Tangy Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe for Fresh Flavor

Crisp honeycrisp apple slices dance through this unexpected broccoli salad sensation.

Crunchy florets mingle with sweet fruit chunks in a vibrant medley.

Refreshing textures spark excitement on every forkful.

Tangy dressing weaves magic between green and ruby ingredients.

Seasonal produce becomes a delightful conversation starter at any gathering.

Colorful combinations invite playful experimentation with fresh flavors.

We promise this dish will make you the star of any potluck or picnic spread.

Play With This Salad’s Flavors

• Vegan Apple Broccoli Delight: Replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo, omit bacon and cheese, add nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor, and use maple syrup instead of honey.
• Paleo-Friendly Version: Swap mayonnaise for homemade avocado dressing, eliminate cheese, use sunflower seeds instead of pecans, and keep bacon for protein boost.
• Gluten-Free Garden Crunch: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, substitute pecans with almonds, use gluten-free bacon, and add quinoa for extra texture.
• Low-Carb Herbal Remix: Remove dried cranberries, increase nuts, use Greek yogurt in dressing, add fresh herbs like dill or parsley, and sprinkle with hemp seeds for nutrition.

Salad Questions? Here’s the Info

• Is this salad healthy?

Yes! It’s packed with nutrients from broccoli, carrots, and apples. The recipe offers a balance of vitamins, fiber, and protein from ingredients like pecans and optional cheese.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad actually tastes better after chilling for 30 minutes, which allows the flavors to blend. You can prepare it a day in advance and keep it refrigerated.

• How do I prevent the apple from browning?

Toss the diced apple in a little lemon juice before adding to the salad. This simple trick will keep the apple fresh and prevent discoloration.

• Are there vegetarian options for this recipe?

Yes, simply omit the bacon and cheese to make this salad completely vegetarian-friendly. The other ingredients will still provide great flavor and texture.

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad That Feels Fresh

• Perfect for busy cooks who want a delicious salad in minutes without complicated techniques.
• Packed with broccoli, apples, and nuts, delivering a balanced mix of vitamins, fiber, and protein in every bite.
• Suitable for picnics, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, this salad adapts to various occasions and preferences.
• Can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making meal prep easier and saving time during hectic days.

Salad Ingredient Rundown with a Sweet Twist

• Honeycrisp Apple: Sweet and crisp apple providing a refreshing crunch, best when firm and bright colored.
• Broccoli: Nutritious green vegetable adding texture and earthy flavor, choose fresh and bright green florets.
• Carrots: Adds sweetness and vibrant color, prefer fresh and firm carrots.
• Red Onion: Sharp flavor that complements other ingredients, thinly slice for balanced taste.

• Dried Cranberries: Sweet-tart element adding brightness, look for plump and soft berries.
• Pecans: Provides nutty crunch and rich flavor, toast for enhanced taste.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base for dressing, choose full-fat version for best flavor.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness, select organic unpasteurized variety.
• Honey: Natural sweetener balancing vinegar's acidity, prefer raw local honey.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds depth and slight heat to dressing, select smooth variety.
• Cheddar Cheese: Optional sharp and creamy element, aged cheese provides more intense flavor.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor, use kosher or sea salt.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat, freshly ground preferred.
• Bacon: Optional crispy protein topping, thick-cut bacon recommended for best crunch.

Putting Together Your Apple Broccoli Bowl

Step 1: Whip Up The Zesty Dressing

• Creamy mayonnaise
• Tangy apple cider vinegar
• Sweet honey
• Sharp Dijon mustard
• Pinch of salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Whisk ingredients until smooth and taste for perfect balance.

Step 2: Build Your Colorful Salad

• Crisp broccoli florets
• Juicy Honeycrisp apple chunks
• Shredded vibrant carrots
• Tart dried cranberries
• Crunchy toasted pecans
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Sharp cheddar cheese (optional)

Pour prepared dressing over ingredients and mix thoroughly until every bite is coated.

Sprinkle crumbled bacon on top for extra flavor punch (if desired).

Step 3: Chill And Unleash Flavors

Cover salad and park in refrigerator for minimum 30 minutes.

This waiting period allows ingredients to dance and mingle, creating an incredible taste experience.

Serve cold and savor each delightful bite!

Tips for Crisp Broccoli and Sweet Crunch

• Customize Dressing Flavor: Adjust sweetness and tanginess by experimenting with honey and apple cider vinegar ratios for your preferred taste profile.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Chop broccoli and mix ingredients in advance, but add dressing just before serving to maintain crisp vegetable texture.
• Swap Ingredients Smartly: Replace pecans with almonds or walnuts for different crunch, and use turkey bacon for a lighter protein option.
• Create Vegetarian Version: Omit bacon and cheese to make the salad completely plant-based while keeping its delicious flavor complexity.
• Store Wisely: Keep salad refrigerated and consume within 2-3 days for best taste and freshness, storing ingredients separately to prevent sogginess.

Store and Keep This Salad Crisp

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad might become slightly softer but will still taste delicious.
• Place a paper towel on top of the salad before sealing to absorb excess moisture and keep ingredients crisp.
• Keep extra dressing separate if possible, adding it just before serving to prevent soggy ingredients.
• When ready to enjoy, give the salad a quick stir and add fresh pecans or bacon bits for renewed crunch.

Perfect Matches for Apple Broccoli Salad

• Choose a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the salad's bright, tangy flavors and cut through the richness of bacon and cheese.
• Select a dry hard cider that mirrors the apple notes and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy dressing and crunchy vegetables.
• Serve alongside simply seasoned grilled chicken breast to create a balanced, protein-rich meal that enhances the salad's fresh ingredients.
• Add a slice of rustic sourdough or whole grain bread to provide a warm, crunchy texture that contrasts with the cool, crisp salad components.

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Honeycrisp apple broccoli salad brings crisp autumn flavors dancing across garden-fresh ingredients. Crunchy broccoli florets and sweet apple chunks mingle with tangy dressing, creating a perfect balance you’ll crave at every seasonal gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups (946 milliliters) fresh broccoli florets, chopped
• 1 large Honeycrisp apple, diced
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) shredded carrots
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) chopped pecans (or almonds or walnuts)
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)

Additional Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) dried cranberries
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) red onion, finely diced

Dressing Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) honey
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) Dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) salt
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) black pepper

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant dressing by whisking mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a small mixing vessel until smooth and well-integrated.
2. Prepare the salad base by chopping broccoli into bite-sized florets, dicing Honeycrisp apples into uniform cubes, and shredding carrots into delicate ribbons.
3. Add dried cranberries for a tangy burst of sweetness and roughly chop pecans to introduce a rich, nutty texture to the salad.
4. Finely mince red onion to provide a sharp, aromatic undertone and grate cheddar cheese for a creamy, savory element.
5. Combine all prepared ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring an even distribution of components.
6. Drizzle the pre-made dressing over the salad, gently folding and tossing to coat every ingredient thoroughly.
7. If desired, crumble crisp bacon across the surface for an additional layer of smoky flavor and crunchy texture.
8. Seal the salad and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
9. Before serving, give the salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and ingredients, then present chilled for a refreshing and dynamic side dish.

Notes

• Customize the salad by swapping pecans with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version, perfect for school lunches or allergic individuals.
• Keep apples crisp by cutting them just before mixing to prevent browning and maintain fresh texture.
• Consider reducing mayonnaise and adding Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed dressing that cuts calories without sacrificing creaminess.
• For a vegetarian option, replace bacon with roasted chickpeas or smoked paprika-seasoned tempeh crumbles to add similar smoky, crunchy elements.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg