Crunchy Apple Broccoli Salad
This vibrant and flavorful salad combines the crispness of apples, broccoli, and cauliflower with the sweetness of cranberries and a creamy, tangy dressing. It's a perfect make-ahead side dish for potlucks, picnics, or weeknight meals.
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Refrigerator
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups cauliflower florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 large apples such as Honeycrisp or Fuji
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup sunflower seeds or your favorite nuts
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled optional
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced optional
- 1 cup mayonnaise full-fat or light
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar or honey/maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli and Cauliflower: Wash the broccoli and cauliflower florets thoroughly. Cut them into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are roughly the same size for a uniform texture.
- Dice the Apples: Core the apples and dice them into small, even pieces. You can leave the skin on for added nutrients and color.
- Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, cauliflower, apples, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, bacon (if using), and red onion (if using).
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, and celery seed until smooth.
- Season the Dressing: Add salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasoning until you find the perfect balance.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill properly.
- Give it a Final Toss: Right before serving, give the salad one last toss to redistribute the dressing.
- Enjoy! Serve cold and enjoy the symphony of flavors and textures.
Notes
For best results, prepare the salad up to 24 hours in advance, keeping the dressing separate until just before serving to prevent sogginess. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent browning of the diced apples, toss them with a small amount of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar before adding them to the salad. Consider adding crumbled feta, blue cheese, or cheddar cheese for an extra layer of flavor. For a vegan option, use vegan mayonnaise and omit the bacon. Taste and adjust the dressing as you go, adding more sweetness or tanginess to your preference. If the dressing is too thick, thin it out with a tablespoon or two of milk or water.