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Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe

4.5 from 102 reviews

A crisp and refreshing Apple Broccoli Salad combining crunchy broccoli florets, sweet Honeycrisp apples, dried cranberries, and crunchy nuts, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Perfect as a side dish for any meal or a light, healthy snack.

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

  1. Combine the salad ingredients. In a large bowl, mix together the chopped broccoli florets, diced Honeycrisp apple, dried cranberries, chopped pecans or walnuts, finely diced red onion, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese if using. This combines all the fresh and crunchy components of the salad.
  2. Prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well emulsified. This dressing adds a creamy and tangy flavor to the salad.
  3. Toss the salad with dressing. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are thoroughly coated with the dressing for even flavor distribution.
  4. Chill before serving. Place the salad in the refrigerator and chill it for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the taste and texture of the salad before serving.

Notes

  • To keep the salad fresh and crunchy, add the dressing just before serving if preparing far in advance.
  • You can substitute the pecans or walnuts with your preferred nuts like almonds or cashews.
  • For a dairy-free version, omit the cheddar cheese or replace with a vegan cheese alternative.
  • Adjust honey and vinegar quantities to balance sweetness and tanginess according to your taste.
  • This salad can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Keywords: apple broccoli salad, broccoli salad with apples, crunchy broccoli salad, healthy salad recipe, no-cook salad, Thanksgiving salad, side dish salad