This crunchy, creamy broccoli and apple salad combines fresh broccoli, crisp apples, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and a tangy dressing. It’s perfect for lunch, potlucks, BBQs, or a refreshing side dish!
Ingredients
For the salad
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 medium apples, diced
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- ¼ cup shredded carrots (optional)
For the creamy dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1–2 tablespoons honey
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the broccoli: Wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli. Cut it into small, bite-sized florets.
- Chop the apples: Dice the apples into cubes. Leave the skin on for extra color and crunch. Toss with a little lemon juice to help prevent browning.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine the salad: Add broccoli, apples, cranberries, walnuts, red onion, and carrots to a large bowl.
- Add the dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill: Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to let the flavors combine.
- Serve: Toss again before serving and sprinkle a few extra walnuts and cranberries on top.
Recipe Details
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 20–30 minutes
Servings: 6
Cooking: No-cook recipe
Nutrition Information
Estimated per serving, based on 6 servings.
| Nutrient | Approximate amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250–310 kcal |
| Protein | 5–7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20–27 g |
| Fat | 18–23 g |
| Fiber | 4–6 g |
| Sugar | 12–17 g |
Values vary depending on the dressing, apples, and dried cranberries used.
All Nut Information
- Contains tree nuts: Walnuts.
- Peanut-free ingredients: No peanuts are required, but check packaged ingredients for cross-contact warnings.
- Nut-free alternative: Omit the walnuts or replace them with roasted sunflower seeds if safe for your dietary needs.
- Dairy-free: Replace Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative.
- Egg-free: Use egg-free mayonnaise.
- Gluten-free: The listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free when packaged products are verified.
If preparing this for someone with a nut allergy, check labels and avoid cross-contact with walnuts or other nuts.
Tips for the Best Broccoli & Apple Salad
- Keep it crunchy: Use fresh broccoli and firm apples.
- Prevent browning: Toss diced apples with a little lemon juice.
- Balance the sweetness: Start with 1 tablespoon of honey and add more if needed.
- Make it lighter: Replace some mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt.
- Boost the protein: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or chopped boiled eggs.
- Make ahead: Prepare the dressing and chop the broccoli in advance. Add the apples and walnuts shortly before serving for maximum freshness.
Questions & Answers
Q1: Can I eat the broccoli raw?
Yes! Raw broccoli provides a crunchy texture. Cut it into small florets so it’s easier to eat. You can blanch it briefly if you prefer a softer texture.
Q2: Which apples work best?
Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith apples all work well. Granny Smith adds a tart flavor, while Fuji and Gala are sweeter.
Q3: Can I make this salad without mayonnaise?
Yes. Use plain Greek yogurt with a little lemon juice, vinegar, and honey for a tangy dressing.
Q4: How long does the salad last in the refrigerator?
Store it in an airtight container and eat within 2–3 days. The apples may soften and the walnuts may lose some crunch over time.
Q5: Can I make it without dried cranberries?
Absolutely. Try raisins, chopped dates, or fresh pomegranate seeds.
Q6: Is broccoli and apple salad healthy?
Yes. Broccoli provides fiber and vitamins, apples contribute fiber, and walnuts provide unsaturated fats. The dressing and dried fruit add calories and sugar, so adjust them to your preferences.
Q7: What can I serve with this salad?
It pairs well with grilled chicken, baked fish, sandwiches, roasted potatoes, or veggie burgers.
Q8: Can I make this salad ahead for a party?
Yes. Prepare it a few hours in advance and refrigerate. For the best crunch, add the walnuts just before serving.
Enjoy this fresh, crunchy, creamy broccoli and apple salad! 🥦🍎
