Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is a fresh, crunchy, and slightly sweet dish that perfectly balances crisp apples, tender broccoli, and a creamy dressing. Packed with texture and flavor, this salad is a delicious side dish for any occasion, from potlucks to family dinners. The combination of sweet Honeycrisp apples, crunchy nuts, and a tangy dressing makes this salad irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crisp and Refreshing – The perfect blend of crunchy apples and broccoli.
- Sweet and Savory Balance – The Honeycrisp apples add natural sweetness to complement the tangy dressing.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Healthy and Nutritious – Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Great for Meal Prep – Stays fresh and crisp even after a day in the fridge.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Salad:
- Fresh broccoli florets (chopped)
- Honeycrisp apple (diced)
- Red onion (thinly sliced)
- Dried cranberries
- Sunflower seeds or chopped pecans
- Cooked bacon (crumbled, optional)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)
For the Dressing:
- Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (for a lighter option)
- Apple cider vinegar
- Honey or maple syrup
- Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper
Directions

- Prepare the Ingredients – Chop broccoli, dice apples, and slice the onion.
- Mix the Dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
- Assemble the Salad – In a large bowl, combine broccoli, apples, red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon (if using).
- Toss with Dressing – Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until well coated.
- Chill and Serve – Let sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Nut-Free Option – Skip the nuts and add extra seeds or crunchy chickpeas.
- Extra Crunch – Add chopped celery or toasted almonds.
- Vegan Version – Use dairy-free yogurt and omit bacon and cheese.
- Tangy Twist – Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness.
- Sweeter Flavor – Toss in extra dried cranberries or chopped grapes.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture will change.
- Serving Tip: Stir well before serving to redistribute the dressing.
FAQs
Can I use a different apple variety?
Yes! Try Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady apples for a similar sweetness.
How do I keep the apples from browning?
Toss diced apples in a little lemon juice before adding to the salad.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.
What pairs well with this salad?
Grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or a fresh sandwich are great options.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Fresh is best, but you can blanch frozen broccoli for a similar result.
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes! It holds up well and stays crunchy for up to 3 days.
How can I make the dressing lighter?
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier option.
What if I don’t like cranberries?
Substitute with raisins, chopped dates, or pomegranate seeds.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Just skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
How do I make it extra creamy?
Add an extra tablespoon of mayo or yogurt for a richer dressing.
Conclusion
Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is a vibrant, crunchy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any season. Whether served as a side dish or a light meal, this salad brings together fresh ingredients with a creamy, tangy dressing that everyone will love. Try it today and enjoy a refreshing, wholesome salad packed with flavor!
PrintHoneycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad
This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is a crisp, refreshing, and slightly sweet dish packed with crunchy broccoli, juicy apples, crunchy nuts, and a tangy homemade dressing. It’s the perfect side dish for fall gatherings, BBQs, or a light lunch!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 large Honeycrisp apple, diced
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped pecans (or almonds or walnuts)
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside.
2. Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli, diced apple, shredded carrots, dried cranberries, pecans, red onion, and cheddar cheese (if using).
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until well coated.
- Sprinkle with crumbled bacon if using.
3. Chill & Serve:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- Make it Vegan: Use vegan mayo and omit cheese and bacon.
- Make it Crunchier: Add sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
- Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.