Introduction

This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad combines crisp, fresh flavors with a creamy dressing for a delightful side dish. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a healthy addition to any meal. The sweet crunch of apples pairs beautifully with broccoli and nuts for satisfying texture and taste.

A close-up of a fresh broccoli and apple salad served in a white bowl, filled with several layers of vibrant green broccoli florets and bright red apple pieces with their skins on, tossed together with small bits of chopped nuts and sprinkled with finely chopped herbs. The broccoli has a textured, slightly rough surface, while the apple pieces are smooth and shiny with a mix of red and white inside. The salad looks fresh and colorful against the white marbled surface background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
1 large Honeycrisp apple, diced
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli florets, diced Honeycrisp apple, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese if using.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth to create the dressing.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute half or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Feel free to add raisins or sunflower seeds for extra texture and sweetness.
Make sure to dice the apple just before mixing to prevent browning.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best served chilled. If the salad becomes watery, give it a quick toss before serving. For freshness, add the nuts just before serving if you prefer extra crunch.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a fresh salad showing multiple layers and colors: bright green broccoli florets with a rough texture cover most of the top layer, mixed with red apple slices that have smooth skin and pale flesh, small chopped nuts scattered throughout add a crunchy texture, and creamy white dressing drizzled unevenly over the salad gives a soft shine. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface, making the vibrant colors of the salad stand out clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can substitute Honeycrisp apples with Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala apples depending on your preference for sweetness and tartness.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It holds well in the fridge for a few days, making it a convenient and tasty option for make-ahead lunches or side dishes.

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.8 from 141 reviews

A refreshing and crunchy Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad featuring fresh broccoli florets, sweet diced Honeycrisp apple, dried cranberries, crunchy nuts, and a tangy honey apple cider vinegar dressing, making it a perfect side dish for any meal.

Author: Matteo
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
1 large Honeycrisp apple, diced
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)

Dressing Ingredients

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the broccoli: Wash and chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
Dice the apple: Core and dice the Honeycrisp apple into small pieces, then add to the bowl with broccoli.
Add dried cranberries and nuts: Mix in the dried cranberries and chopped pecans or walnuts for sweetness and crunch.
Incorporate red onion and cheese: Finely dice the red onion and add it along with the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, if using, into the salad mixture.
Make the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and salt and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Combine and toss: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss well until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and to enjoy a refreshing chilled salad.

Notes

For extra crunch, toast the nuts lightly before adding.
Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to reduce fat.
Use red or green apples if Honeycrisp is unavailable, adjusting sweetness accordingly.
Add a sprinkle of sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for additional texture.
This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead but is best served within 24 hours to maintain freshness.

Keywords: Honeycrisp apple salad, Broccoli salad, Healthy salad, Sweet and tangy dressing, Nutty salad, Fresh summer salad