🥦 Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

A crisp, colorful salad made with crunchy broccoli, sweet-tart Honeycrisp apples, and a creamy dressing. It’s a healthy side dish with a nice balance of sweetness, crunch, and a bit of tang!

⭐ Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 4 cups broccoli florets (about 2 large heads)

• 2 medium Honeycrisp apples, cored and chopped (leave the peel on)

• ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced

• ⅓ cup sunflower seeds (or chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds)

• ½ cup dried cranberries (or raisins)

• ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for a little creamy sharpness)

For the Dressing:

• ½ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)

• 3 tbsp mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

🔪 Instructions

1. Prep the Vegetables & Fruit

• Cut the broccoli into small florets and remove the tough stems.

• Core and chop the Honeycrisp apples into bite-sized cubes (no need to peel).

• Thinly slice the red onion.

2. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• Greek yogurt (or sour cream)

• Mayonnaise

• Honey

• Apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)

• Salt and pepper
  Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity, if needed.

3. Assemble the Salad

• In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, chopped apples, red onion, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries.

• Add the shredded cheddar cheese if using, and toss to combine.

4. Add the Dressing

• Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.

• Serve immediately, or chill for about 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.

🌟 Tips & Variations

✔ Add Protein:

For a more filling dish, add grilled chicken, bacon bits, or chickpeas.

✔ Nut Variations:

Swap sunflower seeds with any of your favorite nuts: walnuts, almonds, or pecans would all work beautifully.

✔ Make It Dairy-Free:

Use a dairy-free yogurt (like coconut or almond-based) and leave out the cheese.

✔ Extra Crunch:

Top the salad with crunchy croutons or crispy chickpeas for an added texture boost.

✔ Add More Fruit:

Try adding some orange slices or grapes for an extra pop of sweetness.

❓ Q&A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes, but it’s best to keep the dressing separate until just before serving to prevent the broccoli from getting soggy. You can store the salad (without dressing) in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Q: What other apple varieties can I use?

A: You can use other sweet-tart apples like Gala, Fuji, or Pink Lady if Honeycrisp apples aren’t available. The key is a balance of sweetness and tartness.

Q: Can I use fresh cranberries?

A: Fresh cranberries are much too tart, but you can chop them up and toss them in sugar or cook them briefly to soften the tartness.

Q: How long will this salad last in the fridge?

A: This salad can last 2–3 days in the fridge if stored properly in an airtight container. However, the apples may brown a bit after a day, so it’s best enjoyed sooner.