Introduction

This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is a refreshing mix of crisp broccoli, sweet and tart apples, and crunchy nuts. Tossed in a creamy honey and apple cider vinegar dressing, it’s a perfect side dish for any meal or a light, healthy snack.

A close-up view of a colorful salad in a white bowl, filled with bright green broccoli florets mixed with light yellow and red apple chunks, topped with small pieces of brown nuts and drizzled lightly with a creamy dressing. The broccoli is fresh with a bumpy texture, and the apple pieces show smooth, shiny skin. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, making the colors of the salad pop vividly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, diced Honeycrisp apple, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, red onion, and shredded cheddar if using.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is well coated.
Step 4: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, toast the nuts lightly before adding them to the salad.
Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to lighten the dressing and add tanginess.
Add raisins or chopped dried apricots if you prefer a fruitier salad.
Use red cabbage or shredded carrots to add more color and texture.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop best after chilling, but broccoli may lose some crunch over time. Toss gently before serving, and if desired, add a little extra dressing to refresh the salad. Avoid freezing.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a fresh salad with three main layers: bright green broccoli florets with a slightly creamy texture on the surface, chunks of red-skinned apples showing a mix of shiny red skin and pale flesh, and thin, light brown almond slices scattered throughout. The ingredients look fresh and mixed together closely, with small bits of dressing visible on both broccoli and apple pieces. The salad is in a white bowl placed on a white marbled surface. A spoon is lifting a portion, showing the detailed texture of each element. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different apple variety?

Yes, you can substitute Honeycrisp with other crisp, sweet-tart apples like Fuji or Granny Smith, though the flavor profile will vary slightly.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely, this salad holds up well in the refrigerator for a few days, making it a great option for meal prep. Keep it chilled and toss before serving for the best texture.

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 126 reviews

A refreshing and crunchy Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad combining crisp broccoli florets, sweet Honeycrisp apples, tart dried cranberries, crunchy nuts, and a creamy honey vinaigrette dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a vibrant side dish.

Author: Stella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

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

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Combine 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.
Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
Toss Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Chill to Meld Flavors: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to combine and the salad to chill.

Notes

For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or walnuts or substitute with seeds like sunflower seeds.
The sharp cheddar cheese adds a nice tang, but you can leave it out for a lighter salad.
Make sure to dice the Honeycrisp apple just before mixing to prevent browning, or toss apple pieces in a little lemon juice if preparing ahead.
This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Keywords: Honeycrisp apple salad, broccoli salad, healthy side dish, no-cook salad, easy lunch recipe