Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

 

🥗 Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad: A Crisp, Colorful Twist on a Classic

If you're looking for a fresh, crunchy salad that’s both refreshing and satisfying, this Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is exactly what you need. It's the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy, packed with vibrant colors and wholesome ingredients — and it’s just as perfect for meal prep as it is for potlucks and holiday tables.

The star of this salad is the Honeycrisp apple — crisp, juicy, and sweet — which pairs beautifully with tender-crunchy broccoli, sharp red onion, nutty sunflower seeds, and a creamy homemade dressing.

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🍎 Why You’ll Love This Salad

• ✅ No cooking required — raw, fresh, and fast!

• ✅ Sweet + savory flavor combo

• ✅ Great make-ahead option

• ✅ Healthier than traditional mayo-heavy salads

• ✅ Perfect side dish for any season

Whether you're serving this alongside grilled chicken in the summer or as a Thanksgiving side, it never goes out of season.

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🛒 Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this deliciously crunchy salad:

For the Salad:

• 2 large Honeycrisp apples, chopped

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small

• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced or diced

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

• 1/3 cup sunflower seeds or chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans)

• Optional: 1/2 cup shredded carrots or crumbled feta cheese

For the Dressing:

• 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or use mayo for a more traditional version)

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

• Salt & pepper to taste

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👩‍🍳 How to Make It

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces. Dice the apples (no need to peel unless you want to). Thinly slice the red onion.

Step 2: Mix the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble the salad
In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, apples, red onion, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and any optional add-ins.

Step 4: Add the dressing
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat all the ingredients.

Step 5: Chill and serve
For best flavor, cover and chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving — it allows the flavors to meld and the broccoli to soften just a bit.

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🌿 Recipe Tips & Variations

• Make it vegan: Use plant-based yogurt and maple syrup instead of honey.

• Add protein: Toss in grilled chicken, chickpeas, or cooked quinoa for a more filling meal.

• Use other apples: If you can’t find Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady are also great.

• For extra crunch: Add crumbled bacon, roasted chickpeas, or crispy onions on top!

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🧊 Storage

This salad holds up beautifully in the fridge:

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

• It may even taste better on Day 2 as the flavors develop.

Perfect for meal prepping lunches or grabbing as a quick side during the week!

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🥄 The Bottom Line

This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is more than just a pretty dish — it’s a crave-worthy combo of fresh produce, satisfying crunch, and creamy tang. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner, a holiday spread, or meal prep, it checks all the boxes: healthy, easy, and absolutely delicious.

Give it a try — your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you.

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Have a favorite twist on broccoli salad? Share your version — we’d love to hear how you make it your own! 🍏🥦