Description
This Broccoli Apple Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish combining crisp broccoli florets, sweet apples, crunchy almonds and sunflower seeds, and tangy dried cranberries. Tossed in a creamy yet light homemade dressing made from Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and poppy seeds, this salad offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal as a healthy side or light lunch, it comes together quickly and is best served chilled.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 heads fresh broccoli, chopped into small florets (about 4 cups)
- 2 apples, chopped (about 2 cups)
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/3 cup slivered almonds
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Dressing Ingredients
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli florets, diced apples, red onion, slivered almonds, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries. Gently toss them together to distribute evenly.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and poppy seeds until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Gradually drizzle the dressing over the salad a little at a time, tossing gently after each addition to evenly coat all the ingredients without sogginess.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly. Serve cold for the best taste.
Notes
- This salad is best served chilled, so be sure to refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
- You can substitute mayonnaise with a lighter option or use all Greek yogurt for a healthier dressing.
- For added crunch, lightly toast the almonds and sunflower seeds before adding them.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of honey and sugar according to taste.
- To make it vegan, replace Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with suitable plant-based alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American