Looking for a refreshing, crunchy, and slightly sweet salad that will become the highlight of any meal? Let me introduce you to Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad, a vibrant bowl full of crisp veggies, juicy apples, sweet cranberries, and a creamy, tangy dressing that brings everything together. This salad perfectly balances flavors and textures—sweet and tart apples snuggle up to earthy broccoli, while sunflower seeds and bacon bring crunch and savory depth. Whether you’re packing lunches, preparing for a potluck, or craving a wholesome side, Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is a fresh twist on the classic that will have friends and family coming back for seconds!

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this salad starts with simple ingredients, each with a starring role—adding color, crunch, or bursts of flavor. Every piece brings something special, so don’t skip a thing if you can help it! Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love it:

Fresh broccoli florets (4 cups, chopped small): The backbone of the salad, offering crunch, color, and a mild earthiness that soaks up the creamy dressing beautifully.
Honeycrisp apple (1 large, diced): This is the heart of the salad—their sweet, juicy crispness turns every bite into something special. Toss in a little lemon juice if you like, to keep them brightly colored!
Shredded carrots (½ cup): For extra crunch and a pop of orange, carrots bring both sweetness and nutrition to the mix.
Dried cranberries (⅓ cup): These gems give little pockets of chewy tart-sweetness that pair so beautifully with the apples and the savory flavors.
Red onion (¼ cup, finely diced): A hint of sharpness and gorgeous color—if you’re a bit onion-shy, you can rinse them under cold water for a milder taste.
Sunflower seeds (¼ cup): Nutty and delightfully crunchy, sunflower seeds lend a toasty note that ties everything together.
Bacon (½ cup, cooked and crumbled, optional): If you’re a bacon lover, the smoky-salty punch is unbeatable, but the salad absolutely shines without it too!
Mayonnaise (½ cup): The creamy base for your luscious dressing, making sure every ingredient gets coated in flavor.
Plain Greek yogurt (2 tablespoons): Adds tang and lightens up the dressing, keeping things fresh, not heavy.
Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): For a bright, zesty kick that wakes up the sweetness of the apples and cranberries.
Honey (1 tablespoon): Brings a touch of natural sweetness to the dressing, balancing the vinegar perfectly.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Don’t skip a sprinkle—seasoning at the end lifts all the flavors right up.

How to Make Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

Step 1: Combine the Fruits, Veggies, and Crunchy Bits

Grab a big mixing bowl—bigger than you think you need! Add the chopped broccoli, diced Honeycrisp apple, carrots, cranberries, red onion, sunflower seeds, and crispy bacon if you’re using it. This is the colorful, vibrant foundation for your Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad. Give everything a gentle toss so the apples and veggies mingle and those cranberries and seeds get evenly distributed.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing

In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, and a pinch or two of salt and pepper. This dressing should be smooth, creamy, and just sweet-enough—if you like a little extra tang, add an extra splash of vinegar. The Greek yogurt brings extra zest and lightness without adding heaviness, so don’t skip it!

Step 3: Dress and Toss the Salad

Pour the freshly whisked dressing all over the salad base. Now it’s time to toss (with clean hands or salad tongs) until every floret, apple piece, and cranberry is coated. This step brings the Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad together, with each bite promising a burst of creamy, tangy, sweet, and savory goodness. Taste and add an extra sprinkle of salt or pepper if you think it needs it.

Step 4: Let the Flavors Meld

Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This little rest lets all those punchy, bright flavors come together. The apples and broccoli soak up the dressing, and everything gets even more delicious. It’s perfect served cold, but it’s also lovely at room temperature if that’s how you roll!

How to Serve Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

Garnishes

To give your Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad a little finishing touch, try a scatter of extra sunflower seeds, a few reserved cranberries, or a handful of freshly chopped parsley right before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a twist of cracked black pepper adds a restaurant-worthy flourish.

Side Dishes

This salad is endlessly versatile: serve it alongside grilled chicken, roasted pork, or any simple protein for a meal that feels complete. It’s also a fantastic partner for sandwiches at lunch, pairs with quiche for brunch, or stands as a healthy, picnic-ready side dish. Its fresh, crisp character brings brightness to heavier main courses—and trust me, it goes fast at barbecue tables!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, spoon your Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad into individual cups, or pile it onto a bed of greens for added flair. You can even hollow out extra Honeycrisp apples and use them as festive “bowls” for serving. If you love layering textures, sprinkle extra bacon or pumpkin seeds on top just before bringing it to the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad holds up beautifully for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors keep melding, and the apples stay surprisingly crisp thanks to the crunchy broccoli and hearty mix-ins. If you want to keep apples extra fresh, toss them with a little lemon juice before adding them in.

Freezing

While the salad’s crunchy texture is its signature, freezing is not recommended—broccoli softens and apples become mushy once thawed, which changes the whole experience. It’s definitely a dish best enjoyed fresh from the fridge!

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad—serve it chilled straight from the fridge, or let it come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. That way, all the bright, lively flavors are at their best.

FAQs

Can I make Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad the night before?

Absolutely! In fact, making it the night before lets the dressing soak into the broccoli and meld the flavors even more. Just be sure to give it a good toss before serving to evenly redistribute the dressing.

What’s the best way to keep the apples from browning?

Toss the diced apples with a teaspoon or two of lemon juice before mixing them into the salad. This keeps their color bright and appealing, especially if you’re making the salad ahead.

Can I substitute the Honeycrisp apple with another variety?

Sure! While Honeycrisp apples offer an unbeatable sweet-tart flavor and perfect crunch, other firm, sweet-tart apples like Fuji or Pink Lady work well too. Just avoid apples that brown quickly or have a softer texture.

Is there a dairy-free way to make the dressing?

You bet! Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative for the Greek yogurt, or simply use a bit more mayonnaise. Make sure your mayo is dairy-free as well, and you’ll still get that creamy tang.

Can I omit the bacon to keep it vegetarian?

Absolutely—the bacon adds smoky goodness, but the Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is still punchy and delicious without it. For an extra pop of flavor, try substituting with roasted chickpeas or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try this Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad as I am to share it! It’s the kind of dish that surprises you in the best way—so much color, crunch, and flavor, and it just gets better as it sits. Make a big batch, enjoy every bright and juicy bite, and don’t be surprised if it disappears first at your next gathering.

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing and nutritious salad featuring a delightful combination of fresh broccoli, crisp Honeycrisp apple, sweet cranberries, and crunchy sunflower seeds, all tossed in a creamy dressing. This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is a perfect side dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad:

4 cups fresh broccoli florets (chopped small)
1 large Honeycrisp apple (diced)
½ cup shredded carrots
⅓ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup red onion (finely diced)
¼ cup sunflower seeds
½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)

Dressing:

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, apple, carrots, cranberries, red onion, sunflower seeds, and bacon if using.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine and Chill: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Serve: Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.