Broccoli Salad with Apple and Bell Pepper
This salad is a crisp, refreshing mix of broccoli, sweet apples, and crunchy bell peppers, tossed in a light creamy-tangy dressing. It’s a great side dish for any meal and ideal for meal prep.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Chill time: 20–30 minutes (optional)
Total time: 15 minutes + chilling
Serves: 3–4
Ingredients
For the salad:
3 cups broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces
1 apple (red or green), diced
1 cup bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange), diced
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
¼ cup shredded carrots
¼ cup sunflower seeds or chopped nuts
¼ cup dried cranberries (optional, for sweetness)
For the dressing:
½ cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Prepare broccoli:
Chop broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces for the best texture.
Prep ingredients:
Dice apple and bell pepper, and chop onion and carrots.
Make dressing:
In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt (or mayo), apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble salad:
In a large bowl, combine broccoli, apple, bell pepper, onion, carrots, and optional add-ins.
Add dressing:
Pour dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
Chill & serve:
Chill for 20–30 minutes for best flavor, then serve.
Notes & Tips
Best texture: Chop broccoli small so it absorbs the dressing better.
Crunch factor: Add nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
Balance sweetness: Use tart apples (like green apples) for contrast.
Make it lighter: Use all Greek yogurt instead of mayo.
Add protein: Toss in grilled chicken, chickpeas, or bacon bits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to cook the broccoli?
A: No, it’s best raw for crunch, but you can blanch it briefly if you prefer softer texture.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! It keeps well in the fridge for up to 2–3 days.
Q: How do I keep apples from browning?
A: Toss them with a little lemon juice before adding.
Q: Can I make it vegan?
A: Yes—use plant-based yogurt or mayo and maple syrup instead of honey.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 180–220 kcal
Protein: 4–6 g
Carbohydrates: 18–22 g
Fiber: 4–5 g
Fat: 10–12 g
Sugar: 10–12 g
Sodium: 200–300 mg