Broccoli Apple Salad

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Fresh, crisp, and colorful, this Broccoli Apple Salad is the perfect combination of crunchy textures and sweet-tangy flavors. With tender broccoli florets, juicy apples, and chewy cranberries tossed in a creamy dressing, it’s a refreshing side dish that adds a burst of flavor to any meal. This salad balances sweetness with savory notes and a little bit of tang, making it just as welcome at a holiday table as it is at a weeknight dinner.

Unlike typical leafy salads that wilt quickly, this one holds up beautifully. It can be made ahead of time without losing its appeal, making it ideal for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep. It’s wholesome, easy to throw together, and loved even by those who usually avoid broccoli.

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Apple Salad

This salad is a harmony of contrasts: crisp raw broccoli meets tender-sweet apples, chewy cranberries mingle with crunchy sunflower seeds, and a creamy dressing ties it all together. It’s naturally gluten-free and can be easily adapted to fit different dietary needs. Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying without being heavy. Whether you serve it as a side or a light lunch, this salad delivers flavor and freshness in every bite.

What Kind of Apples Work Best for This Salad?

Go for a mix of sweet and tart apples to keep the flavor lively. Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples offer sweetness and crunch, while Granny Smith adds a tart punch. Using more than one variety can make the salad even more interesting. Be sure to cut the apples just before mixing to keep them from browning and maintain that crisp bite.

Ingredients for the Broccoli Apple Salad

This vibrant salad comes together with simple ingredients that each play a key role in its flavor and texture.

• Broccoli: The base of the salad, providing crunch and a sturdy texture that holds up even after sitting in the fridge.
• Apples: Choose sweet-tart varieties for juiciness and a bright flavor contrast.
• Dried cranberries: These chewy gems add a touch of sweetness and a pop of color.
• Red onion: Thinly sliced for a bit of sharpness and savory balance.
• Sunflower seeds: For extra crunch and a nutty undertone that works perfectly with the dressing.
• Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the dressing.
• Greek yogurt: Adds tang and lightens the dressing while still keeping it rich.
• Honey: Naturally sweetens the dressing.
• Apple cider vinegar: Brings tang and helps balance the sweet and savory elements.

How To Make the Broccoli Apple Salad

Step 1: Prep the Veggies and Fruit

Chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. Dice the apples into cubes, keeping the skins on for color and texture. Thinly slice the red onion.

Step 2: Mix the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your taste.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, toss the chopped broccoli, apples, cranberries, red onion, and sunflower seeds.

Step 4: Dress and Chill

Pour the dressing over the salad and stir until everything is evenly coated. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

How to Serve and Store This Salad

This Broccoli Apple Salad serves about 6 as a side dish, making it perfect for gatherings or weekly meal prep. Serve it chilled alongside grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or hearty casseroles. It can also stand alone as a light, satisfying lunch.

To store, cover and refrigerate the salad for up to 3 days. The broccoli stays crisp, and the apples hold their texture well, especially if you coat them thoroughly with the dressing.

What to Serve With Broccoli Apple Salad?

Grilled Chicken Skewers

The char from the grill and the juicy chicken pair wonderfully with the crisp sweetness of the salad.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Rich and savory, the pork contrasts beautifully with the crunchy, sweet salad.

Creamy Mushroom Ravioli

If you’re going for a vegetarian meal, the creamy pasta complements the tangy crunch of the salad.

Butternut Squash Soup

A warm, velvety soup with a bit of spice is the perfect cozy partner.

BBQ Chicken Pizza

Add a slice or two for a well-balanced plate. The smoky, saucy pizza loves the fresh sidekick.

Sloppy Joes

The sweet-savory flavor of classic sloppy joes makes them a great match for this crisp, cool salad.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

For a plant-forward meal, pair the salad with roasted sweet potatoes for added fiber and earthy flavor.

Want More Salad Ideas?

If you enjoy bright and fresh salads like this, check out a few more from Luna Meals that keep things exciting:

• Light Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Chicken for a citrusy herbed twist.
• Deviled Egg Pasta Salad if you’re craving a creamy, classic combo.
• Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Rounds for a crispy veggie snack or side.
• Easy Chicken Fried Rice as a hearty, well-rounded main.
• Creamy Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup for a cozy bowl to serve on cooler days.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest salad board so you can come back to it whenever you need a quick, vibrant dish.

Let me know in the comments if you added bacon, swapped the seeds, or made it dairy-free. I always love seeing your versions and hearing how you make each dish your own.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals and more over on Luna Meals on Pinterest – you’ll find endless ideas to nourish and inspire!

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