Broccoli Apple Salad Recipe

Picture this: I’m in my tiny urban kitchen, channeling serious farm-to-table vibes with a bowl of what might just become your new favorite go-to—Broccoli Apple Salad. It’s a colorful celebration of crunchy greens and juicy apples that’s not just healthy but also ridiculously delicious!

I create dishes that are both healthy and tasty, and this Broccoli Apple Salad is a prime example of that. It combines crunchy broccoli florets with diced apple for a delightful mix of flavors and textures.

Shredded carrots and sunflower seeds kick up the nutrition. The creamy, yogurt-based dressing has the zing of apple cider vinegar and is worthy of your next salad.

Broccoli Apple Salad Recipe Ingredients

• Broccoli: Cruciferous veggie packed with fiber, vitamins C and K; low-calorie and nutritious.
• Apple: Adds natural sweetness and crunch; rich in fiber and vitamin C.
• Dried Cranberries: Provide a sweet-tart flavor and antioxidants; contain natural sugars.
• Sunflower Seeds: Nutty, crunchy source of healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E.
• Greek Yogurt: Creamy source of protein and probiotics; low in fat, calcium-rich.

Broccoli Apple Salad Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1 large apple, cored and diced
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this Broccoli Apple Salad Recipe

1. Start with the dressing. In a small bowl, prepare it. Take plain Greek yogurt; take mayonnaise; take apple cider vinegar; take honey; take salt; and take pepper. Combine all these things in that small bowl. Then, whisk them. Whisk them till they smooth out and blend well.

2. In a big mixing bowl, put the broccoli florets. If you like, make any large florets into smaller, bite-sized pieces to ensure easier eating.

3. Place the diced apple in the bowl with the broccoli. To stop it from turning brown, you can quickly toss the apple in a little lemon juice before adding it.

4. Mix the shredded carrots and chopped red onion in a gentle manner with the broccoli and apple in the mixing bowl.

5. Distribute the dried cranberries evenly throughout the salad mixture.

6. Integrate the sunflower seeds very carefully with the other ingredients.

7. Place the constructed dressing in a supperçh bowl. Use a large serving spoon to gently toss the dressing with the salad ingredients, ensuring all components are evenly coated with dressing.

8. Sample the salad and modify the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if necessary.

9. Place the salad in a bowl or on a serving dish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors a chance to meld.

10. Prior to serving, perform one last swift toss on the salad and, if you like, you can also add some extra sunflower seeds or cranberries as a garnish. Then, you may commence with the enjoying of this really refreshing Broccoli Apple Salad!

Broccoli Apple Salad Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Small bowl
2. Whisk
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Large serving spoon
9. Serving dish or bowl
10. Plastic wrap or cover for refrigeration

FAQ

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?You can use frozen broccoli, but remember to thaw it and pat it dry before using, to avoid excess moisture.
• What are some alternatives to sunflower seeds?Replacing sunflower seeds with chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans will give you a different kind of nutty flavor.
• Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt?If Greek yogurt is unavailable, you can use plain, regular yogurt or sour cream; however, the texture and tanginess might vary slightly.
• How long can the salad be stored?You can keep this salad in the fridge for up to 3 days. It should be stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Can I make the dressing ahead of time?The dressing can, in fact, be made a day in advance and kept in the refrigerator. Just stir it well before using.
• What type of apple is best for this recipe?Apples that are crisp, like the Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji, exemplify a delicious balance of tart and sweet. They are the apples I most often recommend for eating out of hand. And because they are fantastic when juiced or blended, I also favor them for use in smoothies.
• Is it possible to make this salad vegan?Yes, it is possible to create a vegan version of the dish using these ingredients:

  So, by using a vegan mayonnaise and yogurt alternative, and substituting honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Broccoli Apple Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substitute with cauliflower florets for a different texture and flavor.
Substitute pear or firm grapes for apple in recipes that call for apple. Both have the sweet taste that mimics apple’s flavor well.
Unflavored Greek yogurt: Substitute with sour cream if you want to achieve a similar creamy consistency.
Substitute for sunflower seeds: Use chopped almonds or pecans instead to for a nutty crunch.
Maple syrup: A subtly sweet and flavorful alternative to honey.

Pro Tips

1. Chill the Dressing Before combining the dressing with the salad, chill it for about 10-15 minutes. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps in keeping the salad crisp when served.

2. Toast the Sunflower Seeds Lightly toast the sunflower seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown. This brings out their nuttiness and adds an extra layer of flavor to the salad.

3. Flavor the Broccoli If you prefer a softer texture, blanch the broccoli florets quickly by immersing them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then transferring to an ice bath. This will enhance the vibrant green color and make them tender-crisp.

4. Prevent Apple Browning After dicing the apple, toss the pieces immediately with a little lemon or lime juice. This prevents browning and adds a lovely citrus note that complements the sweetness of the apple and honey.

5. Balance the Sweetness If the salad tastes too sweet due to the honey and cranberries, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the dressing for a subtle tangy kick that balances the flavors.