Description
This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is a refreshing and crunchy dish combining sweet, tart, and savory flavors. Featuring crisp Honeycrisp apples, fresh broccoli florets, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and sharp cheddar cheese, all tossed in a creamy honey-mustard dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a vibrant side salad.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, diced
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Begin by dicing the Honeycrisp apples into bite-sized pieces, washing and cutting the broccoli into small florets, thinly slicing the red onion, and measuring out the dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced Honeycrisp apples, fresh broccoli florets, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and thinly sliced red onion, gently tossing them together to mix evenly.
- Make Dressing: In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the combined salad ingredients and gently toss everything together to ensure all components are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Add Cheese: Fold the shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the salad mixture gently, distributing it throughout the salad without breaking up the cheese too much.
- Chill: Cover the salad bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and develop for a more cohesive taste experience.
Notes
- For extra crunch, you can lightly toast the sliced almonds before adding them to the salad.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with a milder cheese like mozzarella if preferred.
- Make sure to refrigerate the salad before serving to enhance flavor fusion and maintain crispness.
- This salad is best enjoyed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
- To keep apples from browning, toss them with a little lemon juice before adding to the salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
