If you love the perfect balance of crisp, sweet, tangy, and savory flavors all mingling in one bowl, then you are absolutely going to adore this Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad with Cranberries and Cheddar Recipe. It’s a vibrant celebration of textures and tastes that come together in a way that feels fresh, wholesome, and thoroughly satisfying. The crunch of juicy Honeycrisp apples paired with bright broccoli florets, the tart chewiness of cranberries, and the sharp bite of cheddar creates a salad that’s not just a side dish but a true centerpiece of any meal or gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad’s magic comes from a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that each bring their own unique flair. From the crispy sweetness of Honeycrisp apples to the nutty crunch of sliced almonds, every component plays an essential role in creating a melody of flavors and colors.
- Honeycrisp apples: Their sweet, crisp texture provides a refreshing crunch and natural sweetness that brightens the salad.
- Fresh broccoli florets: Add vibrant green color and a satisfying hearty bite that balances the sweetness.
- Dried cranberries: Offer a tart contrast and chewy texture to keep each mouthful interesting.
- Sliced almonds: Bring a gentle nutty flavor and crunch to complement the softer ingredients.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a mild sharpness that sharpens the overall flavor profile.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a creamy, savory depth that melts slightly into the salad for richness.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base that emulsifies the dressing and blends the flavors smoothly.
- Apple cider vinegar: Injects tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the mayo.
- Honey: A touch of natural sweetness that harmonizes the vinegar and mayonnaise perfectly.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors without overpowering.
How to Make Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad with Cranberries and Cheddar Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Salad Ingredients
Start by dicing those gorgeous Honeycrisp apples into bite-sized pieces and thinly slicing the red onion to add a delicate zing. Then gather your fresh broccoli florets, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds in one large bowl to prepare for the coming deliciousness.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
While the salad base waits patiently, mix up a quick dressing in a small bowl. Whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until you get a smooth, creamy texture that promises to bring everything together.
Step 3: Combine Salad and Dressing
Pour your freshly made dressing over the mixed salad ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly so that every piece of broccoli and apple is bathed in that luscious dressing, inviting every flavor to shine.
Step 4: Add Cheese
Now, fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Its rich, tangy flavor and creamy texture add a wonderful dimension to the salad, making every forkful more indulgent and satisfying than the last.
Step 5: Chill
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the ingredients to crisp up, creating that enviable freshness.
Step 6: Serve
Just before serving, give the salad one last gentle toss to redistribute all those savory, sweet, and tangy components. Now you’re ready to enjoy a sensory delight with every bite.
How to Serve Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad with Cranberries and Cheddar Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad with Cranberries and Cheddar Recipe by sprinkling a few extra sliced almonds or a handful of freshly chopped parsley on top. These simple garnishes add an extra pop of color and texture that will make the salad feel even more special.
Side Dishes
This salad is a fantastic companion to grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or even a flaky fish. Its bright flavors and crunchy textures provide a lovely contrast to warm, savory mains, making meals feel complete and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the salad in hollowed-out apple halves or crisp lettuce cups. This creates an eye-catching presentation that’s perfect for potlucks or family dinners. Alternatively, layering the salad ingredients in a clear glass bowl showcases the vibrant colors beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 2 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors continue to deepen, but for the best crunch, try to enjoy it within the first day.
Freezing
Because this salad contains fresh apples, broccoli, and mayo-based dressing, it’s best not to freeze it. Freezing will alter the texture and freshness, making it less enjoyable upon thawing.
Reheating
Since the Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad with Cranberries and Cheddar Recipe is best served chilled, reheating is not recommended. Instead, give it a quick stir and enjoy it cold for maximum crunch and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple in this salad?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples are ideal for their crisp texture and balanced sweetness, Granny Smith or Fuji apples can also work well, though they may alter the sweetness and tartness slightly.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
Yes, you can swap out the mayonnaise for a vegan mayo alternative and replace cheddar cheese with a plant-based cheese to make this salad entirely vegan without losing its charm.
Can I add other nuts instead of almonds?
Definitely! Walnuts or pecans make excellent substitutes, offering different nutty flavors and textures that complement the other ingredients beautifully.
How long should I let the salad chill before serving?
At least 30 minutes in the refrigerator is perfect for the dressing to meld with the ingredients, but if you have more time, an hour or two will only intensify the flavors further.
Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the dressing can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a quick whisk before tossing the salad to ensure it’s creamy and well combined.
Final Thoughts
This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad with Cranberries and Cheddar Recipe isn’t just a side dish; it’s a celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients that come together to lift any meal. I can’t recommend it enough for your next lunch, picnic, or family dinner. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite recipes to share and enjoy again and again.
Print
Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad with Cranberries and Cheddar Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is a refreshing and crunchy side dish combining crisp Honeycrisp apples, fresh broccoli florets, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds, all tossed in a creamy honey apple cider vinegar dressing and topped with sharp cheddar cheese. Perfectly chilled to meld the flavors, it’s a delightful salad ideal for a light lunch or a vibrant accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, diced
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Salad Ingredients: Dice the Honeycrisp apples and thinly slice the red onion. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, fresh broccoli florets, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and sliced red onion.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Salad and Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add Cheese: Fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, distributing it evenly throughout the salad.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the ingredients crisp up.
- Serve: Give the salad a gentle toss right before serving. Enjoy as a satisfying side or a light lunch.
Notes
- Use Honeycrisp apples for the sweetest and crispiest results.
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the sliced almonds lightly before adding.
- Adjust the amount of honey in the dressing based on your preferred sweetness level.
- This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days; toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
- Feel free to substitute sharp cheddar with a milder cheese if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
