October 25, 2023
Review RecipeBroccoli Apple Salad
![close up shot of a serving bowl of Broccoli Apple Salad](https://spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Broccoli-Apple-Salad-Recipe-card-268x268.jpg)
Table of Contents
You’ll find a great combination of flavors and textures in this broccoli apple salad that is sure to please. The sweetness of the apples pairs perfectly with the crunch of the broccoli, making for a sweet and savory salad and delicious side dish.
![close up shot of a serving bowl of Broccoli Apple Salad](https://spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Broccoli-Apple-Salad-Hero1.jpg)
Broccoli Apple Salad Ingredients
![Broccoli Apple Salad raw ingredients that are labeled](https://spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Broccoli-Apple-Salad-Ingredients.jpg)
You’ll need:
For the Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
For the Salad
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, broken into bite-size pieces (2 medium-size bunches)
- 2 medium-size Gala apples, cored and diced
- ¾ cup matchstick carrots
- ⅔ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup chopped cranberries
- ⅓ cup finely diced red onion
SUBSTITUTIONS AND ADDITIONS
MIX-INS: Shredded cheddar cheese, sunflower seeds, green onions, and crumbled bacon would all be a great addition to this raw broccoli salad recipe.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR: You can substitute fresh lemon juice for apple cider vinegar.
NUTS: You can substitute any chopped nuts for the pecans in this delicious salad.
SOUR CREAM: Plain greek yogurt works well as a substitute for sour cream in plenty of recipes and works well here too.
APPLES: We like to use Royal Gala apples, but you could pick any green or red apples for this sweet side dish. If you prefer another sweeter apple, you can choose Honeycrisp or Pink Lady apples.
How to Make This Broccoli Apple Salad Recipe
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
The salad dressing can be made the night before and stored in a mason jar in the fridge until you are ready to use it.
For the Dressing
STEP ONE: Using a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, kosher salt, and pepper until smooth. Set it aside.
PRO TIP:
If you love this salad and plan to make it frequently, double or even triple the dressing and store the extras in a mason jar in the fridge for next time.
![dressing ingredients whisked together in a cup](https://spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Broccoli-Apple-Salad-STEP1.jpg)
For the Salad
PRO TIP:
Place the sliced red onions in a small dish of cold water and let them soak for at least 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Soaking the onions in cold water helps remove some of the raw onion taste. It is optional to do. When ready to prepare the salad, drain the onions.
STEP ONE: Using an extra-large bowl, add the broccoli florets, diced apple, carrots, pecans, cranberries, and red onion.
![add the broccoli florets, diced apple, carrots, pecans, cranberries, and red onion added to a bowl](https://spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Broccoli-Apple-Salad-STEP2.jpg)
STEP TWO: Pour the dressing over the salad, and using a wooden spoon, stir the salad to coat the vegetables thoroughly. Keep the salad in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
![dressing poured over the salad and stirred to combine](https://spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Broccoli-Apple-Salad-STEP3.jpg)
How To Serve
Serve this apple broccoli salad for a healthy lunch on the go or as a side dish along with our grilled chicken breast, grilled salmon, or burger and our crispy grilled potatoes for a complete dinner option.
Looking for more fresh salads to whip up? Our watermelon salad and cucumber salad are two more favorites.
MORE BROCCOLI RECIPES
Storage
IN THE FRIDGE: Keep any leftovers of this delicious broccoli apple salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
IN THE FREEZER: We do not recommend freezing broccoli salad. All the fresh ingredients will lose their crisp texture and become soggy.
![close up shot of a large bowl and a spoonful of Broccoli Apple Salad](https://spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Broccoli-Apple-Salad-Hero2.jpg)
Covered in a creamy dressing, the crunchy broccoli and crisp apples in this easy broccoli salad will make it a new family favorite that is great for a light meal or as the perfect side dish to any of our delicious main courses.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
This great recipe can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.
We used Royal Gala apples for this broccoli and apple salad as we like these sweet apples, but Granny Smith apples would also be a great option in this amazing salad.
If you are chopping a whole head of broccoli, cut off small florets. Be sure to trim the stems of the florets as well (trim them completely off or leave a small stem). You can also buy store-bought chopped broccoli to save time.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Cranberry Salad
- Pasta Salad
- Pea Salad
- Grape Salad
- Broccoli Salad
- Broccoli Slaw
- Classic Coleslaw
- Shrimp Salad
- Fuji Apple Panera Salad
- Berry Cheesecake Salad
- Taffy Apple Salad
- Orange Creamsicle Salad
- Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Peach Pretzel Salad
- Orange Pretzel Salad
- Apple Salad
- Italian Pasta Salad
- Pudding Fruit Salad
- Greek Pasta Salad
![close up shot of a serving bowl of Broccoli Apple Salad](https://spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Broccoli-Apple-Salad-Recipe-card-268x268.jpg)
Broccoli Apple Salad
Ingredients
Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
Salad
- 4 cups broccoli florets, broken into bite-size pieces (2 medium-size bunches)
- 2 medium Gala apples, cored and diced
- ¾ cup matchstick carrots
- ⅔ cup pecans, chopped
- ½ cup cranberries, chopped
- ⅓ cup red onion, finely diced
Instructions
Dressing
- Using a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, kosher salt, and pepper until smooth. Set it aside.
Salad
- Using an extra-large mixing bowl, add the broccoli florets, diced apple, carrots, pecans, cranberries, and red onion.
- Pour the dressing over the salad, and using a wooden spoon, stir the salad to coat the vegetables thoroughly. Keep the salad in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
Notes
- The salad dressing can be made the night before and stored in a mason jar in the fridge until you are ready to use it.
- If you love this salad and plan to make it frequently, double or even triple the dressing and store the extras in a mason jar in the fridge for next time.
- Place the sliced red onions in a small dish of cold water and let them soak for at least 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Soaking the onions in cold water helps remove some of the raw onion taste. It is optional to do. When ready to prepare the salad, drain the onions.
Comments
Mel says
Fresh and delicious – such a great side option!
Reba says
So delicious! Iโm definitely making this for my next party!
Val says
Made this June/22 left out the carrots & nuts! Still very delicious! This is by far the best dressing for broccoli salad ever
Thanks for the Great Recipe