Easy Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad combines crisp, juicy apples with fresh broccoli and a tangy, sweet dressing. It’s a vibrant, flavorful side dish perfect for picnics, holiday meals, or everyday dinners. Quick to prepare and full of wholesome ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (bite-sized)
• 2 large Honeycrisp apples, cored and diced
• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ⅓ cup red onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup dried cranberries (or raisins)
• ½ cup toasted pecans or almonds, roughly chopped
• ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli florets. Dice the Honeycrisp apples into small chunks, leaving the skin on for color and fiber.
2. Step 2: (Optional) Toast the pecans or almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine broccoli, apples, cheddar, onion, cranberries, and toasted nuts. Add the dressing and toss until evenly coated.
5. Step 5: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve chilled, optionally garnished with extra nuts or cranberries.

Tips & Variations

• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing with extra protein.
• Try vegan mayo and maple syrup to make this salad vegan-friendly.
• Swap cheddar for feta or goat cheese for a tangier flavor profile.
• Add sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch.
• If Honeycrisp apples aren’t available, try Pink Lady or Fuji apples, or add grapes for extra sweetness.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible and toss just before serving to maintain crispness. Reheat is not recommended; serve chilled for best flavor and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

You can assemble the salad up to a day ahead but wait to add the dressing until an hour before serving to keep the broccoli crisp and fresh.

What if I don’t have Honeycrisp apples?

Other crisp, sweet apple varieties like Pink Lady or Fuji work well. Their firm texture and balance of sweetness and tartness complement the broccoli nicely.

Easy Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 102 reviews

This Easy Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is a vibrant, crunchy, and flavorful side dish that combines fresh broccoli florets with the sweetness of Honeycrisp apples, sharp cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, and toasted nuts. Tossed in a tangy honey-apple cider vinegar dressing, it’s perfect for picnics, holiday meals, or a quick healthy addition to any dinner.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes (optional nut toasting)
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Salad:

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (bite-sized)
• 2 large Honeycrisp apples, cored and diced
• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ⅓ cup red onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup dried cranberries (or raisins)
• ½ cup toasted pecans or almonds, roughly chopped

For the Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Broccoli and Apples: Wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli florets to prevent sogginess. Dice the Honeycrisp apples into small chunks, keeping the skin on to add color and extra fiber.
2. Toast the Nuts (Optional): Place pecans or almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast them for 3 to 5 minutes until they become fragrant, then remove from heat and allow to cool.
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning by adding more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tanginess.
4. Combine the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add broccoli, apples, cheddar cheese, red onion, dried cranberries, and toasted nuts. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to ensure even coating of all ingredients.
5. Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled, optionally garnished with extra nuts or cranberries for an appealing presentation.

Notes

• Dry the broccoli completely after washing to keep the dressing from becoming watery.
• Dice broccoli florets and apples into bite-sized pieces for better texture and flavor distribution.
• Toast nuts to enhance their flavor, but this step can be skipped if desired.
• Make the salad up to a day in advance but add dressing only an hour before serving to maintain broccoli crispness.
• Adjust the dressing seasoning to achieve a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
• Substitute mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing or use vegan mayo and maple syrup for a vegan version.

Keywords: Honeycrisp apple salad, broccoli salad, healthy salad recipe, honey apple dressing, easy side dish, vegetarian salad, crunchy salad, fruit and vegetable salad