If I could bottle the feeling of a crisp fall afternoon, it would taste just like this Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad - cool, refreshing, and full of vibrant crunch. Every bite brings a perfect balance of sweet apples, earthy broccoli, tart cranberries, and creamy honey dressing.
Before we dive in, don't forget to subscribe to my email list so I can send you every new recipe straight to your inbox - because this isn't the last salad you'll fall in love with this season! 🍂
🍏 Introduction
This salad started as a "use what we have" creation after a family apple-picking trip. A mountain of Honeycrisps sat on my counter, and inspiration struck. I tossed them into a bowl with some fresh broccoli, a handful of cranberries, and a drizzle of honey dressing - and instantly, it became a family favorite.
Now, it's the first dish everyone requests at our autumn gatherings. It's simple, colorful, and full of that satisfying crunch that makes you go back for seconds (and thirds).
💚 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 15 minutes (plus chill time!)
- Make-ahead friendly - flavors improve overnight
- Sweet + savory balance that hits every note
- Loaded with vitamins and antioxidants
- Easily customizable to suit any dietary preference
I still remember serving this at my daughter's graduation party - before the main course even came out, three people were asking for the recipe! That's when I knew it had to be shared here.
🥦 Taste & Texture
This salad is all about contrast: the crisp broccoli and juicy Honeycrisp apples, the chewy cranberries, the creamy dressing, and that subtle nutty crunch. It's bright, tangy, lightly sweet, and endlessly refreshing.
🛒 Ingredients
🥗 Salad
- 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 large Honeycrisp apple, diced
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
🍯 Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or half mayo, half Greek yogurt for lighter version)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
🧰 Tools You'll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Small whisking bowl
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula for gentle mixing
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Salad
Chop broccoli into small bite-size florets and dice the Honeycrisp apple (keep the skin on for color and nutrients). Combine with cranberries, nuts, onion, and cheese in a large bowl.
2. Make the Dressing
Whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Assemble
Pour the dressing over the salad in stages, gently folding to coat everything evenly.
4. Chill
Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (2 hours is even better). This resting time allows flavors to meld and the broccoli to absorb the dressing.
5. Serve
Remove from the fridge 10 minutes before serving, toss once more, and enjoy chilled.
🥄 Pro Tips
- Blanch the broccoli for 60 seconds, then shock in ice water for bright color and tender-crisp texture.
- Toss apple cubes in lemon juice to prevent browning if prepping early.
- Toast the nuts for 3-5 minutes for extra depth of flavor.
- Prepare the dressing a day ahead to let the flavors fully develop.
- Save a handful of nuts to sprinkle just before serving for maximum crunch.
❄️ Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Store salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If making ahead, keep dressing and salad separate until ready to serve.
🍽️ Ingredient Swaps & Additions
- Apple substitutes: Gala, Fuji, or Pink Lady work beautifully.
- Cheese alternatives: Try blue cheese for a bold twist, or omit for dairy-free.
- Add protein: Diced rotisserie chicken or crispy bacon make it a full meal.
- Swap cranberries for pomegranate arils in winter for a festive touch.
🌍 Cultural & Seasonal Notes
This salad celebrates fall produce at its finest. Honeycrisp apples hit their peak in autumn, and pairing them with broccoli creates a dish that's both seasonal and nourishing. It bridges the gap between comfort food and healthy eating - and looks gorgeous on any holiday table.
🥰 Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside:
- Grilled chicken or pork tenderloin
- Butternut squash soup
- Baked salmon or white fish
- Holiday roasts as a refreshing contrast
It also travels beautifully, so it's perfect for potlucks, picnics, or weekday lunches.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can I use another type of apple?
Yes! Gala, Fuji, or Pink Lady offer a similar crisp sweetness.
→ Is cheese necessary?
No - totally optional! You can omit it or use feta or blue cheese for different flavor profiles.
→ Can I replace the mayonnaise?
Absolutely. Substitute with Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a vegan mayo.
→ How long does the salad last?
Up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored airtight.
→ Can I make it ahead?
Yes - prepare the dressing and chop ingredients a day before, then mix just before serving.
📋 General Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Yield: 6 servings
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
💛 Conclusion
This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is the kind of recipe that surprises you with how good "simple" can taste. It's crunchy, creamy, sweet, and savory - a salad that holds its own on any table. Whether you're preparing it for a fall dinner, a holiday feast, or a quick weekday lunch, it's bound to become a favorite you'll make again and again.
Looking for more fresh and colorful salads? Try these next:
- 🫐 Blueberry Peach Feta Salad
- 🥬 Maurice Salad with Homemade Dressing
- 🌽 Jalapeño Popper Corn Salad
📸 Join the Community
If you make this recipe, I'd love to see your version! 💚
Tag your photos with #MyHomemadeRecipe on Instagram or share on Pinterest so we can admire your creations together.
🍎 Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and for general guidance only.)
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