Broccoli Apple Salad is light and fresh, and it doesn’t cut corners in terms of flavor! This dish is easy to make and keeps in the fridge for several days. If you are a broccoli lover, this bowl of crunchy goodness will become a favorite.
If you’re a fan of easy salads that get better over time, try my Broccoli Cauliflower Salad, Southern Grape Salad, or this Creamy Cucumber Salad.
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5-Star Reader Comment
This broccoli salad is not like your typical recipe! It was so delicious and the addition of apples & almonds makes a huge different. It’s so refreshing and will be regular in my family’s menu. Thanks for this!
Sabrina
Broccoli salad is a staple recipe in nearly every household, mine included. While the classic is great, I’ve changed up the ingredients to make it just a little fresher in taste. I’ve also removed the traditional ingredients of bacon and raisins (or dried cranberries), substituting them with fresh gala apples and sliced almonds. The result? High-impact crunch and flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 20 Minutes – That’s all you’ll need (ok, actually less) to whip up this delicious side dish!
- Feed a Crowd – This recipe can quickly and cheaply be doubled or tripled to serve many friends and family.
- Gets Better With Time – The best part of this salad is that you can make it ahead of time. It is still delicious, but the longer it sits, the better it gets!
Broccoli Apple Salad Ingredients
- Broccoli, apples, and red onion create the salad base, adding crunch, tang, and sweetness.
- For the secondary flavors, I kept it classic with cheddar cheese but mixed it up by adding sliced almonds.
- You’ll need lemon juice, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and pepper for the light and tangy dressing.
Recipe Variations
- Add More Protein: You can substitute some mayo for plain Greek yogurt or bacon bits.
- More Sweetness: Mix in shredded carrots for a fresh burst of sweetness.
- Almond Alternatives: If you don’t have almonds, pecans, cashews, or sunflower seeds will work, too.
- Salad Dressings: It’s easy to change up the dressing for Creamy Vinaigrette or Green Goddess.
Step By Step Instructions
- Step 1: Make the Dressing: Add mayonnaise, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper to a small mixing bowl or mason jar with a lid. Mix (or shake) until well blended.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the dressing, broccoli, apple, cheese, red onion, and almonds. Chill the salad for up to 2 days before serving.
Do I Cook The Broccoli Before Using It?
Nope! Raw broccoli florets are all you need for this salad. The dressing marinates and softens the broccoli.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it sure can. In fact, this salad is much better made in advance, as it gives the ingredients time to blend.
Store any leftovers in a covered container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
I like to use gala apples or honey crisps. But Fuji or Braeburn work, too!
Serving Suggestions
If you’re enjoying this for dinner, pair it with Crockpot Chicken Thighs, Baked Spaghetti or my Busy Day Slow Cooker Pot Roast. If you’re headed to a potluck with this apple broccoli salad, you can also bring along the Best Salad For A Crowd or Easy Ambrosia Salad.
More Delicious Salad Recipes
If you tried this Broccoli Apple Salad Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
Equipment
- Box Grater
- Measuring Cup
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups apple – thinly sliced
- ¾ cup red onion – diced
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese – shredded
- ¾ cup almonds – sliced
- Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 lemon – juiced
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
Instructions
- Place broccoli, apple slices, onion, cheese and almonds in a large bowl. Set aside.
- In a small mixing bowl or mason jar with lid, add mayonnaise, lemon juice, sugar, salt and pepper. Mix together (or shake) until well blended.
- Pour dressing over salad ingredients and toss, making sure to coat well.
- Can be served immediately or stored in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
-
- Add More Protein: You can substitute some mayo for plain Greek yogurt or bacon bits.
-
- More Sweetness: Mix in shredded carrots for a fresh burst of sweetness.
-
- Almond Alternatives: If you don’t have almonds, pecans, cashews, or sunflower seeds will work, too.
-
- Salad Dressings: It’s easy to change up the dressing for Creamy Vinaigrette or Green Goddess.
- This salad is much better made in advance, as it gives the ingredients time to blend.
- Store any leftovers in a covered container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
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Second time I have made the salad this week. We loved it, friends loved it and now company tonight will have their moment to taste goodness. I thought it had a tad too much salt (due to addition of salt plus salty’ness of cheese yet husband and friend thought the salt just right. Lemons come in such different sizes and juiciness that it would be helpful to give a measurement. The apples add a nice depth to the salad.
Hey there Penny!
My goodness, I am thrilled to hear that everyone enjoyed this recipe, I completely agree that the apple makes all the difference in the flavor of this salad! If you liked this recipe, you should check out my Carrot Apple Salad, it’s just as easy to make and it’s a perfect side salad for the fall. Thank you so much for your kind words and your fabulous rating, I really appreciate your support!
~Donya
This broccoli salad is not like your typical recipe! It was so delicious and the addition of apples & almonds makes a huge different. It’s so refreshing and will be regular in my family’s menu. Thanks for this!
Hey there Sabrina!
Wow! Reading this has made my day, I am thrilled to hear that you and your family enjoyed this recipe! I completely agree with you that the apples and almonds totally make this salad, they add such a nice balance of flavors and textures. Another tasty addition you can put in this salad is dried cranberries, especially during the fall adding dried cranberries is a perfect touch. Thank you so much for your kind words of support and this fantastic rating, if you ever have any questions please feel free to reach out!
~Donya