Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad – Crunchy, Sweet & Savory

There’s something truly delightful about the combination of crisp broccoli and juicy Honeycrisp apples. The crunch of fresh veggies paired with the sweet, refreshing flavor of apples creates a salad that’s as vibrant as it is satisfying. This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is easy to make, packed with nutrients, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a standout dish at gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad hits the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and crunchy. The hearty broccoli, sweet apples, and tangy dressing combine with nuts and optional bacon for texture and flavor in every bite. It’s versatile too—you can serve it as a side, a light main dish, or even prep it ahead for easy lunches. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly and naturally gluten-free (without bacon).

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Nutritional Information

Eating healthy doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. This salad is packed with nutrients—protein, fiber, and vitamins—while keeping calories in check. Each bite offers a satisfying balance of wholesome ingredients that fuel your body and taste buds alike.

Calories: ~320 per serving
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 12g

Time Breakdown

Quick and effortless, this salad fits perfectly into busy schedules. With minimal prep and no cooking required, you can whip up a fresh, flavorful dish in just minutes, making it ideal for weeknight meals or last-minute gatherings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, fresh ingredients are what make this salad shine. A combination of crisp vegetables, juicy fruit, nuts, and a creamy dressing creates a dish that’s full of flavor without requiring complicated or hard-to-find items.

4 cups broccoli florets
2 Honeycrisp apples, diced
½ cup red onion, finely chopped
½ cup roasted sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts
½ cup cooked bacon pieces (optional)
½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
1–2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1–2 tablespoons honey
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Condensed Grocery Checklist

Shopping for this salad is quick and straightforward. With just a handful of fresh produce and pantry staples, you can gather everything you need for a colorful, flavorful, and budget-friendly dish.

Broccoli
Honeycrisp apples
Red onion
Nuts or sunflower seeds
Bacon (optional)
Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
Apple cider vinegar, honey

How to Make – Step by Step

Preparing this salad is simple and stress-free. With just a few easy steps—mixing, chopping, and tossing—you’ll have a beautiful, tasty dish ready to enjoy in no time.

Prepare the Dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine Salad Ingredients – In a large bowl, mix broccoli, apples, red onion, nuts, and bacon (if using).
Toss & Serve – Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently. Serve immediately or chill for extra refreshment.

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

One of the joys of this salad is its adaptability. Whether you want to tweak flavors, add new textures, or cater to dietary preferences, simple swaps can transform the salad while keeping it fresh and delicious.

Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds.
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing.
Add dried cranberries for a hint of sweetness.
Replace bacon with smoked tempeh for a vegetarian-friendly twist.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is versatile enough to complement a variety of meals. From pairing it with proteins to enjoying it on its own, there are plenty of ways to serve it and make it a standout on your table.

Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or pork.
Enjoy with crusty bread for a light lunch.
Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or summer gatherings.

Storing Tips

Maintaining freshness is key to keeping your salad crisp and flavorful. Proper storage ensures that every bite stays as vibrant as the first, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers without compromise.

Store undressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Keep the dressing in a separate container and add just before serving to avoid sogginess.

Chef’s Special Tips

Small touches can elevate this salad from simple to spectacular. From ingredient choices to presentation techniques, a few thoughtful adjustments make a noticeable difference in flavor, texture, and overall enjoyment.

Choose crisp Honeycrisp apples for maximum crunch.
Chill the salad for 15 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
Add a sprinkle of extra nuts or seeds for crunch and texture.

Conclusion

This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad proves that simple, fresh ingredients can create an extraordinary dish. Sweet, crunchy, and savory, it’s perfect for quick lunches, weeknight dinners, or impressive sides for gatherings. Try it this week and save this recipe for a fresh, vibrant salad you’ll want to make again and again.

FAQs

Yes! For best results, store the salad undressed in an airtight container and keep the dressing separate. Toss them together just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.

Absolutely. Honeycrisp apples are ideal for their sweetness and crisp texture, but Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala apples also work well depending on your preference.

Yes! Simply skip the bacon and use a plant-based mayonnaise or yogurt for the dressing to make it fully vegan-friendly.

Walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. Toasting them lightly enhances their aroma and texture.

When stored properly (undressed in an airtight container), the salad stays fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add the dressing and any toppings just before serving.