Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

🥗 Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

🛒 Ingredients

Salad

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (small bite-sized pieces)

• 1 large Honeycrisp apple, diced (leave skin on)

• ½ cup dried cranberries

• ⅓ cup red onion, finely diced

• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• ⅓ cup roasted sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts/pecans

• Optional: 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

Dressing

• ¾ cup mayonnaise

• 1½ tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 2 tbsp honey (adjust to taste)

• ¼ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

---

🔪 Instructions

1. Prep the broccoli
   Cut broccoli into very small florets. For best texture, you can blanch for 30 seconds and ice-bath it, but raw works great for crunch.

2. Prep the apple
   Dice the Honeycrisp apple just before mixing to keep it crisp. Toss lightly with a splash of lemon juice if desired to prevent browning.

3. Make the dressing
   In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.

4. Assemble the salad
   In a large bowl, combine broccoli, apple, cranberries, onion, cheese, sunflower seeds, and bacon (if using).

5. Dress & chill
   Pour dressing over salad and toss until evenly coated.
   Refrigerate for 30–60 minutes for best flavor.

6. Serve
   Toss once more before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed.

---

🌟 Tips & Variations

• Healthier swap: Use half Greek yogurt + half mayo

• Extra crunch: Add sliced almonds

• Sweeter version: Increase honey or add extra apple

• Vegan: Use vegan mayo and skip cheese/bacon

---

🧾 Nutrition (Approx. per serving, 6 servings)

• Calories: ~220

• Carbs: ~20 g

• Fat: ~15 g

• Protein: ~5 g