📖 Recipe Description

This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is a refreshing, crunchy, and nutrient-packed dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. Crisp Honeycrisp apples, fresh broccoli florets, crunchy nuts, and a creamy homemade dressing come together to create a healthy salad recipe that’s ideal for meal prep, potlucks, holiday gatherings, or light lunches.

If you’re searching for:

Healthy broccoli salad recipe
High-fiber weight loss salad
Clean eating meal prep ideas
Low-calorie apple salad
Easy summer side dish recipes
Gluten-free salad recipes

This dish checks every box.

The natural sweetness of Honeycrisp apples pairs beautifully with the slight bitterness of broccoli, while the creamy dressing (made with Greek yogurt or mayo) ties everything together with rich flavor. It’s also customizable for keto, dairy-free, and vegan diets.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Salad:

4 cups fresh broccoli florets (chopped small)
2 large Honeycrisp apples (diced, leave skin on)
½ cup shredded carrots
¼ cup red onion (finely chopped)
½ cup dried cranberries (optional for sweetness)
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
¼ cup sunflower seeds
½ cup sharp cheddar cheese (optional)

For the Creamy Dressing:

½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1–2 tablespoons honey (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Produce

Wash broccoli thoroughly and chop into bite-sized florets. Dice Honeycrisp apples into small cubes. To prevent browning, lightly toss apples in a teaspoon of lemon juice if prepping ahead.

2️⃣ Mix the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt (or mayo), Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

3️⃣ Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine broccoli, apples, carrots, red onion, cranberries, nuts, sunflower seeds, and cheese (if using).

4️⃣ Toss & Chill

Pour dressing over the salad and mix thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30–60 minutes to allow flavors to blend.

5️⃣ Serve

Stir before serving. Garnish with extra nuts or apple slices for presentation.

🥗 Nutrition Benefits (High-Value Health Keywords)

High-fiber salad for digestion
Rich in antioxidants from apples and broccoli
Supports immune health
Great for weight management diets
Balanced healthy fats from nuts
Low glycemic index option
Clean eating whole food recipe

Broccoli is packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber, while Honeycrisp apples add natural sweetness and polyphenols that support heart health.

🔥 Healthy Variations

🥑 Keto Broccoli Apple Salad

Replace apples with fewer carbs (like green apple in smaller portions)
Use full-fat mayo
Skip cranberries

🌱 Vegan Version

Use plant-based yogurt or vegan mayo
Skip cheese
Replace honey with maple syrup

💪 High-Protein Version

Add grilled chicken breast
Mix in quinoa
Add extra Greek yogurt to dressing

🧊 Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Stores in airtight container for 3–4 days.
Add nuts just before serving to maintain crunch.
Perfect for weekly healthy meal prep lunches.

❓ Related Frequently Asked Questions (High CPM Keywords)

1. Is broccoli apple salad good for weight loss?

Yes. This is a low-calorie high-fiber salad recipe that promotes fullness and supports healthy weight management when paired with balanced meals.

2. What apples are best for broccoli salad?

Honeycrisp apples are ideal because of their sweet flavor and crisp texture. Fuji or Gala apples also work well.

3. Can I make broccoli salad without mayonnaise?

Absolutely. Substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthy low-fat salad dressing option.

4. How do you keep apples from browning in salad?

Toss them in lemon juice or apple cider vinegar before mixing into the salad.

5. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this is naturally a gluten-free healthy salad recipe, provided all packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.

6. Can I prepare broccoli salad the night before?

Yes. In fact, chilling overnight enhances flavor, making it a perfect make-ahead holiday side dish.

7. How many calories are in Honeycrisp apple broccoli salad?

Typically 200–350 calories per serving depending on dressing and add-ins.

8. Is this salad good for diabetics?

When made with minimal honey and no added sugar, it can fit into a low glycemic meal plan. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

🍽 Perfect Pairings

Grilled chicken
Baked salmon
BBQ ribs
Thanksgiving turkey
Sandwiches and wraps

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Easy 15-minute prep
✔ Family-friendly
✔ Perfect for potlucks
✔ Great balance of sweet & savory
✔ Customizable for multiple diets
✔ Budget-friendly whole foods