Broccoli Apple Salad: A Refreshing and Wholesome Delight

This broccoli apple salad is a crunchy, refreshing dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any meal. Packed with vibrant flavors and textures, it’s a healthy option that your family will love. This salad is not only quick to whip up but also great for meal prep, making it a versatile addition to your weeknight dinners.

Table of Contents
Crunchy broccoli apple salad with vibrant flavors.

Why I Love This Broccoli Apple Salad

There’s something enchanting about the combination of crunchy broccoli and sweet apples. This broccoli apple salad is not just about good looks; it’s a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The nutty almonds and sunflower seeds add extra crunch, while the dried cranberries bring a touch of sweetness. This dish serves as a colorful side for any main course or a light lunch on its own!

Refreshing broccoli apple salad packed with texture and flavor.

Ingredients for Broccoli Apple Salad

Fresh Ingredients

  • 2 heads fresh broccoli, chopped into small florets (approximately 4 cups)
  • 2 apples, chopped (approximately 2 cups)
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1/3 cup slivered almonds
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Dressing Components

  • 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons poppy seeds

How to Make Broccoli Apple Salad

Combining the Salad Ingredients

Start by placing the chopped broccoli, apples, diced red onion, slivered almonds, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries in a large bowl. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients, creating a colorful medley that looks as good as it tastes.

Preparing the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, sugar, lemon juice, and poppy seeds. The dressing should be smooth and creamy, enhancing the freshness of the salad.

Chilling and Serving

Gradually drizzle the dressing over the salad mix while tossing gently to ensure everything is well-coated. For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least one hour before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This broccoli apple salad is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare it several hours or even a day in advance. The flavors improve as they sit together! Additionally, the dressing can be made up to a week ahead and stored in the refrigerator, making your meal prep even easier.

Notes and Variations

Feel free to customize this salad to your liking. Optional additions include crispy bacon, cubed cheddar cheese, or feta for a savory twist. You can also swap in different nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, or add grapes for an extra burst of sweetness. The possibilities are endless!

FAQs

What ingredients are needed for broccoli apple salad?

You will need fresh broccoli, apples, red onion, slivered almonds, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, and a dressing made from Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and more.

Can I make broccoli apple salad without mayo?

Yes, you can replace the mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt or a different dressing of your choice to keep it creamy and delicious.

How do I prepare broccoli apple salad for meal prep?

Prepare the salad and dressing separately, then combine just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crunchy.

What is the best dressing for broccoli apple salad?

The creamy dressing made from Greek yogurt and mayonnaise pairs perfectly with the crunchy vegetables and sweet apples.

Is broccoli apple salad suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this salad is entirely vegetarian-friendly and can easily be made vegan by omitting the mayonnaise or using a vegan alternative.

Conclusion

This broccoli apple salad is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy, refreshing side dish. With its simple preparation and delightful flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out more ideas on Pinterest to keep your meal planning exciting!

Crunchy broccoli apple salad with vibrant flavors.

Broccoli Apple Salad: A Refreshing and Wholesome Delight

This salad features crunchy broccoli and sweet apples, tossed in a creamy dressing for a delightful dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • whisk

Ingredients
  

  • 2 heads fresh broccoli, chopped into small florets approximately 4 cups
  • 2 apples, chopped approximately 2 cups
  • ¼ cup diced red onion
  • cup slivered almonds
  • ¼ cup sunflower seeds
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons poppy seeds

Instructions
 

  • Combine the broccoli, apples, red onion, almonds, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries in a large bowl.
  • Whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth.
  • Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
  • Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

Notes

Optional additions include bacon, cubed cheddar cheese, shredded parmesan, feta cheese, or different nuts such as pecans or walnuts. Grapes can also be used as a substitute.
Keyword broccoli apple salad, easy salad recipe, healthy salad, refreshing salad
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