Name: Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped; 1 Honeycrisp apple, diced; ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped; ¼ cup dried cranberries; ¼ cup pecans, toasted and chopped; ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; ½ cup Greek yogurt (or mayo for a creamier taste); 1 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; ½ tsp Dijon mustard

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This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is a refreshing, crunchy dish that brings a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. It’s ideal as a side for any meal or even as a light lunch on its own. The crispness of the apples and broccoli combined with the creamy dressing makes every bite delightful.

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

Ingredients

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

2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped

1 Honeycrisp apple, diced

¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

¼ cup dried cranberries

¼ cup pecans, toasted and chopped

½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Dressing:

½ cup Greek yogurt (or mayo for a creamier taste)

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

½ teaspoon Dijon mustard

Directions

Make the dressing by whisking together Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until smooth.

In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, diced Honeycrisp apple, finely chopped red onion, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and shredded cheddar cheese.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together thoroughly to coat evenly.

Let the salad sit in the fridge for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Serve chilled and enjoy the fresh, crunchy goodness.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people as a side dish. It takes roughly 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 15 minutes to chill before serving.

Variations

I sometimes swap the Honeycrisp apple for Granny Smith if I want a tarter bite. You can also replace the pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor. For a dairy-free version, I skip the cheddar cheese or use a plant-based alternative. If I want it creamier, I use mayo instead of Greek yogurt in the dressing. Adding some cooked bacon bits can also boost the savory factor.

Storage/Reheating

I store this salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Since it’s best served cold and fresh, I don’t recommend reheating. The flavors actually improve after chilling, so it’s great to make a little ahead of time.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, I usually prepare it a few hours in advance or the night before. Just keep it refrigerated and toss again before serving to redistribute the dressing.

What can I substitute for pecans?

Walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds work well if you want a different crunch or have nut allergies.

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! Honeycrisp is my favorite for its sweetness and crisp texture, but Granny Smith or Fuji apples also taste great.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Yes, you can omit the cheddar cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. Also, use mayonnaise instead of Greek yogurt if you want to avoid dairy completely.

Can this salad be made vegan?

Yes, by using a vegan mayo or plant-based yogurt and vegan cheese substitutes, this salad can easily be vegan-friendly.

Conclusion

I find this Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad to be a wonderfully fresh and satisfying dish that complements many meals. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and offers a nice balance of textures that keep me coming back for more. Whether for a weekday lunch or a family dinner side, this salad always hits the spot.

Recipe:

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 25 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing and crunchy Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, featuring crisp apples, broccoli, sharp cheddar, toasted pecans, and a creamy dressing.

Instructions

Whisk together Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until smooth to make the dressing.
In a large bowl, combine broccoli, diced Honeycrisp apple, red onion, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat evenly.
Refrigerate the salad for about 15 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
Serve chilled and enjoy.