Print

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad
Print Recipe

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is a vibrant, crunchy side dish that combines fresh broccoli florets with juicy Honeycrisp apples, crunchy nuts or seeds, smoky bacon bits, and a creamy tangy dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, and family dinners, it offers a refreshing balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with plenty of nutrition and texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, washed and dried
  • 2 large Honeycrisp apples, cored and diced (with peel on), tossed with lemon juice
  • ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
  • ½ cup crispy cooked bacon bits
  • ½ cup sunflower seeds or chopped nuts

Dressing Ingredients

  • ½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Broccoli: Wash and thoroughly dry about 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets. Chop them into bite-sized pieces if necessary to ensure every forkful has the perfect crunch.
  2. Chop the Honeycrisp Apples: Core and dice 2 large Honeycrisp apples into small cubes. Leave the peel on for added color and texture, and toss the apple pieces with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
  3. Mix the Salad Ingredients: Combine the broccoli, apples, ½ cup of thinly sliced red onion, ½ cup crispy cooked bacon bits, and ½ cup sunflower seeds or chopped nuts in a large bowl.
  4. Whip Up the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, and salt and pepper to taste until smooth.
  5. Combine and Chill: Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully.

Notes

  • Use fresh broccoli: Crisp and fresh broccoli makes all the difference in texture and flavor.
  • Keep apples fresh: Toss apples with lemon juice right after chopping to avoid browning.
  • Make it ahead: The salad tastes even better after resting for several hours or overnight in the fridge.
  • Balance the dressing: Adjust sweetness and tanginess gradually—taste as you go to get it just right.
  • Customize crunch elements: Try swapping nuts for seeds or adding crispy fried onions for extra texture contrast.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, honeycrisp apple salad, healthy side dish, gluten free, crunchy salad, picnic salad, summer salad

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/honeycrisp-apple-broccoli-salad/