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Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

The Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and crunchy side dish combining the sweet-tart flavor of Honeycrisp apples with earthy broccoli, red onion, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds. Tossed in a creamy Greek yogurt and honey dressing with a hint of lemon, this salad strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and tangy, making it a healthy, quick, and versatile addition to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Produce

  • 2 cups broccoli florets, washed and chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 Honeycrisp apples, cored and diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (to toss apples)

Dried & Nuts

  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the produce: Wash and chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Core and dice the Honeycrisp apples into chunks similar in size to the broccoli. Toss the diced apples immediately with 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to prevent browning. Thinly slice the red onion for a mild sharpness that won’t overpower the salad.
  2. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, honey, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. The dressing should be creamy, slightly sweet, and tangy enough to complement the crunchy ingredients perfectly.
  3. Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together the broccoli, apples, red onion, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds. Pour the dressing over the salad and fold carefully until everything is evenly coated, taking care not to mash the fruit or break up the broccoli florets.
  4. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to become refreshingly cool. Serve chilled as a side dish or in creative presentations like hollowed apple halves or mason jars.

Notes

  • Keep diced apples fresh by tossing with lemon juice immediately after cutting.
  • Use fresh, firm broccoli florets for the best crunch; avoid soft or wilted pieces.
  • Adjust yogurt and honey in the dressing to suit your sweetness and tanginess preferences.
  • Mix the salad gently to maintain intact chunks and textures.
  • For best crispness, add dressing just before serving if making ahead.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Freezing is not recommended as the texture of apples and broccoli degrades.
  • This salad is best served cold or at room temperature; no reheating needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: Honeycrisp apple salad, broccoli salad, healthy side dish, crunchy salad, fruit and vegetable salad, gluten free salad, easy salad recipe