Broccoli Apple Salad Recipe – Healthy, Crunchy & Easy!
Looking for a fresh, healthy, and delicious side dish that’s packed with flavor and crunch? This Broccoli Apple Salad is your perfect answer! It’s a vibrant mix of crisp broccoli, sweet apples, crunchy pecans, and tangy dried cranberries—all tossed in a creamy, slightly sweet yogurt dressing. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or hosting a backyard barbecue, this easy apple broccoli salad fits the bill.
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Apple Salad
- Nutritious and wholesome – Full of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins
- Perfect for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day!
- Crowd-pleaser – Great for potlucks, picnics, and family dinners
- Easy to customize – Swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand
Ingredients
To make this refreshing broccoli apple salad, you’ll need:
- 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large apple, diced or thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji work great)
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- Optional: sunflower seeds for added crunch
For the Creamy Dressing:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise)
- 1–2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt & pepper to taste
How to Make Broccoli Apple Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Veggies
Chop your broccoli florets, dice or thinly slice the apple, shred the carrots (if not pre-shredded), and thinly slice the red onion.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or mayo), apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 3: Toss Everything Together
In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, apple, carrots, red onion, cranberries, and pecans. Pour the dressing over the top and toss until well coated.
Step 4: Chill (Optional but Recommended)
Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This healthy broccoli apple salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a refreshing side at your next BBQ. It’s also great on its own for a light lunch!
Tips & Variations
- Keep the apples from browning: Toss them in a little lemon juice before mixing.
- Make it vegan: Use a plant-based yogurt and maple syrup.
- Nut-free version: Omit the pecans or replace them with roasted pumpkin seeds.
- Meal prep friendly: Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Final Thoughts
This easy broccoli apple salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a feel-good, crunchy, creamy, slightly sweet salad that everyone will ask for seconds of. It’s nutritious, refreshing, and loaded with texture and flavor. Whether you’re a salad lover or just need something healthy and simple, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.