The Unexpected Joy of Honeycrisp & Broccoli
Crisp, juicy apples meet crunchy broccoli, toasted nuts, and a creamy, tangy dressing that ties everything together. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a standout dish for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, cored and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1/3 cup toasted almonds or sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli florets, sliced Honeycrisp apples, dried cranberries or raisins, toasted almonds or sunflower seeds, and red onion (if using).
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Blanch the broccoli briefly if you prefer a slightly softer texture.
Toast nuts or seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for extra flavor.
Use a mandoline for perfectly thin apple slices.
Substitutions: Swap Honeycrisp apples for Fuji, Gala, or your favorite variety. Use pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds instead of almonds or sunflower seeds. Add crumbled feta or blue cheese for an extra layer of flavor.