If you are looking for a vibrant and refreshing dish that perfectly balances crunch, sweetness, and a touch of tanginess, you are in for a treat with this Broccoli Apple Salad Recipe. It’s a delightful combination where crisp broccoli florets meet juicy apples, shredded carrots, and a zesty, creamy dressing that brings everything together. This salad bursts with texture, color, and flavors that can brighten any meal or stand alone as a nutritious and satisfying snack. Whether you’re preparing a light lunch or a lively side, this Broccoli Apple Salad Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites for its effortless freshness and wholesome goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are straightforward but essential, each adding a unique element to the final dish. From the crunchy broccoli and sweet apples to the creamy dressing and crunchy nuts, everything plays a crucial role in creating a well-rounded flavor profile and pleasing texture.
- Broccoli florets (4 cups): Fresh and crisp, they provide the salad’s signature crunch and vibrant green color.
- Medium apples (2, chopped or julienned): Sweet and juicy apples add a lovely burst of freshness and natural sweetness.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): These add a subtle sweetness and a bright orange hue for extra visual appeal.
- Thinly sliced red cabbage (1 cup): Adds a deeper color contrast and a mild, slightly peppery crunch.
- Dried cranberries (1/2 cup): Provide bursts of tangy sweetness that complement the creamy dressing perfectly.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/3 cup): For crunch and a rich nutty flavor that contrasts well with the fruit and veggies.
- Thinly sliced red onion (1/4 cup): Adds a punch of sharpness to balance the sweetness.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Creates a creamy base that coats all the ingredients beautifully.
- Greek yogurt or sour cream (1/4 cup): Adds tang and lightness to the dressing.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Offers a subtle tang that brightens the whole salad.
- Honey or maple syrup (1 tablespoon): Sweetens the dressing naturally, balancing acidity and adding depth.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance and round out the flavors.
- Lemon juice (2 teaspoons, optional): Great for tossing the apples to keep them from browning and adding extra freshness.
How to Make Broccoli Apple Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Produce
Start by chopping your broccoli into bite-sized florets for a perfect crunch in every bite. Then slice or julienne the apples—either way works—just be sure to toss them with a little lemon juice if you want to keep them fresh and prevent browning. Shred the carrots and thinly slice both the red cabbage and the red onion. These fresh veggies form the vibrant colorful base of your salad.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Whisk it all together until smooth and creamy. This dressing has just the right balance of tanginess, sweetness, and creaminess to perfectly complement the fresh ingredients.
Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the broccoli florets, apples, shredded carrots, sliced cabbage and onion, and dried cranberries. Mix gently but thoroughly so every bite will be packed with a colorful variety of textures and flavors.
Step 4: Dress and Toss the Salad
Pour the creamy dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything well to ensure that each ingredient is evenly coated with that luscious dressing, making every forkful indulgent and flavorful.
Step 5: Add the Nuts
Right before serving, stir in the chopped walnuts or pecans. Adding them last helps preserve their crunch, providing a satisfying textural contrast to the coated veggies and fruit.
Step 6: Chill Before Serving
Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. Chilling melds the flavors beautifully, giving the broccoli and apples time to absorb the zesty dressing and making the salad even more refreshing.
How to Serve Broccoli Apple Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a lovely finishing touch, consider sprinkling extra nuts or a few fresh cranberries on top just before serving. A light scatter of chopped fresh parsley or a dusting of black pepper can also add a fresh herbal note and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This Broccoli Apple Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, baked fish, or even as part of a picnic spread with sandwiches and hearty rolls. Its bright flavors are fantastic next to smoky barbecue or alongside roasted meats, balancing rich dishes with its crisp, tangy profile.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in a large, colorful bowl to showcase its vibrant colors, or portion it into individual mason jars for a charming, portable option. For gatherings, it can also be layered in a clear trifle dish to show off all the layers of veggies, fruit, and dressing before tossing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Broccoli Apple Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days for peak freshness, as the apples and broccoli tend to soften slightly over time.
Freezing
This salad is not ideal for freezing due to its fresh produce and creamy dressing which won’t hold up well once thawed. To keep things simple and tasty, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated within a few days.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not recommended. It’s best served chilled to keep the crisp textures and refreshing taste intact.
FAQs
Can I substitute the mayonnaise with a healthier option?
Absolutely! You can use extra Greek yogurt or a plant-based alternative to lighten the dressing while still keeping it creamy and flavorful.
Will the apples brown if I prepare the salad in advance?
To prevent browning, toss the sliced apples in lemon juice before mixing them in. This simple trick keeps the apples looking fresh and appetizing for several hours.
Can I use other nuts besides walnuts or pecans?
Yes! Almonds, cashews, or even sunflower seeds can be delicious alternatives if you want a different crunch or if you have nut allergies.
Is this Broccoli Apple Salad Recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. It tastes great chilled and the ingredients hold up well in the fridge for a couple of days, making it perfect for prepping lunches or quick snacks ahead of time.
Can I add cheese to this salad?
Adding a mild cheese like feta or goat cheese can introduce a tangy creaminess that complements the salad beautifully. Just crumble it on top before serving.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly joyful about a salad that brings together crisp, fresh veggies and sweet, juicy apples in a luscious, tangy dressing. This Broccoli Apple Salad Recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your culinary rotation for its ease, nutrition, and the delightful harmony of flavors and textures. Give it a try—it’s sure to brighten your table and become a beloved favorite you’ll share again and again!
Print
Broccoli Apple Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and crunchy Broccoli Apple Salad featuring a medley of broccoli florets, crisp apples, shredded carrots, and red cabbage, tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing with dried cranberries and crunchy nuts. Perfect as a healthy side dish or light lunch, this salad combines vibrant flavors and textures for a delightful, nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Salad
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 medium apples, chopped or julienned
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup thinly sliced red cabbage
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice (optional, for apples)
Instructions
- Prepare the produce: Chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. Slice or julienne the apples, shred the carrots, and thinly slice both the red cabbage and red onion to ensure all ingredients mix well in the salad.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and a pinch of salt and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the broccoli florets, apples, shredded carrots, sliced red cabbage, red onion, and dried cranberries, ensuring an even distribution.
- Toss with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly until all components are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add nuts just before serving: Stir in the chopped walnuts or pecans to maintain their crunch and add a delightful texture contrast.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and to serve it chilled.
Notes
- Use lemon juice on the apples immediately after slicing to prevent browning.
- For a dairy-free dressing, substitute mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or sour cream accordingly.
- Chilling the salad enhances flavor and texture but can be served immediately if pressed for time.
- Feel free to swap walnuts with pecans or other nuts for variety.
- Adjust sweetness in the dressing by varying honey or maple syrup to taste.
