A refreshing and crunchy salad that perfectly combines fresh broccoli, sweet Honeycrisp apples, and tangy dried cranberries. This vibrant dish is packed with flavor, texture, and a hint of sweetness, making it a great addition to any meal or a delicious standalone dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crunchy and Refreshing – Crisp apples, fresh broccoli, and sunflower seeds give this salad an irresistible crunch.
- Sweet and Savory Balance – The natural sweetness of apples and cranberries pairs perfectly with sharp cheddar and a tangy dressing.
- Quick and Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes with no cooking required!
- Great for Meal Prep – The flavors improve after sitting, making it perfect for make-ahead meals.
- Versatile and Customizable – Easily swap ingredients to fit your taste or dietary preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, cored and diced
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup sunflower seeds
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. Prepare the Broccoli
- Wash the broccoli florets under cold water, cut them into bite-sized pieces, and place them in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the Apples and Onion
- Dice the Honeycrisp apples, leaving the skin on for added crunch and color.
- Add the apples and sliced red onion to the bowl with the broccoli.
3. Mix in the Dried Cranberries and Sunflower Seeds
- Gently stir in the dried cranberries and sunflower seeds for sweetness and crunch.
4. Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5. Combine Salad and Dressing
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
6. Add Cheese and Serve
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the salad.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
Variations
- Dairy-Free: Omit the cheddar cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- Nutty Addition: Swap sunflower seeds for sliced almonds or pecans.
- Creamier Dressing: Add Greek yogurt for a tangy, creamy twist.
- Extra Protein: Toss in grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
- Lighter Version: Use light mayo or a mix of Greek yogurt and mayo.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Make-Ahead Tip: If prepping ahead, add the dressing just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes! Try Granny Smith for a tart bite or Fuji for extra sweetness.
2. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Fresh broccoli is best for crunch, but you can blanch frozen broccoli and let it cool before using.
3. How can I make this salad vegan?
Use vegan mayo and omit the cheese for a dairy-free and vegan-friendly version.
4. What’s the best way to keep apples from browning?
Toss them in a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad.
5. Can I substitute the mayonnaise?
Yes! Use Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a mix of both for a lighter option.
6. What pairs well with this salad?
It’s great with grilled chicken, sandwiches, or as a side for BBQ dishes.
7. Will this salad get soggy overnight?
The broccoli holds up well, but for best texture, add the dressing just before serving.
8. How do I make it extra tangy?
Increase the apple cider vinegar or add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
9. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Conclusion
Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is a sweet, savory, and crunchy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it as a side dish or enjoy it as a light meal, the combination of crisp apples, fresh broccoli, and tangy cranberries is sure to be a hit. Try it for your next gathering or meal prep session!
Print
Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is sweet, crunchy, and tangy, featuring fresh broccoli, crisp apples, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and sharp cheddar cheese tossed in a creamy honey dressing. A refreshing and nutritious side dish perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and meal prep!
Ingredients
✅ 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
✅ 2 Honeycrisp apples, cored & diced (skin-on)
✅ ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
✅ ½ cup dried cranberries
✅ ½ cup sunflower seeds
✅ ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For the Dressing:
✅ ¼ cup mayonnaise
✅ 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
✅ 1 tablespoon honey
✅ Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Broccoli:
- Wash the broccoli florets under cold water.
- Cut into bite-sized pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
2️⃣ Add the Apples & Onion:
- Dice the Honeycrisp apples (keeping the skin on for extra crunch & color).
- Add apples and sliced red onion to the broccoli.
3️⃣ Mix in the Cranberries & Seeds:
- Gently stir in the dried cranberries and sunflower seeds.
4️⃣ Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Mayonnaise
- Apple cider vinegar
- Honey
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
- Whisk until smooth and creamy.
5️⃣ Combine & Toss:
- Pour the dressing over the salad.
- Toss gently until all ingredients are well coated.
6️⃣ Add Cheese & Serve:
- Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese just before serving.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
✅ Serving Suggestion: Pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, BBQ, or holiday meals.
✅ Make Ahead: This salad gets better with time—prepare a few hours in advance!
✅ Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
✅ No Freezing: The texture of apples & broccoli won’t hold up well when frozen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish, Healthy Recipes
- Method: No-Cook, Toss & Serve
- Cuisine: American
