Healthy Broccoli Salad with Blueberries, Cranberries, and Poppy Seeds Recipe

Introduction

This healthy broccoli salad is a refreshing combination of crisp broccoli, sweet fruits, and a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s perfect as a light lunch or a colorful side dish that brings a burst of flavor and nutrients to your table.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds fresh broccoli (cut into bite-size pieces)
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds
• 1 large apple (chopped into bite-size pieces)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full fat or low fat)
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the broccoli, blueberries, red onion, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds in a large bowl. In a small bowl, toss the chopped apple with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent browning, then add it to the large bowl with the other ingredients.
2. Step 2: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and poppy seeds until smooth. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. For best flavor and texture, enjoy within one day after tossing with the dressing.

Tips & Variations

• Swap sunflower seeds for chopped walnuts or pecans for a different crunch.
• Try substituting the honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly version.
• Add shredded carrots or chopped celery for extra texture and color.
• Use red or green apples depending on your preferred tartness or sweetness.

Storage

Store the salad separately from the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Once tossed with the dressing, consume within one day for optimal freshness. Keep refrigerated and give the salad a gentle stir before serving. This salad is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

You can chop the ingredients and store them separately, but it’s best to toss the salad with the dressing right before serving to keep the broccoli crisp.

Is this salad suitable for a dairy-free diet?

You can make it dairy-free by substituting the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative, such as coconut or almond yogurt.

Healthy Broccoli Salad with Blueberries, Cranberries, and Poppy Seeds Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 131 reviews

A vibrant and healthy broccoli salad featuring fresh broccoli florets, juicy blueberries, crisp apple, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds, all tossed in a creamy, tangy Greek yogurt dressing with honey, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and poppy seeds. Perfect as a refreshing side dish or a light meal, this salad balances sweetness and tartness with a satisfying crunch.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds fresh broccoli, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds
• 1 large apple, chopped into bite-size pieces
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for apple toss)

Dressing Ingredients

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full fat or low fat)
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Instructions

1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, fresh blueberries, finely chopped red onion, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds. In a separate small bowl, toss the chopped apple pieces with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent browning and add brightness to the flavor.
2. Add the Apple: Add the tossed apple pieces to the large bowl with the other salad ingredients, gently mixing to distribute evenly.
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and poppy seeds until smooth and well combined.
4. Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to coat all components with the creamy dressing, being careful not to bruise the fruit.
5. Serve or Chill: The salad can be served immediately for the freshest taste or refrigerated for a few hours to meld the flavors. For best quality, consume within one day once tossed with the dressing.

Notes

• Use fresh and crisp broccoli for the best texture and flavor.
• Feel free to substitute sunflower seeds with sliced almonds or walnuts if preferred.
• Low fat Greek yogurt can be used to reduce fat content without sacrificing creaminess.
• This salad is best eaten within one day after tossing with dressing to maintain freshness.
• Chilling the salad for an hour improves the flavor melding but avoid long refrigeration to prevent sogginess.

Keywords: broccoli salad, healthy salad, Greek yogurt dressing, blueberry salad, fruit and vegetable salad, gluten free, easy salad recipe, no cook salad