Honeycrisp Apple & Broccoli Salad
This Honeycrisp Apple & Broccoli Salad is a crunchy, refreshing, and slightly sweet dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It combines crisp broccoli florets, juicy Honeycrisp apples, crunchy almonds, sweet cranberries, and a creamy honey-Dijon dressing. This salad is great as a side dish, a light lunch, or a meal prep option, and it pairs well with grilled proteins or sandwiches.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time : 30 minutes
Total Time: 15-45 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Info: Vegetarian, gluten-free
Ingredients
For the Salad:
4 cups broccoli florets
1 large Honeycrisp apple, cored and diced
½ small red onion, finely diced
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup sliced almonds (or sunflower seeds for nut-free option)
½ cup shredded carrots
½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
For the Dressing:
½ cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise for a richer dressing)
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (prevents apples from browning)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients (10 minutes)
1. Chop the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces.
2. Dice the Honeycrisp apple and toss it with 1 tbsp lemon juice to prevent browning.
3. Finely dice the red onion and shred the carrots.
Step 2: Make the Dressing (5 minutes)
4. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad (5 minutes)
5. In a large bowl, combine broccoli, apples, red onion, dried cranberries, almonds, and carrots.
6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
7. If using, sprinkle in crumbled feta cheese for extra creaminess.
Step 4: Chill & Serve (Optional, 30 minutes)
8. For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together.
9. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Cooking Notes & Tips
Blanch the Broccoli (Optional): If you prefer a slightly softer texture, blanch the broccoli for 1 minute in boiling water, then immediately rinse with cold water.
Make it Vegan: Use plant-based yogurt or mayo and swap honey for maple syrup.
Make it Nut-Free: Use sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead of almonds.
Extra Crunch: Add crispy bacon bits for a salty contrast.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Common Questions & Answers
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A:Yes! It actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours, making it perfect for meal prep.
Q: What’s the best way to keep apples from browning?
A:Toss them with lemon juice before adding them to the salad.
Q: Can I use a different apple variety?
A:Yes! Try Pink Lady, Fuji, or Gala apples for a similar crunch and sweetness.
Q: Can I add protein to make this a full meal?
A:Absolutely! Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu for extra protein.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 220
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 250mg
This Honey crisp Apple & Broccoli Salad is a delicious mix of sweet, tangy, and crunchy textures, making it a refreshing dish for any season. Enjoy!