Let me introduce you to a salad that feels like a celebration in a bowl: the Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe. This dish brings together crisp broccoli, juicy Honeycrisp apples, and a medley of sweet, savory, and crunchy additions, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. If you’re looking for a side that’s equal parts vibrant, refreshing, and satisfying, this recipe checks every box. It’s a year-round favorite at my table, and once you try it, I think you’ll see why it’s the salad everyone asks for!

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe plays an important role, not just in flavor, but in color and texture too. From the sweet crunch of apples to the creamy tang of the dressing, these simple components come together in delicious harmony.

Broccoli florets: Choose fresh, crisp florets and cut them into bite-sized pieces for the perfect crunchy base.
Honeycrisp apples: Their natural sweetness and juicy bite make this salad pop—you can leave the skin on for extra color and nutrients.
Red onion: Adds just the right amount of sharpness and gorgeous color contrast; dice finely so it doesn’t overpower.
Dried cranberries: Sweet and chewy, they pair beautifully with the apples and add a touch of tartness.
Roasted sunflower seeds or pecans: Offer a nutty crunch—choose whichever you love or have on hand.
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): For extra richness and a savory depth—feel free to skip for a lighter salad.
Cooked and crumbled bacon (optional): If you want a smoky, savory note, bacon is a wonderful addition, but the salad shines without it too.
Plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise): The creamy base for the dressing—Greek yogurt brings tang and a protein boost.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds zippy brightness that balances the sweetness of the apples and honey.
Honey or maple syrup: Whichever you choose, this brings a touch of natural sweetness to the dressing.
Dijon mustard: A little goes a long way in giving the dressing its signature flavor and slight kick.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for rounding out all the flavors—taste as you go!

How to Make Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Salad Ingredients

Begin by gathering all your salad components. Cut the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets—think about how easy you want each forkful to be! Dice the Honeycrisp apples (no need to peel, unless you want to), finely chop the red onion, and get your cranberries, seeds, cheese, and bacon ready. Having everything prepped makes the next steps a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Salad Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, apples, red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds or pecans, and, if you’re going for it, the cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Gently toss everything together so you get a little bit of each ingredient in every bite. This is where that Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe really starts to come to life!

Step 3: Whisk the Creamy Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth, creamy, and well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if you’d like—the dressing should be balanced between tangy, sweet, and savory.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

Pour the creamy dressing over your broccoli-apple mixture and toss until every piece is coated. Don’t rush this part—really get in there so the dressing hugs each ingredient. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the salad to become extra refreshing.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once chilled, give the salad one last gentle toss. Taste and add another sprinkle of salt or pepper if needed. Then, it’s ready to serve! The Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, when everything is crisp and vibrant.

How to Serve Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe

Garnishes

A handful of extra dried cranberries, a sprinkle of sunflower seeds, or even a little fresh chopped parsley make lovely garnishes. They add color, texture, and a bit of extra flair—perfect for making the salad look just as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or even a hearty sandwich. It also makes a wonderful addition to holiday spreads or potlucks. The sweet and tangy flavors of the Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe complement just about anything, from roasted meats to lighter vegetarian mains.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the salad in individual mason jars for picnics, or as lettuce wraps for a fun, hand-held twist. You can also pile it high on a platter and surround it with extra apple slices or colorful veggies for a festive presentation. Don’t be afraid to get creative—this salad is as versatile as it is tasty!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe is best within two days, as the apples and broccoli will start to soften and lose their crunch after that. The flavors, however, will continue to deepen as they mingle.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this salad. The fresh apples and broccoli won’t retain their signature crisp texture once thawed, and the creamy dressing can separate. For best results, make just enough to enjoy within a couple of days.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be served cold, so reheating isn’t necessary. If the salad has been in the fridge for a day or two, just give it a good stir before serving, and add a fresh splash of lemon juice or a tiny bit more yogurt dressing to revive any lost creaminess.

FAQs

Can I make the Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the salad a few hours in advance—just keep it chilled until serving. If prepping more than a day ahead, wait to add the apples and dressing until closer to serving time to preserve their freshness and crunch.

What can I use instead of Honeycrisp apples?

If you can’t find Honeycrisp, Fuji or Gala apples are great alternatives. Any sweet, crisp apple will work well in this recipe and keep its texture after mixing with the dressing.

Is there a vegan version of this salad?

Definitely! Simply use a plant-based yogurt or vegan mayonnaise for the dressing, omit the cheese and bacon, and check that your mustard and sweetener are vegan-friendly. It will still taste fantastic!

How do I keep the apples from browning?

Toss the diced apples with a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad. The acidity helps prevent browning and keeps them looking fresh and vibrant, especially if you’re making the salad ahead of time.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Of course! Try tossing in chopped celery, shredded carrots, or even a handful of cooked quinoa for extra texture and nutrition. The Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe is really flexible, so have fun with it.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re feeling inspired to whip up this Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe. It’s a dish that brings a little sunshine to any meal and is always a hit with family and friends. Give it a try and let the sweet, tangy, and crunchy flavors win you over!

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is a vibrant, crunchy, and refreshing side dish that combines fresh broccoli florets, sweet and tart Honeycrisp apples, tangy cranberries, and a creamy Greek yogurt dressing. Perfectly balanced with savory accents like cheddar cheese and bacon, it’s an ideal fall salad that’s both healthy and delicious, great for gatherings, potlucks, or a simple weekday meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

4 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 Honeycrisp apples, cored and diced
1/2 small red onion, finely diced
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup roasted sunflower seeds or chopped pecans
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)

Dressing Ingredients

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the fresh broccoli florets, diced Honeycrisp apples, finely diced red onion, dried cranberries, and roasted sunflower seeds or chopped pecans. If using, also add the shredded cheddar cheese and cooked, crumbled bacon. Gently toss to mix all ingredients evenly.
Prepare the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the salad to crisp up, delivering a refreshing taste experience.

Notes

Best served the same day for the freshest texture, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
You can substitute Honeycrisp apples with Fuji or Gala apples if desired for a slightly different sweetness.
For a lighter version of the salad, simply omit the cheddar cheese and bacon.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad, Side Dish
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American