Some salads feel like something you eat because you “should.” This one feels like something you eat because you actually want to. Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad mixes crunchy broccoli, juicy sweet apples, creamy dressing, and chewy cranberries into one bright, happy bowl that feels fresh, cozy, and just a little bit fancy.

This salad comes together fast. It uses easy ingredients you can find anywhere. It feels light but still fills you up. It works for busy weeknights, packed lunches, and potluck tables. The sweet apples balance the crisp broccoli. The creamy dressing hugs every bite. FYI, once people try this salad, they will ask for it every time you show up with food.

Grab a big bowl. You are about to meet your new favorite salad.

Why This Recipe Is Awesome

This salad makes life easier.

It takes about 15 minutes to prepare.
It uses simple pantry and fridge staples.
It feels fresh but still comforting.
It travels well for picnics and potlucks.
It keeps well for next-day lunches.

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad also fits many eating styles. It stays naturally gluten-free and easily turns dairy-free with one simple swap. You can serve it to friends, family, and picky eaters without stress. Easy food that makes everyone happy always wins.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here pulls its own weight.

Fresh broccoli florets – Form the crunchy base of the salad.
Honeycrisp apples – Add juicy sweetness and crisp bite.
Red onion – Brings mild savory bite and color.
Dried cranberries – Add chewy sweetness.
Sunflower seeds – Add nutty crunch and texture.
Mayonnaise – Forms the creamy dressing base.
Apple cider vinegar – Brightens the dressing.
Honey – Balances tang with gentle sweetness.
Salt and black pepper – Finish and balance flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Veggies

Chop broccoli into small florets. Dice apples into bite-size pieces. Slice onion thin.

Step 2: Mix the Salad

Add broccoli, apples, onion, cranberries, and sunflower seeds to a large bowl.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

Whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

Step 4: Combine

Pour dressing over the salad and toss well.

Step 5: Chill

Cover and chill the salad for at least 30 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

Stir once more and serve cold.

Homemade Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s keep your salad bright and crunchy.

Cutting apples too early. They can brown.
Skipping chill time. The flavors need time to blend.
Using large broccoli chunks. Smaller bites taste better.
Over-dressing the salad. Add dressing slowly.

IMO, chill time turns a good salad into a great one.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Change it up anytime.

Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
Swap cranberries for raisins.
Add crispy bacon bits for smoky crunch.
Use pumpkin seeds instead of sunflower seeds.
Add cheddar cheese cubes for extra richness.

Helpful & Expert Tips

Soak red onion in cold water for milder flavor.
Toss apples in lemon juice to stop browning.
Make the salad ahead for better flavor.
Double the batch for parties.

Fresh Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Easy

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs well with:

Grilled chicken
BBQ ribs
Sandwiches
Burgers
Soup and crusty bread

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in airtight containers.

Fridge: Up to 3 days
Do not freeze this salad.

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

Arif

This salad feels fresh and cozy. It mixes in minutes. You do not need to cook.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Resting Time 30

Total Time 45

Course no cook

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Small bowl
Whisk
Knife
Cutting board

Ingredients

4 cups broccoli florets – crunchy salad base
2 Honeycrisp apples diced – sweet crisp bite
¼ cup red onion thinly sliced – mild savory bite
⅓ cup dried cranberries – chewy sweetness
¼ cup sunflower seeds – nutty crunch
½ cup mayonnaise – creamy dressing base
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – bright flavor
2 tablespoons honey – gentle sweetness
½ teaspoon salt – balance
¼ teaspoon black pepper – mild spice

Instructions

Add broccoli, apples, onion, cranberries, and sunflower seeds to a large bowl.
Whisk mayonnaise, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Pour dressing over salad and toss well.
Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Soak red onion in cold water to soften flavor.

Toss apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.

Make ahead for best flavor.

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

Calories: 280
Carbohydrates: 26g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 340mg

Keyword Apple Broccoli Salad, Broccoli Apple Salad,, Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad, Honeycrisp Salad

FAQs About Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

Can I make this salad ahead?

Yes. Make it one day ahead for best flavor.

Can I use another apple?

Yes. Fuji or Gala work well.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use vegan mayonnaise.

Does this salad travel well?

Yes. It holds up great.

Can I add protein?

Add grilled chicken or chickpeas.

Can I make it lower sugar?

Use less honey.

Final Thoughts on Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad feels fresh, crunchy, and comforting all at once. It fits busy weeknights, potlucks, picnics, and lunch boxes.

This salad proves that simple food can still feel special. Make it once and watch it disappear fast.

Now grab a bowl and enjoy every crunchy, creamy bite.

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad – Crunchy, Sweet, and Creamy