Cranberry Apple Broccoli Salad with Cranberries (Creamy & Crunchy)

This Cranberry Apple Broccoli Salad with Cranberries is a fresh, colorful, and irresistibly crunchy side dish that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Made with crisp broccoli florets, juicy Honeycrisp apples, chewy dried cranberries, crunchy nuts, and a creamy homemade dressing, this salad is a crowd-pleasing favorite for potlucks, holiday dinners, summer barbecues, and healthy meal prep.

Unlike traditional leafy salads, broccoli salad holds up beautifully, making it ideal for make-ahead meals. The apples add natural sweetness and freshness, while cranberries bring a tart chew that complements the creamy dressing. Whether you’re looking for a healthy broccoli salad recipe, a holiday side dish, or a high-protein vegetarian salad, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Ingredients

For the Salad

4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
1 large Honeycrisp apple, diced (leave the peel on for color and fiber)
½ cup dried cranberries
⅓ cup red onion, finely diced
½ cup pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
Optional: ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese or crumbled feta

For the Creamy Dressing

½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
1½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
Salt and black pepper, to taste

How to Make Cranberry Apple Broccoli Salad

Prepare the broccoli
Wash and dry the broccoli thoroughly. Cut into bite-sized florets. For a slightly softer texture, you may blanch the broccoli for 30 seconds and immediately transfer to ice water, but raw broccoli provides the best crunch.
Chop the produce
Dice the apple into small cubes, finely chop the red onion, and roughly chop the nuts.
Mix the salad
In a large bowl, combine broccoli, apple, dried cranberries, red onion, and nuts. Toss gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
Make the dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Combine and chill
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled as a healthy side dish for grilled chicken, turkey, or salmon
Add grilled chicken or chickpeas to turn it into a high-protein lunch salad
Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and summer cookouts
Pairs beautifully with sandwiches, wraps, and soups

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Add apples right before serving to keep them extra crisp
Toss apples in lemon juice if preparing far in advance

Nutritional Benefits

This broccoli salad is packed with:

Fiber for digestion
Vitamin C and antioxidants from broccoli and apples
Healthy fats from nuts
Naturally gluten-free and easy to make dairy-free

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Frequently Asked Questions (Related Questions)

Can I make broccoli salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, making it ideal for meal prep and parties.

What is the healthiest dressing for broccoli salad?
Greek yogurt-based dressing is a lighter, high-protein alternative to mayonnaise.

Can I use a different apple?
Absolutely. Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady apples work well.

Is broccoli salad good for weight loss?
Yes. It’s high in fiber, nutrients, and can be made low-calorie with simple ingredient swaps.

Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes—use vegan mayo or dairy-free yogurt and maple syrup.