Description
A refreshing and crunchy Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad combining crisp apples, fresh broccoli florets, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds, all tossed in a creamy honey-mayo dressing with a hint of apple cider vinegar and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect as a vibrant side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, diced
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Salad Ingredients: Dice the Honeycrisp apples and thinly slice the red onion. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, fresh broccoli florets, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and sliced red onion.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Salad and Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add Cheese: Fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, distributing it throughout the salad.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the ingredients crisp up.
- Serve: Give the salad a gentle toss right before serving. Enjoy it as a satisfying side or a light lunch.
Notes
- Using Honeycrisp apples adds sweetness and crunch; other crisp apple varieties like Gala or Fuji can be used as substitutes.
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the sliced almonds lightly before adding.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead but is best served within 24 hours to maintain the freshness of the broccoli and apples.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on dietary preferences.
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
