Refreshing Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe for Lunch Joy

Crisp honeycrisp apple slices add a delightful crunch to this refreshing broccoli salad that dances with flavor.

Tangy dressing coats each vibrant green floret with zesty excitement.

Unexpected combinations create magical moments in simple dishes like this one.

Crunchy nuts provide an earthy contrast against sweet apple chunks.

Raw broccoli brings robust nutrition and satisfying texture to every bite.

Seasonal ingredients shine brightest when prepared with minimal fuss and maximum creativity.

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad to Brighten Your Day

• Boost Nutrition: Packed with vibrant broccoli and sweet Honeycrisp apples, this salad delivers a powerful punch of vitamins, minerals, and fiber that nourish your body.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser
• Texture Party: Enjoy a delightful mix of crunchy pecans, crisp apples, and tender broccoli that creates an exciting symphony of textures in every single bite.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like cheese or nuts to match dietary preferences or what's in your pantry, making this salad super adaptable for any meal or occasion.

Ingredients for Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

• Broccoli: A crunchy green vegetable that provides a fresh and nutritious foundation for the salad.
• Honeycrisp Apple: A sweet and crisp apple variety that adds a delightful crunch and natural sweetness.

• Dried Cranberries, Pecans: Dried cranberries bring a tangy burst of flavor, while pecans offer a rich, nutty crunch.
• Red Onion: Adds a sharp and zesty bite to balance the salad's sweetness.
• Shredded Cheddar: Optional cheese that introduces a creamy and sharp flavor element.

• Mayonnaise, Apple Cider Vinegar, Honey, Salt, Pepper: A creamy and tangy dressing that combines smooth mayonnaise, tart vinegar, sweet honey, and classic seasoning to coat and enhance the salad ingredients.

How to Toss Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

Step 1: Prep Fresh Produce

Wash the broccoli and Honeycrisp apple thoroughly. Chop the broccoli into small florets.

Dice the apple into bite-sized cubes. Finely slice the red onion.

Set all prepared ingredients aside.

Step 2: Mix Dry Components

• Chopped broccoli florets
• Diced Honeycrisp apple
• Dried cranberries
• Chopped pecans
• Sliced red onion
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Dressing

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

Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and well incorporated.

Step 4: Create Flavor Harmony

Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each component gets evenly coated with the delicious dressing.

Step 5: Chill and Develop Flavors

Transfer the salad to the refrigerator. Let it rest for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and intensify.

Serve chilled and enjoy the crisp, refreshing taste.

Tips to Perfect Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

• Replace cheddar with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for dairy-free diets.
• Dice Honeycrisp apples right before mixing to prevent browning and maintain crisp texture.
• Toast pecans lightly to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crispness to the salad.
• Add dressing shortly before eating to keep broccoli and apple pieces from getting soggy.
• Store salad components separately and combine just before serving to maintain optimal texture and flavor.

Variations on Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

• Grilled Summer Salad: Replace broccoli with grilled zucchini and yellow squash, add grilled corn kernels, and swap pecans for sunflower seeds for a smoky outdoor flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Substitute cheddar with crumbled feta cheese, add kalamata olives, replace pecans with toasted pine nuts, and mix Greek yogurt into the dressing for a tangy Mediterranean touch.
• Autumn Harvest Edition: Use roasted butternut squash instead of broccoli, incorporate crispy bacon bits, swap cranberries for golden raisins, and add a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds for extra crunch.

Pairings That Complement Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the tangy salad, cutting through the creamy dressing with its bright, zesty notes.
• Serve with Grilled Chicken: Add lemon-herb marinated grilled chicken breast alongside the salad for a protein-packed meal that balances the fresh, crunchy textures.
• Match with Rustic Whole Grain Bread: Slice a hearty artisan bread to provide a robust, earthy counterpoint to the salad's sweet and tart flavor profile.
• Recommend Sparkling Water Spritzer: Mix sparkling water with a splash of apple juice to echo the Honeycrisp apple's sweetness and refresh the palate between bites.

How to Store Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep the salad chilled to maintain its crisp texture and fresh flavor.

For best results, store the dressing separately from the salad ingredients to prevent sogginess and preserve the crunchiness of nuts and broccoli.

Before serving leftovers, give the salad a quick stir and add a few fresh pecans or a sprinkle of cheese to revive its texture and appearance.

Do not freeze this salad, as the apples, broccoli, and dressing will lose their texture and become watery when thawed.

FAQs

• Why use Honeycrisp apples specifically?

Honeycrisp apples provide a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch that complements the broccoli and other salad ingredients. Their crisp texture and bright flavor elevate the entire dish.

• Can I substitute the pecans if I have a nut allergy?

Absolutely! You can replace pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch and nutty flavor without using tree nuts.

• Is this salad healthy?

Yes, this salad is packed with nutrients. Broccoli offers high fiber and vitamin C, apples provide antioxidants, and the dressing uses natural ingredients like honey and apple cider vinegar.

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crisp honeycrisp apple broccoli salad brings garden-fresh ingredients together in a delightful dance of flavors and textures. Crunchy broccoli, sweet apples, and tangy dressing create a refreshing meal that you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups (960 milliliters) broccoli florets, chopped
• 1 large Honeycrisp apple, diced
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped pecans or walnuts

Cheese:

• 1/2 cup (60 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Aromatics:

• 1/4 cup (40 grams) red onion, finely diced

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Instructions

1. Prepare the broccoli by finely chopping into bite-sized florets, ensuring uniform pieces for consistent texture and even dressing coverage.
2. Dice the Honeycrisp apple into crisp, small cubes, maintaining their fresh appearance and preventing browning by working quickly.
3. Slice red onion into thin, delicate rings to provide a sharp, subtle crunch without overwhelming other ingredients.
4. Roughly chop pecans to release their rich, nutty essence and create interesting textural contrast within the salad.
5. Sprinkle dried cranberries throughout the mixture, adding bursts of sweet-tart flavor and vibrant color.
6. Grate cheddar cheese into light, airy shreds that will distribute evenly and complement the salad’s complex profile.
7. Whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl until the dressing transforms into a smooth, cohesive mixture.
8. Gently fold the dressing into the salad, ensuring each ingredient receives a delicate coating without becoming soggy.
9. Refrigerate for 30-45 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify while maintaining the ingredients’ crisp texture.
10. Serve chilled, garnishing with additional pecans or a light sprinkle of cheese if desired.

Notes

• Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed version that cuts calories without sacrificing creaminess.
• Chop broccoli and apple into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure every forkful has balanced texture and easy eating.
• Make ahead and store in an airtight container for up to 2 days, but add nuts just before serving to maintain their crunch and prevent sogginess.
• For a vegan adaptation, replace cheddar with nutritional yeast and use vegan mayonnaise to keep the tangy, creamy dressing profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Chilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg