If you are on the hunt for a fresh, vibrant, and delightfully crunchy salad, this Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe is going to be your new best friend. It combines crisp broccoli florets with the sweet, juicy crunch of Honeycrisp apples, balanced perfectly by tangy red onions, dried cranberries, and a creamy dressing that brings everything together. Each bite bursts with texture and flavor, making it a standout side or light lunch that everyone will ask for again and again. Trust me, once you try this Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe, you will want to keep it in your recipe rotation for good!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh, and perfectly balanced, the ingredients for this salad are what make it so special. Every component contributes a distinct flavor, crunch, or creaminess that transforms ordinary broccoli into a gourmet dish packed with color and texture.
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets: The star green vegetable that adds crunch and nutrition to this salad.
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, cored & diced (skin-on): Sweet, crisp, and juicy, these apples bring a beautiful contrast and a lovely pop of color.
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a subtle sharpness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- ½ cup dried cranberries: Provide chewy bursts of tartness and a hint of sweetness.
- ½ cup sunflower seeds: A nutty crunch that adds wonderful texture and earthy flavor.
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Brings a creamy, tangy richness to the salad.
- ¼ cup mayonnaise: Creates the creamy dressing that binds all the flavors together smoothly.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to brighten the overall taste.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Rounds out the dressing with natural sweetness.
- Salt & pepper, to taste: Enhances and balances all the vibrant flavors.
How to Make Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli and Apples
Start by washing and chopping your fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets that are easy to eat. Then, wash, core, and dice the Honeycrisp apples, leaving the skin on for extra color and crunch. These two ingredients form the fresh, crisp base of your salad and set the stage for all the wonderful textures to come.
Step 2: Slice the Red Onion
Thinly slice the red onion to add a sharp, aromatic bite that will cut through the sweetness of the apples and cranberries. Make sure the slices are fine enough to mix well without overwhelming the salad with too much onion flavor.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
Combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey in a small bowl. Whisk together until smooth and creamy. This dressing is simple but essential, perfectly balancing tang, sweetness, and creaminess to tie all the flavors together.
Step 4: Combine All Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the broccoli florets, diced apples, red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently mix until everything is evenly coated. This step brings all those vibrant elements into delicious harmony.
Step 5: Season and Chill
Finish by seasoning the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully and the salad to become delightfully crisp and refreshing.
How to Serve Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of extra sunflower seeds or a few fresh apple slices on top just before serving for a visually appealing finish and added crunch. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives can also brighten the presentation and add a touch of herbal freshness.
Side Dishes
This salad works wonderfully as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or even a juicy steak. It’s also a fantastic picnic or potluck option, pairing well with sandwiches or as part of a light, healthy spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider serving your Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe in hollowed-out apple halves or small mason jars for individual portions. Another idea is to use large lettuce leaves as edible boats to scoop up the salad—utterly charming and perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh and crunchy for up to 2 days. Be mindful that the apples may brown slightly over time, so adding a bit more dressing or tossing again just before serving can refresh the flavors.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and is not recommended for freezing since the broccoli and apples might lose their crisp texture after thawing.
Reheating
Because this is a chilled salad, reheating is unnecessary. Simply give it a good stir and enjoy straight from the fridge for the best texture and flavor experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this salad?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples are preferred for their sweetness and crunch, Gala or Fuji apples can also work well. Just choose crisp apples that won’t easily turn mushy.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
Yes! Simply substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayo alternative and omit the cheddar cheese or use a plant-based cheese substitute.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Definitely. Grilled chicken, turkey bacon bits, or even chickpeas can make this salad a more hearty meal without compromising the flavors.
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
For the best taste and texture, enjoy it within 2 days of preparation. Beyond that, the apples and broccoli may start to lose their crispness.
What’s the best way to prevent the apples from browning?
Leaving the skin on helps, but you can also toss the apples in a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad to keep them looking fresh and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe is a truly delightful dish that combines crisp textures, sweet and tangy flavors, and a creamy dressing that you won’t be able to resist. It’s easy to prepare, vibrant on the plate, and perfect for any occasion. I hope you’ll give it a try and share the joy of this fresh, crunchy salad with your loved ones!
Print
Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and crunchy Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad combining fresh broccoli florets, sweet and crisp Honeycrisp apples, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds, all tossed in a tangy honey-apple cider vinegar dressing. This colorful salad is perfect for a light lunch or a nutritious side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, cored and diced (skin-on)
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup sunflower seeds
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Dressing Ingredients
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Rinse the fresh broccoli florets under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Cut into bite-sized pieces if necessary.
- Chop Apples and Onion: Core and dice the Honeycrisp apples with skin on to retain texture and color. Thinly slice the red onion to add a sharp, tangy flavor.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the broccoli florets, diced apples, sliced red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Toss gently to mix.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss again until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use Honeycrisp apples for their sweetness and crisp texture that complements the broccoli well.
- For added crunch, toast the sunflower seeds lightly before adding.
- Dressing can be adjusted for sweetness or acidity by varying honey or apple cider vinegar amounts.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and stored chilled in an airtight container.
- To keep apples from browning, toss them briefly in a small amount of lemon juice before adding to the salad.
