There’s something undeniably cheerful about the combination of crisp broccoli, sweet-tart Honeycrisp apple, and all the crunchy, creamy, tangy bits that make this Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad an absolute stunner. Each forkful delivers so much texture and brightness, with the Honeycrisp apple lending juiciness and a signature refreshing bite that perks up the entire dish. From family picnics to holiday feasts or just a casual weekday lunch, this salad is the kind of crowd-pleaser you’ll want to bring to the table again and again.

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad comes from a roster of everyday ingredients, each bringing its own flair to the bowl. Nothing is fussy or hard to find, but together, these simple additions create a uniquely vibrant, irresistible salad.

Broccoli florets: Choose fresh, crisp broccoli; cutting it into bite-sized pieces ensures it mingles well with the rest of the salad.
Honeycrisp apple: This variety is the star! Its natural sweetness and juiciness offer exceptional crunch and balance out the savory and tangy components.
Dried cranberries: These little gems add a pop of color and a gentle tartness, making every bite more interesting.
Red onion: Finely chopping the onion adds a slight sharpness to balance the salad’s sweetness—plus a splash of color.
Chopped walnuts or pecans: Both add a rich, toasty crunch; toasting them first intensifies their flavor.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: This brings a savory, tangy note and creamy feel that teams up perfectly with the fruit and veggies.
Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the dressing, which ties everything together without overpowering the fresh produce.
Apple cider vinegar: Its light tang brightens the salad and enhances each flavor—even the apple!
Honey: A drizzle rounds out the dressing, highlighting the apples and helping the flavors meld.
Salt and pepper: These essentials sharpen up every other ingredient and bring the salad into perfect balance.

How to Make Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

Step 1: Prep the Broccoli and Apple

Start by washing and drying your broccoli florets and Honeycrisp apple well. Chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces—this makes sure you get just the right mix of crunch in every spoonful. Dice the apple (no need to peel unless you want to!) into small cubes so each bit pops with juicy sweetness.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Base

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the broccoli, diced Honeycrisp apple, dried cranberries, red onion, chopped nuts, and shredded cheddar cheese. Give it a gentle stir so all those vibrant colors and textures are evenly distributed—this is where the salad starts to look irresistible.

Step 3: Whisk the Creamy Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until you have a smooth, pourable dressing. If you’d like a lighter touch, swap half the mayo for plain Greek yogurt; it will be just as creamy with a bit of extra tang.

Step 4: Toss It All Together

Drizzle the dressing over the bowl of salad ingredients, then gently toss until everything is evenly coated. The creamy dressing will cling to the broccoli and apple, turning every bite into a perfect blend of flavors and textures.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

For best results, cover and refrigerate your Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This quick chill lets the flavors meld, and the salad tastes extra refreshing and vibrant straight from the fridge.

How to Serve Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

Garnishes

Finish your Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad with a sprinkling of extra chopped toasted nuts or a handful of additional dried cranberries on top for pops of color and crunch. If you like a little freshness, a few snipped chives or parsley leaves make a pretty and flavorful finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This salad is incredibly versatile on the table. Try pairing it with grilled chicken or salmon for a wholesome meal, or set it alongside sandwiches and wraps for easy lunches. It also works beautifully as part of a larger buffet, especially with other veggie-forward dishes or hearty casseroles.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad into a fun appetizer by scooping it into small lettuce cups or serving in individual mason jars for picnics and parties. For a more elegant touch, fan apple slices around the plate and mound the salad in the center—it looks just as beautiful as it tastes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors meld even more as it sits, but keep in mind that the apples and nuts hold their crunch best within the first day or so.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this type of salad; the creamy dressing and fresh produce will lose their awesome texture upon thawing. For best results, enjoy it fresh or simply scale the recipe to fit your needs.

Reheating

Since Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. Instead, simply give it a quick stir straight from the fridge and enjoy—this salad shines at cooler temps!

FAQs

Can I substitute another apple variety?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples are unique for their crunch and balanced sweetness, other crisp apples like Pink Lady or Fuji will still deliver great results. Just choose something juicy and fresh for the best flavor.

How can I make this salad vegan?

Swap out the mayonnaise for a vegan mayo, choose maple syrup instead of honey, and omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheddar alternative. The result will be completely plant-based and just as delicious.

What if I want to make Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad ahead for a party?

Prepare all ingredients and make the dressing separately, then toss everything together an hour before serving. This keeps the apples from browning and the nuts extra crunchy until your guests arrive.

Is there a way to reduce the calories or make it healthier?

Definitely! Use half mayonnaise and half Greek yogurt for the dressing, opt for reduced-fat cheddar, and watch the amount of added nuts for a lighter version—yet you’ll keep all the flavor that makes this salad so irresistible.

Can I add extra veggies to this salad?

Go for it! Shredded carrots, sliced celery, or even red bell pepper make fun additions. Just be sure not to overwhelm the broccoli and apple, which should always remain the stars of your Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a crave-worthy, easy-to-make dish that adds color, crunch, and a little excitement to any meal, Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad should be at the top of your list. It’s a salad that never fails to brighten the table and brings so much joy to every bite—don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it at every opportunity!

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful and refreshing salad that combines the crisp sweetness of Honeycrisp apples with crunchy broccoli, dried cranberries, and a creamy dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad:

4 cups fresh broccoli florets (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
1 large Honeycrisp apple (cored and diced)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup red onion (finely chopped)
1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix broccoli, apple, cranberries, red onion, nuts, and cheese.
Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
Toss: Pour dressing over salad and toss until coated.
Chill: Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.