🍎🥦 Apple Broccoli Salad
Crunchy | Creamy | Sweet & Savory | Perfect for Gatherings
This Apple Broccoli Salad is a fresh, colorful dish loaded with crisp broccoli, juicy apples, crunchy nuts, and a creamy, slightly sweet dressing. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors — refreshing enough for summer, yet cozy enough for fall. Great for potlucks, meal prep, or a healthy side dish!
🥣 Ingredients (Serves 6)
For the Salad:
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4 cups fresh broccoli florets (bite-sized)
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1 large crisp apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), diced
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¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
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⅓ cup dried cranberries
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⅓ cup sunflower seeds or chopped almonds
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4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
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½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
For the Creamy Dressing:
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¾ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)
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1–2 tbsp honey
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1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
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Salt & black pepper to taste
🥗 Instructions
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Prep the Broccoli
Chop broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. For a softer texture, blanch for 30 seconds in boiling water, then cool immediately. -
Mix the Salad
In a large bowl, combine broccoli, apple, onion, cranberries, seeds/nuts, bacon, and cheese. -
Make the Dressing
Whisk together mayonnaise (or yogurt), honey, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth. -
Combine & Chill
Pour dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
Chill for at least 30–60 minutes before serving for best flavor.
🌟 Tips for Success
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Use a firm, sweet apple for the best crunch.
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Toss apples in a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
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Make ahead — flavors improve after chilling.
🌱 Variations
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Make it vegetarian by skipping bacon.
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Swap cranberries for raisins.
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Add diced celery for extra crunch.
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Use a mix of mayo and Greek yogurt for a balanced dressing.
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours.
Q: How long does it last in the fridge?
A: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Skip the cheese and use a dairy-free mayo.
Q: Is it healthy?
A: It’s packed with fiber and nutrients from broccoli and apples. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of full mayo.