Description

This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is a refreshing and crunchy dish combining sweet, tart, and savory flavors. Featuring diced Honeycrisp apples, fresh broccoli florets, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and sharp cheddar cheese, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or potluck, this salad offers a vibrant texture and balanced taste with minimal prep time.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

2 Honeycrisp apples, diced
4 cups fresh broccoli florets
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Dressing Ingredients

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Dice the Honeycrisp apples, cut the broccoli into florets, thinly slice the red onion, and shred the sharp cheddar cheese to get all salad components ready.
Mix Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, broccoli florets, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and red onion. Toss gently to mix all ingredients evenly.
Make Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
Combine Dressing and Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad base ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
Add Cheese: Fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese carefully to incorporate it without breaking down the cheese pieces.
Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.

Notes

For best texture, dice the apples just before mixing to prevent browning, or toss diced apples in a bit of lemon juice.
To make the salad nut-free, omit the sliced almonds and replace with seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
This salad is best served chilled but can be stored refrigerated for up to 2 days.
You can substitute the sharp cheddar with a milder cheese if preferred.
Add a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper just before serving for extra flavor.