Introduction

This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is a fresh and vibrant side dish that balances crisp broccoli with sweet, juicy apples and a tangy honey dressing. It’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a healthy addition to any meal.

A close-up view of a fresh salad served in a white bowl, filled with bright green broccoli florets as the main layer, mixed with chunks of red-skinned apple pieces scattered on top and around, adding a pop of red and white. Small bits of toasted nuts are sprinkled throughout the salad, giving a crunchy texture, and a creamy dressing lightly coats the broccoli and apple pieces, adding a smooth shine. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, enhancing the colors of the fresh ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
1 large Honeycrisp apple, diced
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, diced Honeycrisp apple, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese if using.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is well coated.
Step 4: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

Swap pecans or walnuts for toasted almonds for a different crunch.
For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
Add a handful of sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for extra texture.
If you prefer a sweeter salad, increase the honey by a teaspoon or two.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give the salad a gentle toss before serving again. It’s best enjoyed chilled but can be brought to room temperature if preferred.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a broccoli salad showing roughly three layers: the first layer is fresh green broccoli florets with a bumpy texture, the second layer includes chunks of red apple with white flesh and smooth skin sitting lowered among the broccoli, and the third layer scattered on top consists of light brown sliced almonds with a dry, thin texture. The salad is lightly coated with a creamy white dressing, giving a slight shine to the broccoli and apple. The dish is in a white bowl on a white marbled surface with a silver spoon lifting a mix of broccoli and apple pieces. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another type of apple for this salad?

Yes, any crisp apple like Fuji or Granny Smith works well, but Honeycrisp adds a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.

Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?

Absolutely. The flavors develop nicely after resting, making it a great make-ahead dish. Just add the dressing right before serving if you want to keep the broccoli extra crisp.

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 79 reviews

A refreshing and crunchy Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad that combines fresh broccoli florets with sweet Honeycrisp apples, dried cranberries, crunchy nuts, and a tangy honey-infused mayonnaise dressing. This salad is perfect as a side dish for any meal or a light, healthy snack.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
1 large Honeycrisp apple, diced
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)

Dressing Ingredients

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Combine the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, add the chopped broccoli florets, diced Honeycrisp apple, dried cranberries, chopped pecans or walnuts, finely diced red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese if using. Mix gently to combine.
Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the combined salad ingredients and toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
Chill the salad: Place the salad in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step helps the flavors to meld together, making the salad more flavorful when served.

Notes

You can substitute pecans with walnuts based on preference.
For a lighter version, replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Make sure to dice the apple right before tossing to prevent browning.
The cheddar cheese is optional and can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
Chilling the salad is important to enhance the flavors, but it can be served immediately if needed.

Keywords: Broccoli Salad, Honeycrisp Apple Salad, Healthy Salad, No-Cook Salad, Apple Broccoli Salad