Name: Apple Broccoli Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 cups broccoli florets (Fresh is preferred, but frozen can be used if thawed.); 1 large Honeycrisp apple, diced (Any tart apple like Granny Smith can be used as a substitute.); 1/2 cup nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans), chopped (Can substitute with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds due to nut allergies.); 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional) (Fresh berries can be used as an alternative.); 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise (Greek yogurt is lighter; mayonnaise gives a richer flavor.); 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (Can substitute with white vinegar or lemon juice.); 1 tablespoon honey (Maple syrup is a good substitute.); to taste Salt and pepper (Essential for seasoning.)

This crunchy, refreshing Apple Broccoli Salad comes together in about 15 minutes with no cooking involved, yep, that’s right, no cooking! Perfect for a quick side dish on a busy weeknight, your family will love this salad bursting with flavor! Feel free to switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or make it a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to use up those leftover veggies and bits you’ve got lying around!

Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s gather everything you need for this delightful salad. Remember, this is all about flexibility, so feel free to adapt based on what you have in your kitchen!

2 cups broccoli florets
1 large Honeycrisp apple, diced
1/2 cup nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans), chopped
1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
1/2 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise (for dressing)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s Get Cooking!

Combine Your Ingredients! : In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, diced apple, nuts, and raisins. Don’t worry about perfection here; just get everything in there. You want the colors to mix and mingle! This should take about 5 minutes. I love watching how vibrant everything looks together, colorful salads are such a joy, right?
Make the Dressing : In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. This is the part that makes everything come together so beautifully, it’s creamy, tangy, and oh-so-delicious! Aim for about 5 minutes here, letting the flavors merge.
Dress the Salad : Now, pour that gorgeous dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat everything, being careful not to smash those precious apples, trust me, nobody wants mushy fruit! This tossing part? It just brings a smile to my face, it’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds.
Serve or Chill : You can serve it immediately, or if time allows, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling brings all the flavors together, and you’ll get a nice, refreshing burst in each bite.

And voila! You’ve just made a delicious Apple Broccoli Salad that’s not only quick and easy but also loaded with lots of flavor!

My Go-To Recipe for Family Gatherings

This Apple Broccoli Salad is my go-to recipe when I need something on the table fast or I’m bringing a dish to share. I’m a real sucker for anything that packs flavor and has a bit of crunch! My family can’t get enough of it, and honestly, it’s nice to have something that everyone yes, even my picky 8-year-old, asks for seconds of! And you know what? It’s versatile, too. Use whatever you’ve got on hand, and it’ll still taste amazing!

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Classic Red Potato Salad, my Blueberry Peach Feta Salad, or my Famous La Scala Chopped Salad!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This Apple Broccoli Salad comes together in under 15 minutes. Seriously! It’s perfect for busy weeknights, and I don’t know about you, but I appreciate anything I can whip up in a flash after a long day.

Customizable

The beauty of this salad is the customizability! You can add in any leftover veggies you have lying around, switch up the nuts or dried fruits, or even use different types of apples. This adaptability makes it a great addition to any meal without needing special ingredients!

Make-Ahead Friendly

This salad is perfect for meal prep. You can easily make it a day ahead and let those flavors meld in the fridge, which makes it great for lunchboxes, BBQs, or potlucks, hello, summer cookout!

Serving & Storage Tips

How to Serve This Salad

This Apple Broccoli Salad shines as a refreshing side dish at dinner or potlucks. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted meats, or a slice of hearty bread.

Storage

If you have leftovers (which I seriously doubt), store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be aware that the apples might brown a little, but don’t worry, they’ll still taste fantastic!

Reheating Instructions

Reheating this is not necessary, but if you prefer it warm, a quick toss in a skillet over medium heat for just a minute should do the trick, not too long or you’ll lose that crunch.

Freezer Friendly?

Unfortunately, this salad isn’t freezer friendly. The ingredients just don’t hold up well, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! this incredibly simple and delicious Apple Broccoli Salad is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. I genuinely think it’s the combination of crunchy broccoli, sweet apples, and that creamy dressing that makes it a standout dish!

Give it a try, and let me know what tweaks you made or if you added any new ingredients! I can’t wait to hear how your family enjoyed it. Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration.