This Honeycrisp Broccoli Salad is a vibrant, crunchy, and refreshing dish that combines crisp apples, tender broccoli, and a tangy, creamy dressing. It’s the perfect side dish or light meal that’s packed with flavor, fiber, and nutrients. With the sweetness of Honeycrisp apples and the crunch of sunflower seeds, this salad will become a staple at your gatherings or a healthy addition to your lunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The Honeycrisp apples add a touch of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the crisp, slightly bitter broccoli, while the dried cranberries provide a burst of tartness. The creamy Greek yogurt dressing, with a hint of honey and apple cider vinegar, brings it all together. Quick to prepare and full of texture, it’s a delicious way to enjoy healthy, fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
1 Honeycrisp apple, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

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

Directions

In a bowl, mix together the broccoli, diced apple, red onion, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Variations

Add Protein: For a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken, bacon bits, or chickpeas to the salad.
Swap Nuts: If you’re not a fan of sunflower seeds, try adding walnuts, almonds, or pecans for a different crunch.
Make it Vegan: Use a vegan mayo and dairy-free yogurt to make this salad plant-based.
Add Cheese: Crumbled feta or goat cheese can add a tangy, creamy element to the salad.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best served chilled, and the flavor improves as it sits.
Reheating: This salad is meant to be served cold, so there’s no need to reheat it.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad can be made a few hours ahead of time or even the night before. Just be sure to let it chill in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld.

2. Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples are great for their sweetness and crunch, you can substitute with any other apple variety, like Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith, depending on your preference.

3. Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Yes, you can use regular yogurt, but Greek yogurt gives a thicker, creamier texture and higher protein content. If you use regular yogurt, the dressing might be a bit thinner.

4. Can I leave out the mayonnaise?

Yes, you can skip the mayonnaise and use more Greek yogurt for a lighter version of the dressing. You can also try using sour cream or a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream.

5. Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Yes, you can add other veggies like carrots, cucumber, or bell peppers for extra color and crunch.

6. Can I make this salad spicier?

For a spicy twist, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the salad.

7. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries can be used, but they will be much more tart. If using fresh, you may want to add a bit more honey or sugar to balance the flavor.

8. How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?

To keep the salad fresh, store the dressing separately and toss it with the salad ingredients just before serving.

9. Can I freeze this salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as the texture of the broccoli and apples will change after freezing. It’s best served fresh or stored in the fridge for a couple of days.

10. Can I add a sweeter dressing?

If you prefer a sweeter dressing, you can add a little extra honey or maple syrup, or even try adding a bit of Dijon mustard for a sweet and tangy flavor combination.

Conclusion

Honeycrisp Broccoli Salad is a fresh, colorful, and nutritious dish that’s perfect for a light meal or a side at your next gathering. With its combination of crisp apples, crunchy vegetables, and creamy dressing, it’s a flavor-packed salad that’s both healthy and satisfying. Quick to make and full of texture, it’s a must-try recipe for anyone looking to enjoy a light yet hearty dish.

Honeycrisp Broccoli Salad

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Print Recipe

Honeycrisp Broccoli Salad is a vibrant, healthy, and delicious dish combining fresh broccoli, sweet Honeycrisp apples, dried cranberries, and a creamy yogurt dressing. Perfect as a side dish or light meal, this salad is packed with flavor, fiber, and nutrients. A refreshing and easy-to-make recipe, it’s the ideal addition to any lunch or gathering!

Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 4 servings

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix together the broccoli, diced apple, red onion, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Notes

Swap Nuts: Use walnuts, almonds, or pecans for a different crunch.
Vegan Version: Use a vegan mayo and dairy-free yogurt for a plant-based version.
Add Cheese: Crumbled feta or goat cheese can elevate the flavor.

Author: Sophia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad, Side Dish, Healthy, Light Meal
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Diet: Vegetarian