Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad offers a vibrant mix of textures and flavors, blending crisp broccoli florets with the sweet crunch of Honeycrisp apples. The creamy dressing with a hint of tangy apple cider vinegar brings all the ingredients together into a refreshing, crave-worthy side dish perfect for any occasion.
This salad is a fantastic option for lunch, dinner, or potlucks, pairing beautifully with grilled meats or as a light, standalone option. Its balance of sweetness, crunch, and creaminess makes it a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again.
- Crisp broccoli and sweet Honeycrisp apples create a lively flavor contrast.
- Easy to make ahead and customize with your favorite nuts and cheeses.
- Creamy, tangy dressing perfectly complements the fresh ingredients for a deliciously balanced salad.
Ingredients
- Broccoli florets: Use 4 cups of fresh broccoli cut into bite-sized, crunchy florets for the salad’s hearty base.
- Honeycrisp apples: Dice 1 to 2 crisp Honeycrisp apples; their sweet, juicy flavor adds a refreshing crunch.
- Red onion: Finely chop ½ cup, optional for a mild pungency that balances the sweet elements.
- Dried cranberries or raisins: Add ½ cup for bursts of chewy sweetness that enhance the salad’s flavor complexity.
- Sunflower seeds or chopped pecans: Use ½ cup to introduce a nutty crunch and texture contrast.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: ½ cup for a savory, creamy touch that complements the sweetness.
- Mayonnaise: ½ cup acts as the creamy base of the dressing for smooth, rich texture.
- Apple cider vinegar: 2 tablespoons for a tangy kick that brightens the salad’s flavors.
- Honey: 1 to 2 tablespoons to sweeten the dressing naturally to taste.
- Salt and black pepper: Season the dressing to enhance all ingredients’ natural flavors perfectly.
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients
-
Wash the broccoli thoroughly and chop into bite-sized florets for easy eating. Dice the Honeycrisp apples and, to prevent browning, toss them lightly in lemon juice if desired. Finely chop the red onion and nuts to add texture and flavor layers to your salad.
- Make the Dressing
-
Whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Mixing these creates a smooth, creamy dressing with the perfect balance of sweetness and tang to coat the salad ingredients evenly.
- Combine the Salad
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, diced apples, dried cranberries or raisins, sunflower seeds or pecans, and shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently, making sure every ingredient is coated without bruising the apples.
- Chill and Serve
-
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve cold as a refreshing and crunchy side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals or on its own for a wholesome snack.
- Use lemon juice on the apples right after dicing to keep them from browning and maintain a fresh appearance.
- Add the nuts just before serving if making ahead to ensure they stay crunchy.
Storage Tips
Store the salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, add nuts just before serving to maintain their crunch. Leftovers may lose some crispness but remain delicious when chilled.
Serving Suggestions
This salad makes a fantastic side for grilled chicken or pork, and also pairs perfectly with sandwiches or wraps for a light lunch. It’s a refreshing addition to potlucks or picnics and can be enjoyed on its own as a healthy snack.
- Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds for variety in flavor and texture.
- Swap cheddar with feta or gouda to change the salad’s character while keeping it delicious.
- Adjust the honey in the dressing to balance the sweetness to your taste preference.
FAQs
- Can I use other apple varieties?
-
Yes, but Honeycrisp apples are preferred for their crisp texture and balanced sweetness. Alternatives like Fuji or Gala work well too.
- Is this salad gluten-free?
-
Yes, all ingredients in this salad are naturally gluten-free, making it safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Can I make this salad vegan?
-
To make it vegan, substitute mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative and omit or replace cheddar cheese with a vegan cheese option.
- How long can I store this salad?
-
Refrigerated, the salad keeps well for up to 2 days. Add nuts right before serving for best texture.
- Can I add protein to this salad?
-
Yes, grilled chicken, turkey, or tofu make great additions to transform the salad into a complete meal.
- What can I serve this salad with?
-
It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a fresh side at barbecues and potlucks.
Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad
Equipment
- 1 large bowl for mixing salad
- 1 small bowl for whisking dressing
- 1 whisk to combine dressing ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 to 2 Honeycrisp apples diced
- ½ cup red onion finely chopped (optional)
- ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins
- ½ cup sunflower seeds or chopped pecans
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons honey to taste
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and chop broccoli into bite-size florets.
- Dice the apples and optionally toss them lightly in lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Chop red onion and nuts if using.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli, apples, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish.
Notes
- Use almonds, walnuts, or pecans as nut alternatives.
- Substitute cheddar with feta or gouda for variety.
- Add extra honey or apple slices for more sweetness and crunch.
- Prepare salad in advance; add nuts just before serving to keep them crisp.
