Description
A refreshing and crunchy Apple Broccoli Salad that combines fresh broccoli florets, sweet Honeycrisp apples, dried cranberries, crunchy nuts, and sharp cheddar cheese, all tossed in a tangy honey-apple cider vinegar mayonnaise dressing. Perfect as a healthy side dish or light lunch, this salad is easy to prepare and ideal for a make-ahead dish as it tastes best when chilled.
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 salad ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the chopped broccoli florets, diced Honeycrisp apple, dried cranberries, chopped pecans or walnuts, finely diced red onion, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese if using.
- Make the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Toss the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the broccoli and apple mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly until all pieces are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and enhances the taste and texture of the salad.
Notes
- You can substitute the Honeycrisp apple with Granny Smith or Fuji apples for slightly different flavor profiles.
- Using pecans or walnuts adds a nice crunch, but you can omit or substitute with other nuts like almonds if preferred.
- The cheddar cheese is optional; omit it to make the salad vegetarian.
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Make the salad up to a day ahead to save time and improve flavor melding.
