Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I love prepping this Apple Honeycrisp broccoli salad a day before. It gives the dressing time to marinate and the flavors meld together even more. Just make sure to store the dressing separately to avoid sogginess. Is it okay to keep leftovers? Yes, the salad lasts for about 3-4 days in the fridge, though it’s best to enjoy it fresh.

Can I make the dressing without yogurt?

Yes, definitely! For a dairy-free version, you can swap out the yogurt for vegan mayo or cashew cream . Both give a creamy texture while keeping the salad light and flavorful. You can also try a vinaigrette if you prefer a tangier kick

Can I make this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this Apple Honeycrisp broccoli salad is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure the dressing doesn’t contain any hidden gluten. Check labels if you're using store-bought ingredients, like mayo or vinegar, just to be safe.

Apple Honeycrisp Broccoli Salad Recipe

Description

This Apple Honeycrisp broccoli salad is the perfect combination of crisp, refreshing flavors and crunchy textures. With vibrant Honeycrisp apples, fresh broccoli, and a creamy dressing, it’s a crowd-pleasing side dish or light meal. Packed with nutrients, it’s perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to picnics. Customize it with your favorite add-ins like raisins, nuts, and protein to make it your own!

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
2 Honeycrisp apples, diced
1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
1/4 cup sunflower seeds (or nuts of choice)
4 slices crispy bacon, crumbled (optional)
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or vegan mayo for dairy-free version)
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan version)
1 tablespoon mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust sweetness or tanginess by adding more honey or vinegar to taste.
Combine the salad: In a large bowl, mix the chopped broccoli, Honeycrisp apples, raisins, and sunflower seeds (and bacon, if using).
Toss with dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, swap the Greek yogurt for vegan mayo or cashew cream.
You can make this salad a day ahead—just store the dressing separately to avoid sogginess.
Bacon can be replaced with crispy chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free but always check labels if using packaged ingredients like mayo or vinegar.
Customize with grilled chicken or quinoa for a main course.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad, Side Dish
Method: No-cook, Toss
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Apple Honeycrisp broccoli salad, healthy apple salad, Honeycrisp apple broccoli salad, fresh broccoli salad, creamy broccoli apple salad, broccoli apple side dish, easy apple salad, healthy picnic salad, crunchy apple salad, homemade broccoli salad.