Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

📝 Description:

This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is a vibrant, crunchy salad featuring sweet, tart Honeycrisp apples, fresh broccoli florets, and a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s a refreshing blend of flavors with added texture from sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, and a touch of sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for a healthy lunch, side dish, or potluck!

🌍 Origin:

This recipe is a modern twist on classic broccoli salads, often served at picnics or family gatherings. The Honeycrisp apple adds a sweet and juicy contrast to the savory ingredients, creating a balanced and flavorful salad.

🧂 Ingredients (Quantities):

2 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 medium head of broccoli)
2 Honeycrisp apples, cored and chopped
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)
¼ cup sunflower seeds (or pumpkin seeds)
¼ cup dried cranberries (or raisins)
½ red onion, finely chopped (optional for a bit of sharpness)

For the Dressing:

¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise for a creamier texture)
1 tbsp honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

🌿 Optional Add-ins:

Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans) for extra crunch
A handful of cooked quinoa or chickpeas for added protein
Fresh herbs (like parsley or dill) for extra freshness
A pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper for a slight kick

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Wash the broccoli and chop it into small florets. Slice the Honeycrisp apples into thin slices, then chop them into bite-sized pieces. If using red onion, chop it finely.

2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey (if using), apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.

3. Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, Honeycrisp apples, shredded cheddar cheese, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, and red onion (if using).

4. Toss and Coat:
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss everything together gently to coat the vegetables and apples evenly.

5. Chill and Serve:
For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

✅ Tips for Success:

Prepping Ahead: This salad can be made ahead of time. Just store the dressing separately and mix it in just before serving to keep the salad crisp.
Crispness: If you prefer extra crunch, you can add some crushed whole-grain crackers or croutons right before serving.
Apple Choice: Honeycrisp apples are perfect because of their balance of sweet and tart flavor, but you can swap them with any firm apple variety like Fuji or Gala.

💡 Recommendation:

Serve with:

Grilled chicken or salmon for a full meal
A side of toasted bread or pita
A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime for an extra zesty kick

Perfect for:

Potlucks and picnics
Healthy lunch option
A light and fresh side dish for dinner

🔍 Nutrition Info (Per Serving, approx. 6 servings):

Calories: ~180 kcal
Carbs: ~22g
Protein: ~5g
Fat: ~8g
Fiber: ~4g
Sugar: ~12g (natural sugars from apples and cranberries)

This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is a perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, and tangy flavors! It’s simple to make, full of nutritious ingredients, and will quickly become a favorite at any gathering. Let me know if you’d like to adjust it for any dietary needs!