If you’re searching for a vibrant salad that bursts with fresh flavors, textures, and a little tangy sweetness, you’ve found your new favorite. The Apple Broccoli Salad with Cranberries, Pecans, and Honey-Dijon Dressing Recipe brings together crisp broccoli florets, juicy diced Honeycrisp apples, chewy dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans, all tossed in a luscious honey-Dijon dressing that elevates each bite. It’s a perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and tangy notes that makes this salad not just a side dish but a conversation starter at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients work beautifully together to create a salad full of texture, color, and flavor. Each component plays a role: the broccoli offers crunchy green freshness, the apples add a crisp and sweet pop, and the pecans provide a nutty crunch that balances the creamy dressing perfectly.
- Broccoli florets (4 cups): The star veggie, chopped into bite-sized pieces for that irresistible crunch and vibrant green color.
- Honeycrisp apple (1 large, diced): Adds crisp sweetness and a lovely juicy texture that pairs beautifully with tart and savory elements.
- Dried cranberries (1/2 cup): These little bursts of chewy, tart sweetness elevate the salad’s flavor profile.
- Chopped pecans (1/2 cup): Bring a buttery crunch that contrasts deliciously with softer ingredients.
- Red onion (1/4 cup, finely diced): Adds a mild sharpness and a bit of zing to counterbalance the sweetness.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (1/2 cup, shredded, optional): Adds creamy, tangy richness if you love a little extra depth in your salad.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Creates a smooth, creamy base for the dressing that coats every ingredient with flavor.
- Apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds a gentle tang that brightens the salad and balances sweetness.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Provides natural sweetness to complement the sharpness of the vinegar and mustard.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning that enhances and ties all the flavors together.
How to Make Apple Broccoli Salad with Cranberries, Pecans, and Honey-Dijon Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Start by placing the chopped broccoli florets, diced Honeycrisp apple, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, finely diced red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese (if using) into a large mixing bowl. This colorful assembly is where it all begins—the contrasting textures and flavors promise a truly delightful salad experience.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the creamy mayonnaise, tangy apple cider vinegar, sweet honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified. This honey-Dijon dressing is what unifies the salad, bathing each ingredient with a balance of sweet and tangy notes that bring out the best in every bite.
Step 3: Toss the Salad
Pour the dressing over the combined salad ingredients and gently toss everything together with a large spoon or salad tongs. Make sure every bit is evenly coated to ensure each forkful sings with flavor and texture.
Step 4: Chill and Let Flavors Meld
Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to marry beautifully, softening the sharp edges and creating a harmonious taste sensation that you’ll want to make again and again.
How to Serve Apple Broccoli Salad with Cranberries, Pecans, and Honey-Dijon Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up presentation and texture, sprinkle some extra chopped pecans or a few whole cranberries on top just before serving. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can also add a burst of green color and fresh aroma that complements the salad’s flavor profile perfectly.
Side Dishes
This salad shines when paired with grilled chicken or baked salmon for a light yet satisfying main course. It also works wonderfully alongside hearty sandwiches or even as a refreshing side at a summer barbecue or potluck table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this in individual mason jars for easy grab-and-go lunches or as an elegant layered salad in a clear bowl to show off all the colorful ingredients. You can also pile it onto a bed of mixed greens for an even bigger veggie punch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, making it a perfect make-ahead option. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and is not recommended for freezing due to the crunchy vegetables and creamy dressing, which can separate and become watery after thawing.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. Simply remove it from the fridge and let it sit out for a few minutes to take the chill off before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples offer a wonderful balance of sweetness and tartness, Granny Smith apples lend more tang and firmness, and Fuji apples add extra sweetness. Feel free to pick your favorite crisp apple for this recipe.
Is it necessary to include cheese in this salad?
The cheddar cheese adds a tasty creaminess and depth but is optional. If you prefer a dairy-free version, simply leave it out—the salad will still be perfectly delicious.
Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?
Yes, walnuts are a fantastic alternative that pairs beautifully with the salad’s flavors. Almonds or even pistachios can also work if you want to experiment with different textures and tastes.
How long should I chill the salad after mixing?
At least 30 minutes is ideal to allow the honey-Dijon dressing to soak into the broccoli and apples, but if you have more time, an hour or even overnight in the fridge improves the flavor melding even more.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! Prepare it ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and enjoy fresh, flavorful bites throughout the week. Just keep in mind the vegetables remain crisp best when not sitting too long, so aim to consume within 3 days.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Apple Broccoli Salad with Cranberries, Pecans, and Honey-Dijon Dressing Recipe enough—it’s a joyful mix of textures and tastes that’s both comforting and refreshing. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, a dinner side, or a potluck favorite, this salad never disappoints. Go ahead, give it a try, and watch it become a staple in your meal rotation!
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Apple Broccoli Salad with Cranberries, Pecans, and Honey-Dijon Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Broccoli Salad is a crisp, refreshing blend of crunchy broccoli florets, sweet Honeycrisp apple, dried cranberries, and nuts, all tossed in a tangy and creamy apple cider vinegar dressing. Perfect as a healthy side dish or light lunch, it’s easy to prepare and chilled to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Ingredients
Salad
- 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 large Honeycrisp apple, diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the chopped broccoli florets, diced Honeycrisp apple, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, finely diced red onion, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese (if using) until evenly combined.
- Prepare the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Toss the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill the salad: Refrigerate the dressed salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and develop fully.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or walnuts and substitute with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds if desired.
- Sharp cheddar cheese adds a nice tang; omit if you prefer a dairy-free salad or leave out for a lighter option.
- Make sure to dice the apple just before mixing to prevent browning; toss diced apples with a squeeze of lemon juice if prepping ahead.
- This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days but is freshest when enjoyed the same day.
- You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce fat content.
