Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad | Best Fresh Dinner Salad Recipe
There’s something magical about a crisp fall day when you bite into a Honeycrisp apple. The sweetness, the crunch, and the juiciness instantly spark memories of autumn gatherings. That’s exactly how I felt the first time I tossed one into a bowl of broccoli to create this Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad. The colors were so vibrant, the textures so bold, and the flavors so refreshing that I knew this would quickly become one of my go-to fresh salad recipes.
This recipe is more than just another broccoli salad recipe. It’s a balance of sweet and savory, crisp and creamy, making it one of the best salad recipes you can serve for both family dinners and holiday celebrations. If you love discovering salad recipes for dinner that double as healthy side dishes, this one belongs on your table.
Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash and chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. Thinly slice the red onion and dice the Honeycrisp apples, leaving the skin on.
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, apples, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and shredded cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything until evenly coated.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the salad become cold and crisp.
Nutrition
Notes
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Why You’ll Love This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad
- Crisp Honeycrisp apples add natural sweetness and crunch.
- The broccoli provides freshness and that satisfying veggie salad bite.
- Creamy dressing ties everything together for a flavor-packed experience.
- Works perfectly as both a salad side dish and a light main for health dinner recipes.
- One of those cold salad recipes that tastes even better after chilling.
Whether you’re serving it at a potluck, pairing it with grilled chicken, or enjoying it as a quick weekday lunch, this Apple Broccoli Salad has the power to impress every single time.
Ingredients for Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad
Here’s everything you need to make this refreshing dish:
| Ingredient | Measurement | Notes & Substitutions |
| Broccoli florets | 4 cups | Fresh, chopped small for easy bites |
| Honeycrisp apples | 2 medium | Can swap with Gala or Fuji if needed |
| Red onion | ¼ cup, thinly sliced | Optional, for tang |
| Dried cranberries | ½ cup | Adds sweetness; raisins also work |
| Sunflower seeds | ⅓ cup | For crunch; pumpkin seeds are a good sub |
| Cheddar cheese | ½ cup, shredded | Or use feta for a tangy twist |
| Greek yogurt | ½ cup | Base for creamy dressing |
| Mayonnaise | ¼ cup | Can use light mayo for healthier option |
| Apple cider vinegar | 2 tbsp | Balances the dressing |
| Honey | 1 tbsp | Adds sweetness to dressing |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | Seasoning is key |
This mix of ingredients makes one of the best salad recipes to serve year-round, especially if you want cold salad recipes that never feel boring.
How to Make Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad
- Prep the veggies – Wash and chop broccoli into bite-sized florets. Thinly slice red onion and dice Honeycrisp apples (leave the peel for color and crunch).
- Mix the dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine everything – In a large salad bowl, add broccoli, apples, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and cheese. Pour dressing over the top.
- Toss to coat – Gently stir until all ingredients are evenly coated with dressing.
- Chill and serve – Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. The flavors meld beautifully the longer it sits.
This broccoli salad recipe is easy, quick, and the definition of fresh salad recipes that deliver both taste and texture.
How to Serve Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad
- As a salad side dish with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or baked salmon.
- For salad recipes for dinner, pair it with a protein like chicken or tofu to make it more filling.
- Seasonal twist: Add roasted butternut squash in fall or fresh berries in summer for variety.
- Holiday gatherings: This veggie salad looks stunning on Thanksgiving or Christmas tables.
How to Perfect Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad
- Use the freshest Honeycrisp apples for the best crunch.
- Toast sunflower seeds lightly for a nutty depth.
- Balance flavors with just the right amount of vinegar and honey in the dressing.
- Chill before serving for that perfect cold salad recipes texture.
These small steps transform this into one of the best salad recipes you’ll make all season.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not chopping broccoli small enough – bite-sized pieces make the salad enjoyable.
- Skipping the chill time – cold salad recipes shine after resting in the fridge.
- Overdressing – add the dressing gradually so the salad stays crisp.
- Using mealy apples – only firm, fresh Honeycrisp apples deliver the right crunch.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
This salad is best served cold, but here’s how to store it:
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days | Store in an airtight container |
| Freezer | Not recommended | Fresh ingredients lose texture |
If prepping ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss with apples and broccoli just before serving. This keeps the Honeycrisp apples crisp and prevents the broccoli from softening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but keep the dressing separate until just before serving.
What apples work best besides Honeycrisp?
Gala, Fuji, or Pink Lady apples all work well in this apple broccoli salad.
Is this healthy enough for dinner?
Absolutely. Paired with protein, this becomes one of those health dinner recipes that’s both satisfying and light.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, swap Greek yogurt and cheese for dairy-free alternatives.
Conclusion
Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is a crisp, colorful, and crave-worthy recipe you’ll want to make again and again. It’s versatile enough for everyday meals, elegant enough for gatherings, and one of those fresh salad recipes that never fails to impress. Save this now so you can serve it as one of your go-to salad side dishes or enjoy it as a light main for dinner.
