If you’re looking for a burst of freshness in every bite, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad. Imagine crisp, juicy apples and vibrant green broccoli wrapped in a creamy, tangy dressing, with pops of savory cheddar, sweet cranberries, and the irresistible crunch of sunflower seeds. This dish is colorful, full of lively textures, and makes for a cheerful addition to picnics, potlucks, or just your everyday lunch. No matter the occasion, Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is guaranteed to steal the spotlight and have everyone coming back for seconds.

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is how the simple, wholesome ingredients come together for big flavor and a gorgeous medley of color and crunch. Every component contributes its own character, making each forkful uniquely satisfying.

Fresh broccoli florets: The star vegetable! Chop them small for better texture and flavor in every bite.
Honeycrisp apple: Its sweet, crisp profile brings the perfect freshness and keeps the salad lively.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a savory bite and that classic creamy richness.
Dried cranberries: Give the salad a sweet-tart chew and beautiful pops of color.
Red onion: Brings gentle heat and a slight bite, balancing the overall sweetness.
Sunflower seeds: Lend a nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
Greek yogurt: The base of the creamy dressing, adding protein and tang without heaviness.
Mayonnaise: For classic creaminess—just enough to round out the dressing.
Apple cider vinegar: Brightens the whole dish and enhances the apple’s natural flavor.
Honey: Adds a hint of natural sweetness to balance the tang from the yogurt and vinegar.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors into harmony.

How to Make Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

Step 1: Prep the Fruit and Veggies

Start by chopping the broccoli florets into small, bite-sized pieces. Dice the Honeycrisp apple just before mixing to keep it crisp and colorful. Finely dice the red onion so it mingles smoothly with the other ingredients.

Step 2: Toss the Salad Base Together

In a big salad bowl, combine your prepared broccoli, fresh apple, sharp cheddar, dried cranberries, diced red onion, and sunflower seeds. Give the mixture a gentle toss so the flavors and textures start getting acquainted.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing

Grab a small bowl and whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, plus a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Stir until the dressing is silky and everything’s beautifully blended—taste to adjust seasoning if you’d like!

Step 4: Dress and Combine

Pour the creamy dressing over your bowl of veggies and fruit, then gently toss everything until every morsel is coated. Take a moment to appreciate how luscious and colorful it looks!

Step 5: Chill and Marry the Flavors

Transfer your Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad to the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This giving-it-a-rest time lets the flavors soak together and the veggies become even more delicious. Serve it chilled for extra crispness and refreshment.

How to Serve Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few extra sunflower seeds on top for added crunch, or a handful of finely sliced green onion for extra color and zing. You could even top with cooked, crumbled bacon if you want an extra savory note that contrasts with the sweetness.

Side Dishes

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is bright and hearty enough to stand on its own, but it makes an amazing partner for grilled chicken, salmon, or a classic baked potato. Serve alongside a sandwich, or pair it with other salads for a vibrant and refreshing picnic spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try tucking the salad into lettuce cups for hand-held bites, pile it high on a platter for a colorful buffet centerpiece, or spoon it into mason jars for a fun and portable lunch. For parties, serve in individual cups—guests can easily grab and go!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad into a clean, airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay deliciously fresh for up to 2 days, making it a perfect make-ahead option for meal prep or parties.

Freezing

This particular salad is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing can dramatically change the texture of the broccoli and apple. If you must freeze, do so without the dressing, and add the creamy mixture after thawing—but truly, its bright crunch is best right from the fridge.

Reheating

No reheating required! In fact, Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is at its best served chilled. If the salad has been sitting in the fridge, simply stir gently before serving to redistribute the dressing and keep each bite as fresh as the first.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Salad

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples offer unbeatable sweetness and crunch, feel free to swap in Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady apples if you’d like. Just be sure to pick a variety that’s crisp—mushy apples won’t give that signature texture.

Are there any nut-free alternatives for crunch?

Sunflower seeds are lovely, but if you need a substitute, pumpkin seeds work beautifully and keep the salad nut-free. For even more crunch, try adding pepitas or crunchy roasted chickpeas.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes! Simply use a plant-based yogurt, vegan mayonnaise, and your favorite dairy-free cheddar plus a touch of maple syrup in place of honey. The end result is still creamy, tangy, and every bit as crave-worthy.

Should I blanch the broccoli first?

Raw broccoli is what gives this salad its lovely crispness. That said, if you prefer a milder crunch, you can very briefly blanch the florets—just a minute or two in boiling water, then plunge them into ice water before using.

How far ahead can I prepare Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad?

You can make this salad up to a day in advance for the best taste and texture. The flavors mellow and meld as they chill, but for the freshest crunch and colors, enjoy within two days of making.

Final Thoughts

If you crave a salad that delivers on both flavor and fun texture, don’t let Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad pass you by. Each bite is refreshing, creamy, and just a little bit irresistible. It’s a recipe I find myself reaching for again and again—and I hope it earns a spot in your regular rotation, too. Gather your ingredients and let’s make something unforgettable!

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 16 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful and nutritious Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad featuring a mix of fresh broccoli, sweet Honeycrisp apples, sharp cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds tossed in a creamy Greek yogurt dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad:

4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
1 large Honeycrisp apple, diced
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/4 cup sunflower seeds

Dressing:

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons 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, Honeycrisp apple, cheddar cheese, cranberries, red onion, and sunflower seeds.
Prepare Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
Toss: Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat evenly.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.
Serve: Serve chilled.