeds if preferred.
