Description
This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is a refreshing and crunchy dish combining crisp apples, fresh broccoli, dried cranberries, and sharp cheddar cheese, all tossed in a tangy, sweet honey-mustard dressing. Perfect as a side or light lunch, it requires no cooking and is ready to enjoy after a short chill.
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
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Dice the Honeycrisp apples, cut fresh broccoli into florets, thinly slice the red onion, and shred the sharp cheddar cheese.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the diced apples, broccoli florets, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and red onion until well distributed.
- Make Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the mixed salad ingredients and gently toss to coat everything evenly without bruising the apples.
- Add Cheese: Fold the shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the salad mixture, distributing it evenly throughout.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill properly before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use Honeycrisp apples as they provide a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.
- Make sure to dice the apples just before mixing to prevent browning.
- You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
- Letting the salad chill enhances flavor melding but avoid leaving it too long to keep the apples crisp.
- This salad is ideal for potlucks and picnic menus due to its ease and refreshing taste.
