Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad – A Fresh, Crunchy Side Dish Everyone Loves

Have you ever been on the hunt for a salad that’s crunchy, creamy, and refreshingly sweet all at once? That’s exactly what Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad brings to your table.

 It’s got that crisp bite from the broccoli, the sweet crunch from Honeycrisp apples, and a creamy dressing that ties everything together. I make this salad all year, but it shines at family dinners, potlucks, or Thanksgiving when you want something lighter next to those hearty main dishes.

The best part? This isn’t a fussy recipe. You don’t need special gadgets—just a cutting board, a sharp knife, and a big mixing bowl. Toss everything together, and you’ve got a side dish that tastes like it took way more effort than it really did.

The real charm of this salad is how easy it is—no fancy equipment, no cooking required, just fresh ingredients doing their thing. The Honeycrisp apple shines brightest here; its legendary crispness and sweetness stand out even under creamy dressing, giving the salad a refreshing “pop” in every bite .

I’ve tried a lot of side dishes, and this one has a special place in my heart. It’s simple enough for a quick weekday meal, eye-catching enough for gathering, and satisfying enough to leave everyone asking for the recipe. If you love easy, flavorful, and bright salads that don’t need fancy techniques, stick around—this one’s for you!

What is Apple Honeycrisp Broccoli Salad?

It’s a cold salad made with chopped broccoli florets, juicy Honeycrisp apples, dried cranberries, nuts, and a sweet, creamy dressing. The combo gives you a mix of sweet, crunchy, and tangy flavors in every bite.

Why You’ll Love Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad?

• It’s quick and easy (15 minutes start to finish).
• The flavors balance perfectly—fresh, crunchy, sweet, and creamy.
• Great for family dinners, holidays, or meal prep.
• It’s flexible—swap ingredients to fit your taste.

What to Eat with Honeycrisp Apples?

Honeycrisp apples pair well with savory salads, cheese boards, roasted meats, and even simple peanut butter snacks. In this salad, they’re the star, adding natural sweetness and crunch.

How to Make Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad?

Recipe Overview

This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is a refreshing mix of broccoli, apples, cranberries, nuts, and a creamy apple cider vinegar dressing. Perfect for family meals, holiday sides, or weekday lunches.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Side Dish, Salad
• Difficulty: Easy
• Yield: 1 large bowl
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~280 per serving

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Small whisk (for dressing)

Ingredients

Salad

• 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
• 2 apples (about 2 cups), chopped
• 1 large Honeycrisp apple, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup slivered almonds
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional but delicious)

Dressing

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Notes

• Honeycrisp apples – Their crisp texture holds up well in salads and doesn’t brown quickly.
• Broccoli – Chop into small florets so they mix well with the other ingredients.
• Cheddar cheese – Optional, but adds a savory bite.
• Nuts – Walnuts or pecans both work great. Toast them for extra crunch.

Instructions

1. Prep the broccoli – Chop the florets into small bite-sized pieces.

2. Dice the apples – I keep the peel on for color and crunch. Toss them in a splash of lemon juice if you want to keep them extra fresh.

3. Mix the dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, sugar, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust sweetness or tang as you like.

4. Combine the salad – In a large bowl, toss broccoli, apples, onion, cranberries, nuts, and cheese.

5. Add the dressing – Pour dressing over the salad and toss until everything is coated.

6. Chill & serve – Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld (optional, but I think it makes it better).

👉 Tip: If making ahead, keep the dressing separate and mix right before serving so the salad stays crunchy.

Nutrition (per serving, 4 servings)

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 6g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 18g

Tips and Variations

➣ Swap mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

➣ Add bacon crumbles for smoky flavor.

➣ Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness.

➣ Add sunflower seeds if you want an extra crunch.

Storing Tips

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• If you want to make it in advance, chop everything and keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.

Health Benefits

✅ Broccoli is loaded with fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.

✅ Honeycrisp apples provide natural sweetness, vitamin C, and hydration.

✅ Nuts add healthy fats and protein.
This salad gives you a balance of crunch, flavor, and nutrition in one bowl.

This recipe works with many apple varieties, but Honeycrisp is my favorite for its crisp texture and balance of sweet and tart flavor.

FAQ

Conclusion

This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is one of those side dishes that makes people ask for the recipe after the first bite. It’s crunchy, creamy, a little sweet, and just plain satisfying.

I hope you’ll try it out for your next family dinner or holiday spread—then come back and let me know how it turned out. I’d love to hear your spin on it! 🍎🥦