Go Back
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 large Honeycrisp apple, diced - ½ cup red grapes, halved - ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced - ½ cup unsalted sunflower seeds - ½ cup plain Greek yogurt - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste The Honeycrisp apple gives this salad a sweet crunch. Broccoli adds a fresh pop of color and nutrients. Red grapes add a lovely sweetness that balances the flavors. The red onion brings a nice bite that rounds out the mix. Sunflower seeds add a delightful crunch and healthy fats. Greek yogurt serves as a creamy base for the dressing. Honey sweetens the dressing naturally, while apple cider vinegar gives it a tangy kick. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste for the perfect blend. - Calories: Approximately 290 per serving - Protein: 8g - Fat: 15g - Carbohydrates: 36g - Fiber: 4g This salad is not just tasty but also packed with nutrients. It provides a good amount of protein and fiber, making it a great choice for a light meal or side dish. - Medium pot - Mixing bowl - Small bowl - Whisk - Kitchen towel Having the right tools makes the process easier. Use the medium pot for blanching the broccoli. A mixing bowl helps combine all the ingredients well. The small bowl is perfect for whisking the dressing together. A kitchen towel is handy for drying the broccoli. With these tools, you are all set to create this fresh and crisp delight. You can check the Full Recipe for more details on how to prepare this salad. To start, we need to blanch the broccoli. First, bring a medium pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Then, add the 2 cups of broccoli florets. Cook them for about 1-2 minutes until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp. Blanching helps keep the broccoli's color and crunch. Next, we use an ice bath technique. Quickly drain the broccoli and plunge it into a bowl filled with ice water. This stops the cooking process right away. After a few minutes, drain the broccoli again and pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel. This step is key to keeping the broccoli crisp and fresh. Now, let’s mix the salad. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the blanched broccoli, 1 large diced Honeycrisp apple, ½ cup halved red grapes, and ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion. Make sure to toss everything well to create a colorful base. Mixing helps each bite be full of flavor and texture. Time to prepare the dressing! In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup of plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Blend until the dressing is smooth. This creamy dressing adds a nice tangy flavor to the salad. When you coat the salad, pour the dressing over the broccoli mix. Gently toss everything together with a large spoon or spatula. Be careful not to mash the apples or grapes. You want to keep them whole for a nice crunch. Now for the final touches. Sprinkle ½ cup of unsalted sunflower seeds over the top of the salad. Give it another gentle toss to spread the seeds throughout the salad. To enhance the flavor, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes. Cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When you serve it, you’ll enjoy a fresh and crisp delight. Be sure to check out the Full Recipe for all the details! To get the best broccoli texture, blanch the florets for just 1-2 minutes. This keeps them bright green and crisp. After blanching, place them in an ice bath. This stops the cooking and locks in flavor. Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes is key. It lets the flavors mix well and taste better. When serving, use a large bowl to show off the colors. Arrange slices of Honeycrisp apple on top for a pretty look. You can also sprinkle more sunflower seeds for a nice touch. Serve the salad over fresh spinach or arugula. This adds color and makes it more appetizing. To boost flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. These spices pair well with the sweetness of the apples. You can also toss in extra nuts for crunch, like chopped walnuts or almonds. For added sweetness, consider dried cranberries or raisins. These options will make your salad even more delightful. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions above! {{image_4}} You can change the flavors with different ingredients. Try using a Gala or Fuji apple for a sweet twist. If you want crunch, swap sunflower seeds for chopped walnuts or almonds. For the creamy dressing, you can replace Greek yogurt with silken tofu or a dairy-free yogurt. This keeps the same texture while making it vegan. To make a vegan version, use the swaps for Greek yogurt. You can also skip the honey or use maple syrup instead. For gluten-free needs, ensure your dressing is free from gluten. Most ingredients in this salad are naturally gluten-free. Add seasonal fruits like pears or pomegranate seeds for a fun touch. In the summer, toss in fresh berries for brightness. You can also change the dressing based on the season. In fall, try a spiced apple cider vinaigrette. It adds warmth and pairs well with the apples. To keep your Honeycrisp apple broccoli salad fresh, always refrigerate it. Use an airtight container to prevent moisture loss. Proper storage helps maintain the crispness of the broccoli and apples. The salad lasts about 3 days in the fridge. After that, the veggies may become soggy, and flavors can fade. You can freeze the salad, but it may lose its texture. Freezing is not ideal for salads with fresh fruits and crunchy veggies. If you still want to freeze it, do so without the apples and dressing. Store the broccoli, grapes, and onions together. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Before serving leftovers, refresh the salad. Add fresh diced apples and a little extra dressing. This boosts flavor and crunch. Always check for any odd smells or changes in texture. If it seems off, it’s best to toss it. Enjoy your salad fresh for the best taste! For the full recipe, check the details above. You can use different dairy-free options if you want. Silken tofu works great as a creamy base. It gives a smooth texture without dairy. Another choice is cashew cream, made from soaked cashews blended until smooth. You can also use coconut yogurt for a slight sweet flavor. These options keep your salad creamy while catering to dietary needs. Adding protein sources is a smart way to make this salad more filling. You can toss in cooked chicken or chickpeas for extra protein. For a plant-based option, add beans or lentils. Nuts like almonds or walnuts also provide protein and crunch. These additions turn your salad into a full meal. Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead of time. Make it up to a day before and store it in the fridge. Just remember to keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve. This keeps the salad fresh and crisp. When ready to eat, mix in the dressing and enjoy! This blog post covers a tasty and healthy salad with broccoli, apples, and grapes. You learned how to prepare, mix, and dress the salad to highlight the fresh flavors. I shared tips for perfecting texture and ideas for presentation. You can explore ingredient swaps and seasonal options to fit your needs. Remember, proper storage helps maintain freshness. Enjoy making this vibrant salad, and feel free to experiment for your own twist! Happy cooking!

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

Discover the refreshing taste of Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad, a perfect blend of crisp broccoli, sweet Honeycrisp apple, and tangy Greek yogurt dressing. This vibrant salad is easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making it an ideal dish for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delightful, crunchy salad that’s sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your salad game!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 large Honeycrisp apple, diced

½ cup red grapes, halved

¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced

½ cup unsalted sunflower seeds

½ cup plain Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Blanch the Broccoli: Begin by bringing a medium pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp. Quickly drain the broccoli and immerse it in a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process. After a few minutes, drain the broccoli again and pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel.

    Combine Ingredients: In a spacious mixing bowl, add the blanched broccoli, diced Honeycrisp apple, halved red grapes, and thinly sliced red onion. Make sure the ingredients are well mixed to create a colorful base for your salad.

      Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and a generous pinch of freshly ground pepper. Blend the ingredients until the dressing is smooth and well combined.

        Dress the Salad: Pour the creamy dressing over the broccoli mixture. Gently toss everything together using a large spoon or spatula to ensure that all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing, but be careful not to mash the apples or grapes.

          Incorporate Sunflower Seeds: Sprinkle the unsalted sunflower seeds over the top of the salad, then give it another gentle toss to distribute the seeds throughout the salad.

            Chill: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and enhances the overall taste of the salad.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: To serve, transfer the salad to a large serving bowl. For an appealing garnish, sprinkle extra sunflower seeds and arrange a few slices of Honeycrisp apple on top. For a vibrant touch, consider serving the salad over a bed of fresh spinach or arugula, which complements the salad’s flavors and adds a lovely pop of color.