Name: Broccoli Apple Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 medium red apple, diced; 1 medium green apple, diced; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

If you’re craving something refreshing, crunchy, and just the right amount of sweet, this Broccoli Apple Salad is calling your name. This vibrant dish combines crisp broccoli florets, juicy apples, shredded carrots, chewy dried cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, all tossed in a light and creamy dressing that brings everything together. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors, making each bite more satisfying than the last.

Whether you’re planning a quick lunch, a picnic side, or a colorful addition to your dinner table, this salad delivers. It’s a hit at potlucks and BBQs because it’s not only easy to prepare but also holds up well, even after a few hours in the fridge. Healthy, fresh, and packed with wholesome ingredients—Broccoli Apple Salad is a winner on every level.

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Apple Salad

It’s naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and loaded with fiber.
The creamy yet light dressing doesn’t overpower the ingredients.
Comes together in just 15 minutes with no cooking required.
Keeps its crunch and color for hours, making it a great make-ahead option.
Sweet apples and tart cranberries contrast beautifully with the earthy broccoli.

What Kind of Apples Work Best in Broccoli Apple Salad?

For the ideal sweet-tart balance, a mix of red and green apples works beautifully. Think Fuji or Honeycrisp for sweetness and Granny Smith for a tangy bite. Just be sure to dice them last to keep their color fresh or toss them in lemon juice if prepping ahead.

Ingredients for the Broccoli Apple Salad

Every ingredient in this salad plays a crucial role in creating the perfect bite. Here’s what you’ll need:

Fresh Broccoli Florets: The crisp foundation of the salad, offering texture and green goodness.
Apples (Red & Green): Adds juicy sweetness and a pop of color. Use a combo for the best flavor.
Carrots: Shredded or julienned, they bring crunch and vibrant color.
Dried Cranberries: For that chewy, tart-sweet contrast that pairs well with apples.
Walnuts: Bring earthiness and a satisfying crunch. Toast them for even more flavor.
Red Onion: Adds a savory sharpness to offset the sweetness.
Greek Yogurt or Mayo: Forms the creamy base of the dressing. Greek yogurt adds tang and a healthy twist.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Brightens the dressing with acidity.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Naturally sweetens the mix without overpowering.
Salt & Pepper: To season everything just right.

How To Make the Broccoli Apple Salad

Step 1: Prep the Veggies

Rinse and chop the broccoli into small florets. Dice the apples (leave the peel on for color), shred the carrots, thinly slice the red onion, and gather the dried cranberries and walnuts.

Step 2: Mix the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt (or mayo), apple cider vinegar, maple syrup (or honey), salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the salad ingredients. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold and enjoy!

How to Serve and Store Broccoli Apple Salad

This Broccoli Apple Salad serves about 6 people as a side dish. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or potluck gatherings. You can make it a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The broccoli and apples stay surprisingly crisp, especially when the dressing is thickened with yogurt.

If you’re storing leftovers, give the salad a quick toss before serving again to redistribute the dressing and freshen it up.

What to Serve With Broccoli Apple Salad?

Grilled Chicken Skewers

The smoky char complements the crisp freshness of the salad beautifully.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Add a tangy contrast to rich, saucy pulled pork.

Quiche or Frittata

A light egg-based dish pairs well with the vibrant, crunchy bite.

Baked Sweet Potatoes

A hearty yet healthy option to round out your plate.

Roasted Salmon

The richness of salmon is cut perfectly by the salad’s tangy dressing.

Turkey Burgers

A healthy dinner combo that’s big on protein and flavor.

Avocado Toast

Layer up a slice with salad for an unexpected twist on a brunch classic.

Want More Salad Ideas That Shine?

If you love how refreshing and colorful this Broccoli Apple Salad is, check out some of these other favorites from Nora Nosh:

Avocado Egg and Chickpea Salad with Lemon and Herbs for a protein-packed lunch.
Easy Veggie Patties if you want something crisp and savory.
Italian Grinder Salad when you’re craving bold deli flavors.
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup for another way to love broccoli.
Healthier Waldorf Salad if you’re after fruity crunch.

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Let us know how yours turned out! Did you go all yogurt, all mayo, or a mix of both? Try roasted almonds or sunflower seeds instead of walnuts? Share your spin in the comments!

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