Zesty Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe for Fresh Joy

Crunchy textures dance together in this vibrant honeycrisp apple broccoli salad that promises a delightful burst of flavors.

Sweet and tangy notes weave through fresh, crisp ingredients, creating a refreshing side dish.

Bright green broccoli florets partner perfectly with juicy honeycrisp apple chunks, adding unexpected excitement to your plate.

Crisp vegetables bring a delightful crunch that makes every bite memorable.

Seasonal produce shines in this simple yet elegant salad that balances nutrition and taste.

Packed with vitamins and natural sweetness, this salad delivers a wholesome experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You won’t be able to resist this delectable combination of fresh ingredients.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 7

Everything In Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that adds richness and helps bind ingredients smoothly.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Bright, tangy liquid that balances flavors and adds zesty brightness.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that softens vinegar's sharpness and provides silky texture.
• Dijon Mustard: Robust condiment that brings subtle heat and complex depth.
• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that elevates overall taste profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds warm, subtle spiciness and aromatic complexity.

• Honeycrisp Apple: Sweet-tart variety that provides crisp texture and juicy crunch.
• Broccoli: Nutrient-dense vegetable with hearty texture and vibrant green color.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and crunchy element to the salad.
• Red Onion: Sharp, pungent ingredient that introduces bold flavor contrast.
• Dried Cranberries: Chewy fruit that brings sweet-tart burst and jewel-like color.

• Pecans: Buttery, toasted nuts that contribute rich crunch and earthy undertones.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, tangy dairy element that adds creamy protein dimension.
• Bacon: Crispy, smoky protein topping that introduces intense savory notes.

Tools To Toss Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Right

• Whisk: Essential for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing dressing components.
• Large bowl: Needed for combining salad ingredients.
• Cutting board: Required for chopping apples, onions, and other ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Crucial for dicing and slicing produce precisely.
• Cheese grater: Helps shred carrots and cheese quickly.
• Measuring spoons: Useful for accurate seasoning measurements.

Steps To Make Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Fresh

• Whip Up a Zesty Dressing

Grab a mixing bowl and blend mayonnaise, tangy apple cider vinegar, golden honey, spicy Dijon mustard, a pinch of salt, and a dash of black pepper. Give it a quick taste and tweak the flavors if needed.

• Create a Vibrant Salad Mix

Toss together crisp broccoli florets, juicy diced Honeycrisp apples, colorful shredded carrots, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, sharp red onion, and optional sharp cheddar cheese into a large bowl. Drench the mixture with your freshly made dressing and mix thoroughly. If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle some crumbled bacon on top for extra pizzazz.

• Chill and Delight

Cover your salad and let it hang out in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This magical resting time allows all the flavors to get cozy and blend beautifully. When ready, serve the salad cold and watch everyone’s taste buds dance with joy.

Tips To Add Crunch To Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

• Flavor-Boosting Bacon Trick: Crisp the bacon until extra crunchy to add a smoky, satisfying texture that elevates the entire salad's taste profile.
• Dairy-Free Makeover: Swap cheese with nutritional yeast or omit completely, keeping the salad's vibrant flavors intact while accommodating dairy-sensitive diets.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dressing and chop ingredients separately, storing them in sealed containers to assemble quickly when ready to serve, maintaining maximum freshness.
• Veggie Power Protein Swap: Replace bacon with roasted sunflower seeds or toasted pumpkin seeds for a plant-based protein boost that adds crunch and nutrition without compromising flavor.
• Seasonal Ingredient Flexibility: Experiment with different apple varieties like Granny Smith for tartness or Golden Delicious for sweetness, allowing the salad to adapt to seasonal availability and personal taste preferences.

Serve Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Cool And Crisp

• Picnic Perfect Plate: Pack this vibrant salad in individual containers for a delightful outdoor meal that brings fresh flavors anywhere.
• Festive Holiday Side: Elevate your family gatherings by serving this colorful salad alongside roasted turkey or glazed ham for a nutritious complement.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the salad components separately and combine just before eating to maintain crisp textures and prevent soggy ingredients, making it ideal for work lunches or quick weeknight dinners.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken, sliced almonds, or hard-boiled eggs to transform this side dish into a complete and satisfying main course that keeps you energized throughout the day.

Store Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Without Losing Flavor

• Fridge-Ready Freshness: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping ingredients crisp and flavors vibrant.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare dressing and chop ingredients separately, combining just before serving to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy vegetables.
• Smart Ingredient Strategy: Keep nuts and bacon separate until serving time to preserve their crunchiness and prevent moisture-induced softening.
• Flavor Boost Technique: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to marinate and develop deeper, more complex taste profiles.

Crisp Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

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4.5 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Honeycrisp apple broccoli salad delivers crisp textures and bold flavors from seasonal ingredients. Crunchy broccoli florets, sweet apples, and tangy dressing combine for a refreshing side dish you’ll enjoy again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups (960 ml) broccoli florets, chopped
• ½ cup (120 ml) shredded carrots
• 1 large honeycrisp apple, diced
• ¼ cup (60 ml) red onion, finely diced
• ½ cup (120 ml) dried cranberries
• ½ cup (120 ml) chopped pecans (or almonds or walnuts)
• ½ cup (120 ml) shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
• ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) honey
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) dijon mustard
• ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) salt
• ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) black pepper

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Instructions

1. Dressing Preparation: Whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl until smooth, adjusting seasonings to create a balanced tangy-sweet profile.
2. Salad Assembly: Combine chopped broccoli florets, Honeycrisp apple cubes, shredded carrots, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and minced red onion in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
3. Cheese and Optional Protein: Optionally sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon fragments to enhance flavor complexity and textural interest.
4. Dressing Application: Generously drizzle prepared dressing over the salad components, gently tossing to achieve comprehensive and uniform coating of all ingredients.
5. Chilling and Serving: Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify, then serve thoroughly chilled as a refreshing and vibrant culinary creation.

Notes

• Enhance Apple Freshness: Choose crisp, firm Honeycrisp apples and dice immediately before mixing to prevent browning and maintain vibrant texture.
• Balance Dressing Consistency: Whisk dressing ingredients thoroughly to create smooth emulsion, adjusting vinegar or honey for desired tanginess and sweetness.
• Prevent Soggy Texture: Add crunchy ingredients like pecans and apples just before serving to maintain optimal crispness and prevent wilting.
• Customize Diet Options: Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for lighter version, use vegan cheese alternative, or omit cheese for dairy-free adaptation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg