🍎 Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad
A sweet, crunchy, and tangy twist on a classic broccoli salad—fresh, satisfying, and bursting with texture!
Looking for a salad that’s as pretty as it is delicious? This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is a beautiful medley of fresh produce, sweet and savory add-ins, and a creamy dressing that ties it all together. It’s the perfect balance of crisp broccoli, juicy apple, tangy cranberries, crunchy nuts, and sharp cheddar cheese.
This salad works wonderfully as a side for potlucks, barbecues, or holiday gatherings, but it’s hearty enough to stand alone as a light lunch. And thanks to the sweet crunch of Honeycrisp apples, every bite is a refreshing pop of flavor.
🥗 Ingredients
→ Salad
4 cups broccoli florets, chopped (fresh, raw)
1 large Honeycrisp apple, diced (leave the peel on for color and crunch)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (toasted for extra flavor)
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
→ Dressing (common version; let me know if you want a dairy-free or lighter one)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
Salt and black pepper, to taste
👩‍🍳 Instructions
1. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
A pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper
Taste and adjust the balance of sweet/tangy/savory to your liking.
2. Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, diced apple, cranberries, chopped nuts, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Toss with Dressing
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated. If you’re prepping ahead, hold back on the apples and dressing until shortly before serving to keep the salad extra fresh.
4. Chill (Optional)
You can serve immediately, but chilling the salad for 30 minutes to an hour helps the flavors meld and makes the texture even more refreshing.
🍽️ Serving Tips
Serve as a side dish with grilled chicken, pulled pork, or roasted turkey.
Spoon into lettuce cups or tortillas for a light, crunchy wrap.
Add cooked quinoa or shredded rotisserie chicken to turn it into a full meal.
🌟 Why You’ll Love It
Honeycrisp apples offer perfect sweetness and crunch
Raw broccoli is loaded with fiber and nutrients
The creamy dressing brings it all together without being too heavy
It’s gluten-free, endlessly customizable, and great for make-ahead meals
🔄 Variations & Substitutions
Swap Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayo for a lighter, tangier dressing
Use pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a nut-free version
Try blue cheese or feta instead of cheddar for a bolder flavor twist
Add bacon bits for extra savory depth
🧊 Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If making ahead, add apples and dressing just before serving to prevent sogginess.
This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is everything you want in a fresh dish: satisfying crunch, tangy-sweet flavor, and just enough creaminess to keep you coming back for another bite. Whether you’re prepping for a picnic, a holiday meal, or your weekday lunchbox, it’s a colorful winner.