Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

A fresh and vibrant Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. With crisp Honeycrisp apples, crunchy broccoli, creamy dressing, and a touch of bacon, this salad is a delightful addition to any meal or as a standalone dish. It’s light, refreshing, and full of textures that make it irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet and Savory: The combination of apples and bacon adds a sweet and savory contrast.
• Packed with Nutrients: The broccoli and apples offer fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
• Quick and Easy: It comes together quickly and is perfect for meal prep or a potluck dish.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients or swap for different fruits and nuts.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• Honeycrisp apples: These apples add sweetness and crunch to the salad.
• Broccoli florets: Fresh, crunchy broccoli brings a nutritious, hearty base to the salad.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a salty, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the apples.
• Red onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp, tangy contrast.
• Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese adds a creamy richness and depth to the salad.
• Sunflower seeds: These provide a nice crunch and a nutty flavor.

For the Dressing

• Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt serves as the creamy base for the dressing, offering a tangy flavor and creaminess without being overly heavy.
• Mayonnaise: A small amount of mayonnaise enhances the richness of the dressing.
• Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness that complements the apples.
• Apple cider vinegar: Provides acidity to balance the sweetness and richness of the dressing.
• Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors of the salad.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, these seasonings help elevate the overall flavor.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Cut the Honeycrisp apples into bite-sized chunks. Chop the broccoli florets into small pieces. Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into smaller pieces. Thinly slice the red onion and shred the cheddar cheese.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Step 3: Combine the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, apple chunks, bacon, red onion, and cheddar cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated.

Step 4: Add Sunflower Seeds

Sprinkle the sunflower seeds over the top of the salad for an added crunch. Give it a final toss to incorporate.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Make it ahead: This salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 1 day. The flavors will deepen over time.
• Substitute nuts: If you’re not a fan of sunflower seeds, try walnuts or pecans for a different crunch.
• Make it vegan: Use a plant-based yogurt and vegan cheese to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
• Extra protein: Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein to make this a full meal.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Servings: 6
Calories: 220
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 250mg
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 8g

FAQ

Q1: Can I use a different type of apple?
A1: Yes, you can use any crisp and slightly sweet apple, such as Fuji or Gala, though Honeycrisp apples are recommended for their perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.

Q2: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can make the salad up to 24 hours in advance. However, the dressing might soften the broccoli slightly, so it’s best to add the sunflower seeds just before serving.

Q3: How long will this salad last in the fridge?
A3: This salad will last for about 1-2 days in the fridge. After that, the vegetables may begin to soften.

Q4: Can I make this salad without bacon?
A4: Yes, you can skip the bacon or substitute it with crispy chickpeas or smoked almonds for a vegetarian version.

Q5: Can I substitute the Greek yogurt with something else?
A5: Yes, you can substitute the Greek yogurt with sour cream, plain yogurt, or even a vegan yogurt alternative.

Q6: What other nuts can I add to the salad?
A6: Walnuts, almonds, or pecans would be great alternatives to sunflower seeds.

Q7: Can I add more vegetables?
A7: Absolutely! You can add carrots, bell peppers, or even cucumber for extra color and crunch.

Q8: Is this salad gluten-free?
A8: Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free, but make sure to check the ingredients of the dressing and other components to ensure they’re gluten-free.

Q9: How do I make this salad dairy-free?
A9: Use a dairy-free yogurt and cheese alternative to make this salad dairy-free.

Q10: Can I make this salad in bulk?
A10: Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make a larger batch for a crowd or meal prep. Just make sure to adjust the dressing accordingly.

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