Cranberry Apple Broccoli Salad with Cranberries 😋

🥗 Mediterranean Cranberry Apple Broccoli Salad

Ingredients:

For the salad:

• 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh, chopped into bite-sized pieces)

• 1 large apple (sweet-tart, like Honeycrisp or Fuji), diced

• ½ cup dried cranberries

• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced

• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional but very Mediterranean)

• ⅓ cup roasted almonds or walnuts, roughly chopped

• 1–2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For the dressing:

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1½ tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)

• 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• (Optional) A squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the ingredients:

   • Chop the broccoli into small florets.

   • Dice the apple just before assembling to keep it fresh and crisp.

   • If you prefer a softer broccoli texture, blanch it: boil for 1 minute, then cool in ice water.

2. Make the dressing:

   • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, honey, mustard, salt, pepper, and lemon juice until smooth.

3. Assemble the salad:

   • In a large bowl, combine broccoli, apple, cranberries, onion, nuts, and feta.

   • Pour the dressing over and toss well to coat everything evenly.

4. Chill and serve:

   • Let it sit in the fridge for 15–30 minutes before serving so the flavors meld beautifully.

   • Garnish with extra parsley or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

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🌿 Tips & Variations:

• Add protein: Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa make it a full meal.

• Make it vegan: Skip the feta or use a plant-based version, and swap honey for maple syrup.

• Boost flavor: Add a pinch of cumin or za’atar for an extra Mediterranean twist.