Name: Apple Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4–5 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-size pieces; 2½–3 cups cauliflower florets, chopped into bite-size pieces; 1 medium apple, diced; ½ small red onion, diced; 2 celery ribs, diced; 2–3 green onions, thinly sliced; ½ cup dried cranberries; ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled; ½ cup lightly salted roasted almonds, roughly chopped; ¾ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup olive oil; 3 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 teaspoons honey; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon fine salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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I make this crisp and colorful Apple Broccoli Cauliflower Salad when I want something fresh, slightly sweet, and satisfying without being heavy. The mix of crunchy vegetables, juicy apple, and creamy tangy dressing creates a balanced dish that works perfectly for gatherings or simple weekly meal prep.

Apple Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4–5 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-size pieces

2½–3 cups cauliflower florets, chopped into bite-size pieces

1 medium apple, diced

½ small red onion, diced

2 celery ribs, diced

2–3 green onions, thinly sliced

½ cup dried cranberries

½ cup feta cheese, crumbled

½ cup lightly salted roasted almonds, roughly chopped

¾ cup mayonnaise

¼ cup olive oil

3 tablespoons lemon juice

2 teaspoons honey

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon fine salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

I start by preparing the dressing. In a small bowl, I whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until everything is smooth and well combined.

In a large mixing bowl, I add the broccoli, cauliflower, diced apple, red onion, celery, green onions, dried cranberries, feta cheese, and chopped almonds.

I pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly coated.

For the best flavor, I cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes. This helps all the flavors come together nicely.

I serve the salad chilled and keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Servings and timing

I prepare this recipe in about 20 minutes since there’s no cooking involved.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

This recipe makes about 10 servings, and each serving contains approximately 275 kcal.

Variations

I sometimes swap the almonds for walnuts or pecans when I want a different nutty flavor. If I prefer a lighter version, I replace part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. For a bit of extra protein, I like adding grilled chicken or chickpeas. I also occasionally use blue cheese instead of feta for a stronger taste.

Storage/Reheating

I store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. I find that it stays fresh and flavorful, especially since the vegetables hold their crunch well. I don’t reheat this dish because I enjoy it cold, straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it a few hours in advance or even the day before. The flavor improves as it sits.

How do I keep the apples from browning?

I rely on the lemon juice in the dressing, which helps slow down browning naturally.

Can I make this dairy-free?

I simply skip the feta cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, I find it perfect for meal prep because it holds up well for several days without getting soggy.

Can I use a different dressing?

I sometimes experiment with yogurt-based or vinaigrette-style dressings if I want a lighter or tangier version.

Conclusion

I keep coming back to this apple broccoli cauliflower salad because it’s simple, fresh, and incredibly versatile. It works just as well for a casual lunch as it does for a larger gathering, and I like how easily I can adjust it to fit what I have on hand.

📖 Recipe:

Apple Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 10 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A crisp, colorful salad combining crunchy vegetables, sweet apple, and a creamy tangy dressing. Perfect for meal prep or gatherings, this dish is fresh, satisfying, and easy to make.

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli, cauliflower, diced apple, red onion, celery, green onions, dried cranberries, feta cheese, and chopped almonds.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Serve chilled and store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.