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
Scale
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.
