CRUNCHY HONEYCRISP APPLE SALAD

I remember my first potluck after moving to a new neighborhood. Everyone brought the most amazing dishes, but I felt like I needed something fresh and vibrant to cut through all the richness. I decided to experiment and ended up creating what is now my signature dish: a Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad. It was an instant hit, and I’ve been making it ever since! Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad you’ll ever make – prepare to be wowed!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

Seriously, this isn’t your grandma’s boring broccoli salad. This is a flavor explosion in every bite! We’re talking crisp-tender broccoli florets, the sweet-tart crunch of Honeycrisp apples, salty bacon, chewy cranberries, and toasted nuts, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing that ties everything together perfectly. It’s the perfect side dish for potlucks, barbecues, holidays, or even just a simple weeknight meal. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, so you can feel good about indulging. This salad is truly a year-round winner!

What Makes This Recipe Special?

• The Honeycrisp Apple: This apple variety is the star! Its crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor are unmatched. No other apple quite delivers the same delightful crunch and balanced sweetness.
• The Perfect Broccoli: We’re not talking about mushy, overcooked broccoli here. I’ll show you how to blanch it to perfection, so it’s tender-crisp and vibrant green.
• The Creamy, Tangy Dressing: This dressing is the key to tying everything together. It’s creamy, tangy, and just a touch sweet, complementing all the other flavors perfectly.
• The Textural Contrast: The combination of crisp broccoli, crunchy apples, chewy cranberries, and toasted nuts creates a delightful textural experience that will keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets, about 6 cups.
• Honeycrisp Apples: 2 medium-sized, cored and diced.
• Cooked Bacon: 6-8 slices, cooked until crispy and crumbled.
• Dried Cranberries: 1 cup.
• Red Onion: 1/4 cup, finely diced (optional, but adds a nice bite).
• Sunflower Seeds or Toasted Almonds: 1/2 cup (for added crunch).

For the Creamy Dressing:

• Mayonnaise: 1 cup.
• Plain Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: 1/2 cup (for a lighter tang).
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons.
• Honey: 2 tablespoons (adjust to taste).
• Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

Alright, let’s get to the good part – making this incredible salad! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll be enjoying a bowl of deliciousness in no time.

1. Prep the Broccoli: Wash and cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Don’t make them too big; you want them to be easy to eat.
2. Blanch the Broccoli: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they turn bright green and are slightly tender-crisp. Immediately transfer the broccoli to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This ensures they retain their vibrant color and crunch.
3. Drain and Dry the Broccoli: Drain the broccoli thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels. This is crucial to prevent a watery salad. Spread the florets on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to air dry slightly while you prepare the other ingredients.
4. Prepare the Apples: Core and dice the Honeycrisp apples into bite-sized pieces. To prevent browning, you can toss them with a little lemon juice.
5. Cook the Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy, either in a skillet or in the oven. Let it cool slightly, then crumble it into small pieces. The smell alone is enough to make your mouth water!
6. Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want a little more honey if you prefer a sweeter dressing, or a pinch more salt for a more savory flavor.
7. Combine All Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the blanched broccoli, diced Honeycrisp apples, crumbled bacon, dried cranberries, and red onion (if using).
8. Add the Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the broccoli mushy.
9. Add Sunflower Seeds/Almonds: Sprinkle with sunflower seeds or toasted almonds for added crunch. I love the subtle nutty flavor they add!
10. Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This also helps the broccoli stay crisp. Serve chilled and enjoy! This salad is even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to develop.

Success Tips for the BEST Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

Want to ensure your salad is a total success? Here are my top tips for achieving broccoli salad perfection!

• Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: This is the most important tip! Overcooked broccoli is mushy and unappetizing. Blanching it for just 2-3 minutes ensures it stays crisp-tender. The ice bath is also key to stopping the cooking process.
• Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the salad. Opt for fresh, crisp broccoli, juicy Honeycrisp apples, and high-quality bacon.
• Taste and Adjust the Dressing: The dressing is the heart of the salad, so make sure it’s perfect for your taste. Don’t be afraid to add more honey, vinegar, or mustard to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
• Don’t Dress the Salad Too Far in Advance: If you’re making the salad ahead of time, wait to add the dressing until just before serving. This will prevent the broccoli from getting soggy. You can prepare the ingredients separately and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the salad.
• Add a Little Something Extra: Feel free to customize this salad to your liking. You can add other fruits like grapes or blueberries, different types of nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even a sprinkle of cheese like cheddar or feta. Get creative and have fun! Perhaps you could try a ASIAN CUCUMBER SALAD next time?

Variations and Adaptations

One of the things I love most about this Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is how versatile it is. You can easily adapt it to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Vegan/Dairy-Free: Use vegan mayonnaise and omit the Greek yogurt or sour cream. You can also use a plant-based bacon alternative or simply omit the bacon altogether.
• Lower Carb: Reduce the amount of dried cranberries or use a sugar-free sweetener in the dressing.
• Add Protein: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or edamame for a more substantial meal.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little heat.
• Swap the Apples: While Honeycrisp apples are my favorite, you can also use other varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji apples. Just be sure to choose an apple that is crisp and flavorful. Maybe you could even consider making Fried Peach or Apple Pies as a dessert for after the salad!

Serving Suggestions

This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:

• As a Side Dish: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak. It’s also a great addition to potlucks, barbecues, and picnics.
• As a Light Lunch: Enjoy a bowl of this salad on its own for a healthy and satisfying lunch.
• In a Wrap or Sandwich: Add it to a wrap or sandwich for a flavorful and nutritious filling.
• With Soup: This salad is a refreshing complement to a warm bowl of soup, such as Broccoli Cheese Soup, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

This salad is a great make-ahead option, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure it stays fresh and delicious.

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the individual components of the salad (broccoli, apples, bacon, dressing) up to 2 days in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Wait to combine the ingredients and dress the salad until just before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the broccoli may lose some of its crispness over time.
• Freezing: I do not recommend freezing this salad, as the broccoli and mayonnaise-based dressing will not hold up well.

Thinking about other salads to try? You might enjoy a CALIFORNIA ROLL CUCUMBER SALAD or perhaps a Korean Cucumber Salad.

If you’re looking for something even simpler, a Creamy Cucumber Salad is always a good choice.

Final Thoughts on Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

I truly believe this Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is a recipe everyone should have in their repertoire. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible, and it’s a healthy and delicious way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables. So go ahead, give it a try! I guarantee you’ll be hooked!

Crunchy Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, combining crisp-tender broccoli, sweet-tart Honeycrisp apples, salty bacon, and chewy cranberries in a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s a perfect side dish for any occasion and a healthy way to enjoy your fruits and vegetables.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Large pot
• Slotted spoon or strainer
• Ice bath (bowl with ice and water)
• Paper towels
• Skillet or baking sheet (for bacon)
• Spatula or tongs

Ingredients

  

• 6 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 2 medium Honeycrisp apples, cored and diced
• 6-8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup finely diced red onion optional
• ½ cup sunflower seeds or toasted almonds
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon juice optional, for apples

Instructions

 

• Wash and cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets.
• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they turn bright green and are slightly tender-crisp.
• Immediately transfer the broccoli to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
• Drain the broccoli thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels. Spread the florets on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to air dry slightly while you prepare the other ingredients.
• Core and dice the Honeycrisp apples into bite-sized pieces. Toss with a little lemon juice to prevent browning (optional).
• Cook the bacon until crispy, either in a skillet or in the oven. Let it cool slightly, then crumble it into small pieces.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
• In a large bowl, combine the blanched broccoli, diced Honeycrisp apples, crumbled bacon, dried cranberries, and red onion (if using).
• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Be careful not to overmix.
• Sprinkle with sunflower seeds or toasted almonds for added crunch.
• Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled.

Notes

For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Don’t overcook the broccoli – blanching it is key to maintaining its crispness. If making ahead, store the salad components separately and combine just before serving to prevent sogginess. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but the broccoli may lose some of its crispness. Feel free to customize the salad with other fruits, nuts, or cheeses to your liking.