Looking for a vibrant, healthy, and flavor-packed salad that’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick weeknight side? This Sweet and Tangy Broccoli Salad with Apples is the answer! Combining crisp broccoli, juicy apples, crunchy nuts, and a creamy yet tangy dressing, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that balances sweetness, acidity, and texture in every bite.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Nutritional Benefits
- Creative Variations
Let’s make this deliciously refreshing salad!
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Apple Salad
✅ Bursting with Fresh Flavors – Sweet apples, tangy dressing, and crunchy veggies.
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in 15 minutes with no cooking required!
✅ Meal Prep Friendly – Stays fresh for days, perfect for lunches.
✅ Versatile – Great as a side dish or a light main course.
✅ Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Whether you need a potluck star or a healthy lunchbox idea, this salad delivers!
Ingredients & Substitutions
For the Salad:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
- 1 large apple (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith), diced
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced (or green onions for milder flavor)
- ½ cup dried cranberries (or raisins, cherries, or golden raisins)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (or sunflower seeds for nut-free)
- ¼ cup crumbled feta or shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Broccoli
- Chop broccoli into small, bite-sized florets.
- For extra tenderness, blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds, then plunge into ice water (optional).
2. Combine Salad Ingredients
- In a large bowl, mix broccoli, diced apple, red onion, cranberries, and nuts.
3. Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
4. Toss Everything Together
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
- If using cheese, gently fold it in at the end.
5. Chill & Serve
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Give it a final toss before serving.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Fridge: Stores well for 3-4 days (add nuts just before serving to keep them crunchy).
- Meal Prep: Keep dressing separate until ready to eat.
- Freezing: Not recommended (broccoli gets mushy).
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Perfect For:
- BBQs & Cookouts – Pairs great with grilled chicken or burgers.
- Holiday Meals – A fresh alternative to heavy sides.
- Lunchboxes – Pack in jars for a portable meal.
Delicious Pairings:
- Grilled Salmon
- Rotisserie Chicken
- Quiche or Frittata
Nutritional Benefits
✔ High in Fiber – Broccoli and apples aid digestion.
✔ Rich in Vitamin C – Boosts immunity.
✔ Healthy Fats – Nuts and olive oil support heart health.
✔ Antioxidant-Rich – Cranberries and apples fight inflammation.
Approximate Nutrition per Serving (1 cup):
- Calories: ~220
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Fat: 15g
Creative Variations
🌱 Vegan Version
- Use vegan mayo and omit cheese (or use dairy-free cheese).
🥓 Savory Twist
- Add crispy bacon bits or sunflower seeds for extra crunch.
🍯 Extra Sweet & Creamy
- Swap mayo for vanilla yogurt and add a dash of cinnamon.
🌶 Spicy Kick
- Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the dressing.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet and Tangy Broccoli Salad with Apples is a perfect balance of flavors and textures—crunchy, creamy, sweet, and tangy all at once! It’s a versatile, healthy dish that works year-round.