Best Broccoli Salad with Apples and Cranberries
A crunchy and creamy salad featuring bright flavors from fresh broccoli, crisp apples, and tart cranberries, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets (about 2 medium heads) Firm, bright green florets give the best crunch.
- 1 medium crisp apple, diced (Honeycrisp or Fuji for sweetness) Keeps the salad lively and crisp.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries Tart sweetness balances the dressing.
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped Optional, soak in cold water for a milder flavor.
- 1/2 cup toasted sunflower seeds or chopped pecans For toasty crunch; pecans add a buttery note.
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar or crumbled feta Optional for extra richness.
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt Thick base for the dressing.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise Use light mayo or swap entirely for Greek yogurt.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar Brightens the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon honey Balances acidity; substitute with maple syrup for vegan.
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard For depth; omit for milder dressing.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper To taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- Trim and cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. If desired, blanch in boiling salted water for 1 minute, then plunge into ice water; drain well.
- Core and dice the apple into small cubes. Toss with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning.
Dressing Preparation
- In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, a pinch of salt, and a crack of black pepper. Adjust to taste.
Combining Salad
- In a large bowl, add broccoli, diced apple, dried cranberries, red onion, and toasted seeds or nuts. Pour the dressing over and gently toss until well coated.
- If adding cheese, fold it in at the end.
Resting
- Let the salad rest for at least 10 minutes before serving, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
Notes
For a lighter version, use all Greek yogurt and reduce the mayo. Extra crunch can be added with toasted pepitas or bacon bits. A vegan adaptation can be made with coconut yogurt and vegan mayonnaise.