If you’re looking for a salad that perfectly balances crisp freshness, a pop of sweetness, and just the right amount of tang, you’ve got to try this Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad. It’s a color-packed bowl of crunchy broccoli, juicy Honeycrisp apple pieces, vibrant carrots, sweet-tart cranberries, and nutty richness, all tossed with a creamy Greek yogurt dressing. This dish is a breeze to throw together and it never fails to impress at gatherings or as a wholesome lunch. Whether you’re a salad enthusiast or just looking to shake up your veggie routine, this salad is pure joy in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad lies in its simple but essential ingredients, each offering a unique texture or flavor that makes the dish unforgettable. You might already have most of these on hand, and every single one plays a starring role!

Broccoli florets: Use fresh, bite-sized pieces for unbeatable crunch and a green burst in every forkful.
Honeycrisp apple: This apple’s natural sweetness and crispness are the backbone of the salad, so choose a firm, juicy one.
Shredded carrots: They add gorgeous color and a subtle sweetness that complements the apples beautifully.
Red onion: Thin slices bring a little zing and sharpness, balancing out the sweeter notes.
Dried cranberries: These chewy gems add a pop of tartness and a lovely color contrast.
Chopped walnuts or pecans: For extra crunch and a nutty, toasty flavor—try toasting them for even more depth.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional): Adds richness and a creamy, savory edge if you like a little cheese in your salad.
Plain Greek yogurt: The base of the dressing, giving it a creamy tang while keeping things light.
Mayonnaise: Just a touch brings classic creaminess and helps blend the flavors in the dressing.
Apple cider vinegar: The tangy kick that brightens up the whole salad and ties the flavors together.
Honey: Just enough to sweeten the dressing and enhance the apple’s natural sweetness.
Salt: A pinch is all you need to make every flavor pop.
Black pepper: A hint of spice to round out the dressing.

How to Make Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

Step 1: Prep the Fresh Ingredients

Start by chopping your broccoli into small, bite-sized florets and dicing the Honeycrisp apple. Slice the red onion super thin and shred your carrots if they’re not already prepped. The key here is to get everything into pieces that are easy to scoop up with a fork, so every bite includes a little bit of everything.

Step 2: Mix the Base of the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, add the broccoli florets, chopped Honeycrisp apple, shredded carrots, thinly sliced red onion, dried cranberries, and your choice of chopped walnuts or pecans. If you’re feeling a little extra, sprinkle in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a creamy, savory touch.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing

In a separate smaller bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and everything is well-blended. This creamy mixture brings all the vibrant ingredients together with a tangy, slightly sweet hug.

Step 4: Toss It All Together

Pour the dressing over your salad ingredients and toss thoroughly until every piece is coated. Take your time with this step so the dressing hugs each bit of broccoli, apple, and carrot. You’ll notice the colors come alive even more as everything gets slicked in creamy goodness.

Step 5: Chill and Let the Flavors Mingle

Cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This little rest allows the broccoli to soften just slightly and lets all the flavors meld into something truly special. Give it a gentle toss before serving for the freshest presentation.

How to Serve Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

Garnishes

Top your Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad with a handful of extra toasted nuts, a sprinkle of more dried cranberries, or a few fresh apple slices for a beautiful finishing touch. A little extra sharp cheddar can add a gorgeous pop of color and flavor to the presentation, too.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or even a simple sandwich for a lunch that feels like a treat. For potlucks and picnics, it sits happily alongside other classic sides and adds a fresh, vibrant note to any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad in a large, shallow bowl so the colorful ingredients shine, or portion it into individual mason jars for a fun, portable lunch. For parties, try serving it on crisp lettuce leaves or in endive cups for an elegant, bite-sized starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors continue to develop, and the broccoli stays pleasantly crisp, making it perfect for meal prep or grab-and-go lunches.

Freezing

Salads like this one aren’t ideal for freezing, as the fresh veggies and apples lose their crunch and become watery after thawing. For the best texture and flavor, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

No need to reheat—this salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature. Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and wake up all the flavors.

FAQs

Can I make Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise for your favorite plant-based alternatives, and be sure to skip the cheddar cheese or use a vegan version. The salad will still be creamy, colorful, and delicious.

What can I use instead of Honeycrisp apples?

While Honeycrisp apples are the star for their perfect sweet-tart flavor and crunch, you can substitute with Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady apples if needed. Just look for varieties that hold up well in salads.

Can I prepare Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad the night before?

Definitely! In fact, making it ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just wait to add any extra garnishes until right before serving for the freshest look and crunch.

How can I make the salad nut-free?

You can easily leave out the nuts or substitute with roasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch and flavor, making the salad safe for those with nut allergies.

Is there a way to make the dressing dairy-free?

Yes! Use a non-dairy yogurt in place of Greek yogurt and a vegan mayo. The dressing will still be creamy and flavorful, and your Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad will be entirely dairy-free.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a big bowl of Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad—its mix of colors, flavors, and textures never fails to bring smiles to the table. I hope you give this recipe a try and make it your own; it’s sure to become a new favorite for lunches, gatherings, or anytime you want something deliciously wholesome.

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus at least 30 minutes chilling)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is a refreshing and flavorful no-cook side dish combining crunchy broccoli florets, sweet and tart Honeycrisp apples, shredded carrots, and a zesty creamy dressing. Enhanced with dried cranberries, nuts, and optional sharp cheddar cheese, it’s perfect for a healthy fall salad or potluck addition.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

4 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 large Honeycrisp apple, chopped
½ cup shredded carrots
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
⅓ cup dried cranberries
⅓ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)

Dressing Ingredients

½ cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add fresh broccoli florets, chopped Honeycrisp apple, shredded carrots, thinly sliced red onion, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, and shredded cheddar cheese if using. Mix gently to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Prepare the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss thoroughly to coat every piece with the creamy dressing.
Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully and lets the broccoli soften slightly for better texture and taste.
Serve: Stir the salad once more before serving to redistribute the dressing and ingredients. Serve chilled for a refreshing and crunchy salad experience.

Notes

For an extra crunch and deeper flavor, toast the walnuts or pecans before adding them to the salad.
This salad keeps well in the fridge for several days, making it an excellent make-ahead option for potlucks or packed lunches.
If you prefer a creamier dressing, substitute the Greek yogurt with additional mayonnaise.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad, Side Dish
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American