Go Back
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, washed and cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 large apple (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored and diced - ½ cup shredded carrots, preferably organic - ¼ cup red onion, finely diced - ¼ cup toasted sunflower seeds, for added crunch - ½ cup Greek yogurt (or vegan yogurt for a dairy-free alternative) - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, based on preference - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, adds tanginess - Salt - Freshly cracked black pepper Using these simple ingredients, you create a salad that is both crisp and full of flavor. The broccoli provides a nice crunch, while the apples add sweetness. Carrots bring a vibrant color, and red onion gives a zesty kick. The sunflower seeds are the finishing touch, adding extra texture. For a creamy dressing, Greek yogurt gives a smooth base. You can swap it for vegan yogurt if needed. Sweeten it with honey or maple syrup for balance. Apple cider vinegar gives a tangy kick. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper! This combination makes every bite delightful. For the full recipe, refer to the instructions above. To start, wash the broccoli florets well under cold water. This step ensures they are clean and ready to eat. Next, cut the broccoli into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easy to enjoy in the salad. Now, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli and blanch it for about 2 minutes. Blanching helps keep the color bright and the texture crisp. After two minutes, quickly transfer the broccoli to an ice bath. This stops the cooking process and keeps it crunchy. Allow the broccoli to cool for a couple of minutes. Then, drain it thoroughly and set it aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched broccoli, diced apple, shredded carrots, and finely chopped red onion. Each ingredient adds flavor and texture to the salad. Use a large spoon to gently toss the ingredients together. This ensures even distribution of all the tasty bits. For the dressing, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey (or maple syrup), apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed. You want a nice balance between sweet and tangy. Pour the yogurt dressing over the broccoli and apple mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold the dressing into the salad. Make sure each piece is coated without mashing the ingredients. To finish, sprinkle the roasted sunflower seeds on top for a delightful crunch. Give the salad one final gentle toss to incorporate the seeds. Enjoy this crisp and flavorful delight as a refreshing side dish or light appetizer. For the full recipe, refer to the cooking instructions above. Chopping and blanching broccoli correctly is key. Start by washing the florets well. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. Blanching helps keep the color bright. Bring water to a boil and add the broccoli for two minutes. After that, cool the florets in ice water. This process makes them crisp and fresh. When choosing apples, go for ones that are crunchy and sweet. Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are great options. Their flavors balance well with the broccoli. A good apple adds a nice crunch and a touch of sweetness to the salad. You can vary the yogurt dressing for different tastes. Try adding garlic powder, mustard, or herbs for extra flavor. If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut yogurt or almond yogurt instead. These alternatives keep the salad creamy while being gentle on the stomach. For parties or gatherings, serve the salad in a big bowl. This invites guests to help themselves. You can also portion it onto individual plates for a more refined look. Garnish with extra sunflower seeds and a sprig of fresh parsley or mint for added color. A well-garnished salad looks more appealing and makes the meal feel special. {{image_4}} You can make this salad even better with fun add-ins. Try different nuts or seeds. Here are some great choices: - Almonds - Walnuts - Pumpkin seeds Mix in dried fruits for a sweet touch. Consider using: - Raisins - Dried cranberries - Apricots These ingredients add texture and flavor. Each bite becomes more exciting! Herbs and spices can bring this salad to life. You might add: - Fresh parsley - Dill - Chives A touch of spice can enhance the taste too. Consider using a pinch of: - Paprika - Black pepper - Garlic powder Also, try different dressings! You can swap the Greek yogurt dressing for: - A balsamic vinaigrette - A lemon olive oil mix - A creamy tahini dressing These changes can give your salad a whole new vibe. If you want a vegan version, swap the Greek yogurt for: - Vegan yogurt - Hummus This keeps the salad creamy and tasty. For a gluten-free option, make sure to check all ingredients. Most of them are naturally gluten-free. Just be cautious with dressings. Explore these variations to create your perfect Broccoli Apple Salad! For the full recipe, check the previous section. To keep your Broccoli Apple Salad fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. You can also cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Avoid leaving the salad out at room temperature. If you have leftovers, make sure to refrigerate them right away. The salad stays fresh for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. After that, its taste and texture may change. Look for signs of spoilage. If the salad looks slimy or smells off, it’s time to toss it. Always trust your senses for safety. For the best taste, enjoy it sooner rather than later. For the Full Recipe, check the earlier section. To make this salad vegan, swap Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt. Use maple syrup instead of honey. These changes keep the taste rich and satisfying. Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead of time. However, keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve. This prevents the salad from getting soggy. You can use tahini instead of yogurt for a nutty flavor. For sweetness, try agave syrup as a honey alternative. Adjust these swaps based on your taste. Absolutely! All the ingredients in this salad are naturally gluten-free. Just verify that the yogurt is labeled gluten-free, if using a store-bought option. Add cooked quinoa or chickpeas to boost the protein. You can also mix in some nuts, like walnuts or almonds, for extra crunch and healthy fats. - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, washed and cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 large apple (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored and diced - ½ cup shredded carrots, preferably organic - ¼ cup red onion, finely diced - ¼ cup toasted sunflower seeds, for added crunch - ½ cup Greek yogurt (or vegan yogurt for a dairy-free alternative) - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, based on preference - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, adds tanginess - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste This salad is a fun mix of flavors and textures. You get the crunch from the broccoli and sunflower seeds. The sweetness comes from the apple and honey. The dressing brings it all together. How do you start? First, wash the broccoli well. Cut it into small pieces. Blanch the broccoli in boiling water for two minutes. This step keeps it crisp and bright green. Then, cool it in ice water. This stops the cooking. Next, you will mix the salad. In a big bowl, combine the blanched broccoli, diced apple, shredded carrots, and red onion. Toss these gently with a spoon. This way, they mix well without breaking. Now, let’s make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk the Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Make sure it’s smooth. Taste it, too. Adjust for sweet or tangy flavors as you like. Pour the dressing over the salad mix. Use a spatula to fold it in gently. You want each piece coated, but no mashing. Finish with sunflower seeds on top for a nice crunch. Serve this salad chilled. It’s great as a light appetizer or a side dish. Enjoy! This blog post shared key ingredients for a tasty Broccoli Apple Salad. You learned about fresh produce and pantry staples. We covered mixing techniques, dressing ideas, and tips for serving. Variations and storage help keep your salad fresh. In conclusion, this salad offers health and flavor for all. Enjoy crafting your own version with these tips!

