🍏 Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad (Mediterranean Style)

A fresh, crunchy, and naturally sweet salad that blends crisp Honeycrisp apples with tender broccoli florets, toasted nuts, and a light olive-oil yogurt dressing. Inspired by the wholesome principles of the Mediterranean diet, this salad is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and heart-healthy fats. It’s perfect as a side dish, light lunch, or meal-prep favorite.

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🌿 Why This Fits the Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean way of eating emphasizes:

• Fresh vegetables and fruits

• Extra virgin olive oil

• Nuts and seeds

• Yogurt and light natural sweeteners

This salad highlights all of these beautifully while keeping flavors bright and balanced.

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🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the Salad:

• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (finely chopped)

• 1 large Honeycrisp apple, diced (leave skin on for extra fiber)

• ¼ cup red onion, finely sliced

• ⅓ cup toasted almonds or walnuts, roughly chopped

• 2 tbsp sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds

• ⅓ cup dried cranberries (optional for extra sweetness)

• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional but very Mediterranean)

For the Mediterranean Dressing:

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1–2 tsp raw honey

• ½ tsp Dijon mustard

• Salt and black pepper to taste

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prep the Broccoli
   Chop broccoli into very small, bite-size florets. For a softer texture, blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds, then cool in ice water (optional).

2. Prepare the Apple
   Dice the Honeycrisp apple into small cubes. Toss with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.

3. Mix the Salad
   In a large bowl, combine broccoli, apple, onion, nuts, seeds, cranberries, and feta.

4. Make the Dressing
   Whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.

5. Combine & Chill
   Pour dressing over salad and toss well. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors blend.

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🥗 Flavor Profile

• Crunchy from broccoli, apple, and nuts

• Creamy & tangy from yogurt and feta

• Naturally sweet from Honeycrisp apples and honey

• Bright & fresh from lemon and olive oil

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💪 Health Benefits

• Rich in fiber for digestive health

• Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants

• Healthy fats from olive oil and nuts

• Probiotics from Greek yogurt

• Low in refined sugar

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🍽 Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish

• Pair with whole-grain pita and hummus

• Add chickpeas to make it a complete vegetarian meal

• Perfect for potlucks or meal prep

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❓ Q & A

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours. Store up to 2 days in the fridge.

Q2: Can I make it vegan?

Absolutely. Replace Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and omit feta or use vegan feta.

Q3: What can I substitute for Honeycrisp apples?

Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady apples work well. Choose a crisp, slightly sweet variety.

Q4: Is it okay to use raw broccoli?

Yes! Finely chopping makes it tender and easy to digest. Blanching is optional.

Q5: How can I make it lower in calories?

Use all yogurt (skip olive oil) and reduce nuts slightly.