If you’re looking for a recipe that’s bright, fresh, crunchy, and ridiculously easy to throw together, then this Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is about to become your new go-to. It’s a no-cook, veggie-packed side dish that brings together sweet, tangy, creamy, and nutty notes all in one satisfying bite. Whether you’re prepping for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or just trying to use up that gorgeous produce in your fridge, this Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is the one.
This healthy apple side dish doesn’t require any fancy equipment or cooking. Just a sharp knife, a big bowl, and a craving for something crunchy and delicious.
Jump to
- Why You’ll Love Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad
- Ingredients You’ll Need for Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad
- Step-by-Step: How to Make Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad
- Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Prep and Chill Time
- Serving Suggestions for Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad
- Additional Tips and Variations
- FAQ: Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad
- Final thoughts
Why You’ll Love Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad
Versatile
This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad fits into just about any meal plan. Want a side dish for your roast chicken? Need something to balance out a heavier pasta dinner? Or maybe you want a refreshing bite for your picnic basket? It works in all those situations.
Budget-Friendly
Broccoli, apples, and a few pantry staples are all you need. No obscure ingredients, no special trips to the store.
Quick and Easy
We’re talking about 15 minutes of chopping and tossing. That’s it. The hardest part is not eating it all before it hits the fridge to chill.
Customizable
You can easily swap Greek yogurt for mayo (or vice versa), add nuts or seeds, throw in some cheddar, or skip the cheese altogether. This salad plays well with whatever you’ve got.
Crowd-Pleasing
It’s sweet and savory with just the right tang. Even picky eaters and salad skeptics love this crunchy apple broccoli salad.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, cored and chopped (leave the skin on for color and texture)
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup roasted sunflower seeds (or chopped walnuts/pecans)
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Ingredient Notes
Honeycrisp apples are the star of this broccoli apple slaw. Their sweet-tart flavor and satisfying crunch give the salad that irresistible bite. If you can’t find Honeycrisp, try Fuji or Pink Lady as backups.
The Greek yogurt adds creaminess without the heaviness of mayo, but both work. For a dairy-free broccoli apple salad, use vegan mayo or coconut yogurt.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad
1. Prep Your Ingredients
Chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. Dice the apples into small cubes or matchsticks. Thinly slice your red onion. If the onion is too sharp, soak it in cold water for a few minutes and drain before adding.
2. Mix the Crunchy Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine broccoli, apples, onion, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and shredded cheddar if using. This is the colorful, crunchy base of your Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad.
3. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt (or mayo), apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust—you might want more vinegar for tang or more honey for sweetness.
4. Combine Everything
Pour the dressing over the broccoli apple slaw and toss to coat. Make sure everything gets a good mix so each bite is packed with flavor.
5. Chill and Serve
Let your Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the broccoli to soften just a little while still staying crunchy.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Servings: 4–6
- Calories: ~220 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
Prep and Chill Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Serving Suggestions for Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad
This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is incredibly flexible. Here are a few tasty ways to serve it:
- Alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu
- As part of a salad trio at brunch or lunch (try it with our strawberry spinach salad or this cucumber tomato salad)
- Piled next to crusty bread for a light meal
- With a cozy bowl of baked potato soup for warm-cool contrast
- Served up at your next picnic alongside our Mexican Street Corn Salad
Additional Tips and Variations
- Want more sweetness? Add extra honey or more dried cranberries.
- Going low-calorie? Use non-fat Greek yogurt and skip the cheese.
- Meal prepping? Keep dressing separate until ready to serve.
- Want to change up the flavor? Add a little Dijon mustard or lemon juice to the dressing.
- Need a nut-free version? Stick with sunflower seeds.
- Love apples? End your meal with this 3-ingredient apple cake
FAQ: Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad
Yes! Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady work great. Just make sure it’s crisp and sweet-tart.
Absolutely. Swap in a plant-based yogurt or mayo and use maple syrup instead of honey.
Totally. Chop and mix everything, but keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.
Nope. The texture won’t survive the freezer. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Sure thing! Grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or chopped nuts all work.
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free. Just check your dressing ingredients.
Yes! The sweet apples and cranberries are a big hit with the little ones.
Of course. Or use green onions for a milder flavor.
Definitely. It’s perfect for parties, potlucks, and big family meals.
It keeps well for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The apples may brown slightly but the flavor holds up.
Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
Description
This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is a fresh, crunchy, and colorful side dish with sweet apples, tangy cranberries, nutty sunflower seeds, and a creamy dressing. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, cored and chopped (skin on)
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup roasted sunflower seeds (or chopped walnuts/pecans)
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Chop broccoli into small florets, dice apples, and thinly slice the onion.
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli, apples, onion, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and cheese if using.
- In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt (or mayo), apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat well.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Customize with nuts, seeds, or cheese. Not freezer-friendly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Final thoughts
This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is fresh, vibrant, and seriously addictive. It combines crisp apples, crunchy veggies, creamy dressing, and just the right amount of sweet and savory notes. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck or meal-prepping lunches for the week, this salad is going to win hearts (and tastebuds). Give it a try, make it your own, and enjoy every crunchy bite.
For a vibrant pairing, try our rainbow orzo salad or the juicy peach fruit salad to round out your table.
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