Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is a refreshing, crunchy, and slightly sweet salad that I love serving year-round. It’s packed with crisp broccoli, juicy apples, and a tangy dressing that ties everything together beautifully. Whether I’m making it for a family meal, a potluck, or meal prep, this salad is always a colorful and satisfying hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The Honeycrisp apples bring a juicy sweetness, the broccoli adds crunch, and the creamy dressing gives it a tangy, savory finish. It’s a lighter alternative to heavier salads, yet it’s still filling and full of flavor. Plus, it holds up well in the fridge, so I can make it ahead without it getting soggy.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fresh broccoli florets

• Honeycrisp apples, chopped

• Red onion, finely diced

• Dried cranberries

• Sunflower seeds or chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds)

• Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

• Bacon bits (optional, for extra savory crunch)

For the dressing:

• Mayonnaise

• Greek yogurt or sour cream

• Apple cider vinegar

• Honey or maple syrup

• Salt

• Black pepper

Directions

1. I chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets and place them in a large mixing bowl.

2. I add the chopped Honeycrisp apples, red onion, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds (or nuts).

3. If I’m using cheese or bacon, I mix those in now as well.

4. In a separate bowl, I whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.

5. I pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything until well coated.

6. I cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. It takes around 15–20 minutes to prep, and I like to chill it for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Variations

Sometimes I use a mix of red and green apples for extra color. If I want it a little lighter, I use all Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. I’ve also added cooked quinoa or chickpeas to make it more of a main dish. For extra sweetness, I toss in a handful of fresh grapes or pomegranate seeds.

Storage/Reheating

I store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It doesn’t need reheating—it’s best served cold or at room temperature. I give it a quick toss before serving again to redistribute the dressing.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it a few hours in advance. It tastes even better after chilling as the flavors develop.

Will the apples brown?

Not much, since the dressing helps prevent browning. I also chop the apples right before mixing them in.

Can I use a different type of apple?

Sure, but I stick with crisp, sweet-tart varieties like Fuji or Pink Lady for the best texture and flavor.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free—just check that any add-ins like bacon bits or dressing ingredients are too.

What can I serve this with?

It’s great with grilled meats, sandwiches, or even on its own as a light lunch.

Conclusion

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is a fresh, crunchy, and flavorful salad that brings brightness to any meal. I love how easy it is to make and how versatile it is with different add-ins and flavors. Whether I’m looking for a healthy side dish or something light and tasty for lunch, this salad is always a favorite in my kitchen.

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

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• Author: Linda
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes including chilling
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is a crisp and refreshing dish featuring sweet apples, crunchy broccoli, and a tangy creamy dressing—perfect as a side or light lunch year-round.

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Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 2 Honeycrisp apples, chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or chopped nuts (pecans or almonds)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup bacon bits (optional)

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Chop broccoli into small florets and place in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add chopped apples, red onion, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds or nuts.
3. If using, stir in shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

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Notes

• Use a mix of red and green apples for added color and variety.
• Replace mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
• Add cooked quinoa or chickpeas to make it a more filling meal.
• Toss in grapes or pomegranate seeds for a sweet, juicy twist.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 10mg