Sweet & Crunchy Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe

Crisp autumn days inspire me to whip up this delightful honeycrisp apple broccoli salad that combines unexpected flavors.

Sweet and tart apples mingle beautifully with crunchy broccoli florets.

Nutty pecans add a satisfying texture to each bite.

Tangy dressing brings all the ingredients into perfect harmony.

Fresh herbs scattered throughout make the dish pop with vibrant color.

Minimal prep work means you can assemble this salad in minutes.

Chill the ingredients beforehand to enhance the refreshing taste experience.

Apple Broccoli Salad With Crunch and Sweet Honeycrisp

• Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up this vibrant salad in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Nutrient-Packed Delight: Packed with fresh broccoli, sweet Honeycrisp apples, and crunchy pecans, this salad delivers a powerful punch of vitamins and minerals.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Enjoy as a refreshing side dish, light lunch, or potluck contribution that appeals to both health-conscious and comfort food lovers.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare in advance and let the flavors mingle in the refrigerator, ensuring a delicious and convenient meal option that tastes even better after chilling.

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Ingredient Set

• Broccoli: Crunchy base with rich green color and packed with nutrients.
• Honeycrisp Apple: Sweet and crisp fruit that adds brightness and texture to the salad.
• Red Onion: Sharp flavor that provides a zesty bite and color contrast.

• Dried Cranberries: Tart and sweet elements that complement the fresh ingredients.
• Pecans: Crunchy nuts that add richness and earthy flavor to the salad.

• Cheddar Cheese: Optional tangy and creamy ingredient that enhances overall flavor.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy base for the dressing that helps bind ingredients.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Acidic component that balances and brightens the dressing.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that softens the vinegar's sharpness.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances all other flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the dressing.

Broccoli Apple Salad Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Vibrant Vegetables and Fruits

Grab a big mixing bowl and toss in crisp broccoli florets, sweet Honeycrisp apple chunks, ruby-red dried cranberries, crunchy pecan pieces, thinly sliced red onion, and optional shredded cheddar.

Mix these colorful ingredients gently with a large spoon to create a beautiful base for your salad.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Dressing

• Smooth mayonnaise
• Tangy apple cider vinegar
• Golden honey
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of black pepper

Whisk all ingredients together until the dressing becomes silky and well-blended, creating a perfect harmony of sweet and zesty flavors.

Step 3: Marry the Ingredients

Pour the luscious dressing over the salad mixture.

Use a spatula or large spoon to coat every single ingredient, ensuring each morsel gets a delicious splash of the creamy dressing.

Gently toss until everything is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Let Flavors Develop

Cover the salad and slide it into the refrigerator.

Allow the ingredients to get acquainted and let the flavors mingle for at least 30 minutes.

This chilling time helps the dressing seep into the ingredients, creating a more robust and delightful taste experience.

Salad Tips for That Crunchy Honeycrisp Broccoli Balance

• Choose firm, fresh Honeycrisp apples and dice just before mixing to prevent browning and maintain crisp texture.
• Adjust honey and vinegar ratios to balance sweetness and tanginess according to personal preference.
• Add grilled chicken or crispy bacon bits for a more substantial meal that transforms the salad into a complete dish.
• Swap shredded cheddar with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative for lactose-intolerant or vegan diners.
• Chop vegetables and make dressing in advance, storing separately to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy ingredients.

Chill Apple Broccoli Salad Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days, keeping the salad crisp and fresh.
• Before storing, gently pat excess dressing with a paper towel to prevent soggy texture.
• Enjoy straight from the refrigerator for the best taste and crunch.
• Do not freeze this salad, as it will compromise the texture of broccoli and apples.

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Complements

• Pair Vibrant White Wine: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the tangy apple cider vinegar and sweet honey notes in the salad dressing, enhancing the fresh broccoli and apple flavors.
• Create Artisan Bread Match: Rustic sourdough or walnut bread provides a delightful textural contrast to the crunchy salad, offering a hearty companion that balances the light, refreshing ingredients.
• Serve Complementary Protein: Grilled chicken breast seasoned with herbs like thyme or rosemary adds lean protein and creates a complete meal, harmonizing with the salad's nutty pecan and bright apple elements.
• Select Sparkling Beverage Option: Dry sparkling apple cider mirrors the Honeycrisp apple's sweetness while adding effervescence that cuts through the creamy mayonnaise dressing, making each bite feel lighter and more dynamic.

Apple Broccoli Salad with Honeycrisp Enhancements

• Vegan Veggie Crunch: Replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo, swap cheddar for nutritional yeast, and add sunflower seeds for extra protein.
• Gluten-Free Apple Broccoli Salad: Use gluten-free mayonnaise and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, adding pumpkin seeds for crunch.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Substitute honey with stevia, remove cranberries, increase nuts, and add crispy bacon bits for healthy fat.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil and parsley, replace pecans with pine nuts, and use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a tangy flavor profile.

FAQs

• Are Honeycrisp apples necessary for this recipe?

Honeycrisp apples add a nice crisp and sweet flavor, but you can substitute with other sweet-tart apple varieties like Gala or Fuji if needed.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this salad up to a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and toss again before serving to redistribute the dressing.

• Is this salad vegetarian-friendly?

The basic recipe is vegetarian. If you want to keep it vegetarian, ensure you use vegetarian-friendly mayonnaise and skip the optional cheddar cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.

• How can I add more protein to this salad?

Consider adding grilled chicken, chopped almonds, sunflower seeds, or crumbled tofu to increase the protein content and make the salad more filling.

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Honeycrisp apple broccoli salad delivers a crisp symphony of fresh flavors and textures. Crunchy broccoli, sweet apples, and tangy dressing create a vibrant blend that delights your palate with each refreshing bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups (960 ml) broccoli florets, chopped
• 1 large Honeycrisp apple, diced
• 1/2 cup (75 g) dried cranberries

Nuts and Cheese:

• 1/2 cup (60 g) chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)

Additional Ingredients:

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

Dressing:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) honey
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Finely chop crisp broccoli florets into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even dressing distribution and easy eating.
2. Dice vibrant Honeycrisp apples into small, consistent cubes, maintaining their fresh crunchiness and preventing browning.
3. Sprinkle tangy dried cranberries throughout the salad for bursts of sweet-tart flavor and added texture.
4. Roughly chop toasted pecans to provide a rich, nutty crunch that complements the fresh vegetables.
5. Thinly slice red onion into delicate rings to distribute a mild, sharp undertone without overwhelming the other ingredients.
6. Optional: Incorporate shredded sharp cheddar for a creamy, robust dimension to the salad’s profile.
7. Whisk together creamy mayonnaise, zesty apple cider vinegar, golden honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create a harmonious, smooth dressing.
8. Gently fold the dressing into the salad, ensuring each ingredient is evenly coated and glistening.
9. Refrigerate the salad for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify, creating a more cohesive and delicious dish.
10. Serve chilled as a refreshing side or light lunch option.

Notes

• Customize the crunch by toasting pecans beforehand, which intensifies their nutty flavor and adds a deeper, more complex texture to the salad.
• Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich dressing that cuts calories without sacrificing creamy consistency.
• Consider using vegan cheese or omitting cheese entirely to make the salad completely plant-based and allergen-friendly.
• Prep ingredients just before serving to maintain the broccoli’s crisp texture and prevent browning of the apple pieces.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg