Sweet and Tangy Broccoli Apple Salad Recipe

Introduction

Broccoli salad is a refreshing and crunchy dish perfect for any occasion. Packed with fresh broccoli, sweet apples, and a tangy dressing, this salad offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy.

A white bowl filled with a creamy salad that has several layers of ingredients mixed together. The salad shows small, bright green broccoli florets, light beige chunks that look like chicken, bits of red from chopped onions or peppers, and some darker pieces that appear to be nuts or dried fruit. The texture looks creamy and thick, holding all the pieces together. Two wooden salad spoons are partially dipped into the bowl, positioned on opposite sides, and resting on the white marbled surface underneath. The background is soft and blurred, emphasizing the fresh, vibrant look of the salad. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 4 cups broccoli, cut into small bite-size pieces
  • 1 large apple, unpeeled and cut into bite-size pieces
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ½ cup walnuts, chopped
  • ¼ cup sunflower seeds
  • ½ small red onion, chopped
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon pepper, or to taste

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, apple, dried cranberries, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and chopped red onion.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss well to coat everything evenly.
  4. Step 4: Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra crunch, try adding crispy bacon pieces or swap walnuts for pecans.
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing.
  • Add shredded cheddar cheese for a richer flavor.
  • Make the salad a day ahead; it tastes even better after resting overnight.

Storage

Store the broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving. The salad is best enjoyed chilled and does not require reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a creamy broccoli salad showing visible layers of small broccoli florets in bright green, diced red apple pieces, dark red dried cranberries, chopped nuts, and a white creamy dressing mixing all ingredients together with a wooden salad fork on a white marbled surface. The salad's texture is chunky with fresh and crisp elements spread evenly throughout the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this salad?

Fresh broccoli is recommended for the best texture and flavor, but if using frozen, thaw and drain it thoroughly before mixing to avoid excess moisture.

How can I make this salad vegan?

Replace mayonnaise with a vegan mayo or use a mixture of mashed avocado and lemon juice for the dressing. Also, check that the honey is substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Print
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Sweet and Tangy Broccoli Apple Salad Recipe


  • Author: anna
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A refreshing and crunchy broccoli salad featuring fresh broccoli florets, sweet apples, dried cranberries, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and red onion, all tossed in a creamy honey apple cider vinegar dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or as a vibrant side dish at any gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 4 cups broccoli, cut into small bite-size pieces
  • 1 large apple, unpeeled and cut into bite-size pieces
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ½ cup walnuts, chopped
  • ¼ cup sunflower seeds
  • ½ small red onion, chopped

Dressing Ingredients

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Instructions

  1. Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the broccoli florets, diced apple, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, sunflower seeds, and chopped red onion ensuring an even distribution.
  2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well blended.
  3. Toss salad with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly with the creamy dressing.
  4. Chill before serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill, enhancing its taste and texture before serving.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute half or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
  • Try adding other nuts like pecans or almonds for different textures.
  • If preferred, soak the sunflower seeds for a few hours to soften them.
  • Chill the salad well to balance the crunchiness with the creamy dressing.
  • This salad can be made a few hours ahead and stored refrigerated.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: broccoli salad, healthy salad, crunchy salad, apple and broccoli salad, creamy salad dressing, side dish, vegetarian salad

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