Broccoli Apple Salad

Looking for a refreshing and healthy salad? Try this Broccoli Apple Crunch Salad! Packed with vibrant flavors from fresh broccoli, crisp apples, and crunchy sunflower seeds, it's perfect for any gathering. With a creamy yogurt dressing that balances sweet and tangy, this salad takes just 15 minutes to prepare.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups fresh broccoli florets, washed and cut into bite-sized pieces

1 large apple (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored and diced

½ cup shredded carrots, preferably organic

¼ cup red onion, finely diced

¼ cup toasted sunflower seeds, for added crunch

½ cup Greek yogurt (or vegan yogurt for a dairy-free alternative)

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, based on preference

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, adds tanginess

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

Begin by washing the broccoli florets thoroughly under cold water. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the broccoli for about 2 minutes. After blanching, immediately transfer the broccoli to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Allow it to cool for a couple of minutes, then drain thoroughly and set aside.

    In a large mixing bowl, add the blanched broccoli, diced apple, shredded carrots, and finely chopped red onion. Gently toss the ingredients with a large spoon to ensure an even distribution.

      In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey (or maple syrup), apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, ensuring the balance of sweet and tangy is to your liking.

        Pour the yogurt dressing over the broccoli and apple mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold the dressing into the salad, ensuring that every piece is evenly coated without mashing the ingredients.

          To finish, sprinkle the roasted sunflower seeds over the top to provide a delightful crunch. Give the salad one final gentle toss to incorporate the seeds without breaking them.

            Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

              - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad chilled in a large serving bowl or portion it onto individual plates. For an eye-catching finish, garnish with additional sunflower seeds and a sprig of fresh parsley or mint to enhance the visual appeal. Enjoy this refreshing salad as a light appetizer or a vibrant side dish!