Cranberry Apple Broccoli Salad with Cranberries

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🥗 Cranberry Apple Broccoli Salad with Cranberries

Description

This Cranberry Apple Broccoli Salad is a crisp, refreshing, and slightly sweet salad that balances crunchy broccoli, juicy apples, and chewy dried cranberries with a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s perfect as a make-ahead side dish for potlucks, picnics, holiday tables, or quick weekday meals. The flavors deepen as it chills, making it even better the next day.

📝 Ingredients

Salad

  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (bite-sized)

  • 1 large crisp apple (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala), diced

  • ½ cup dried cranberries

  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced

  • ¼ cup sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts (optional)

  • ¼ cup shredded carrots (optional, for color)

Dressing

  • ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)

  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Prepare the broccoli
    Wash and cut broccoli into small florets. Pat dry thoroughly.

  2. Assemble the salad
    In a large bowl, combine broccoli, apple, cranberries, red onion, seeds/nuts, and carrots.

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

  4. Combine & chill
    Pour dressing over salad and toss until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

  5. Serve
    Stir once more before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

💡 Notes

  • Dice apples right before mixing to prevent browning.

  • For extra tenderness, lightly blanch broccoli for 30 seconds, then ice-bath and dry well.

  • The salad tastes best after chilling, when flavors meld.

🔥 Tips & Variations

  • Vegan: Use vegan mayo or dairy-free yogurt.

  • Extra protein: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or crispy tofu.

  • Cheesy twist: Sprinkle in crumbled feta or sharp cheddar.

  • Nut-free: Skip nuts and use roasted pumpkin seeds.

  • Low sugar: Reduce honey and add a splash of lemon juice instead.

🍽 Servings

  • Serves: 6–8 as a side dish

  • Serving size: ~1 cup per serving

🧮 Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 180–220

  • Protein: 3–4 g

  • Fat: 12 g

  • Carbohydrates: 18–22 g

  • Fiber: 4–5 g

  • Sugar: 10–12 g

(Values vary based on ingredient brands and substitutions.)

🌱 Health Benefits

  • Broccoli: High in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants

  • Apples: Support digestion and heart health

  • Cranberries: Rich in antioxidants and immune-supporting compounds

  • Healthy fats: From seeds/nuts, helping nutrient absorption

This salad supports gut health, immunity, and heart health while staying fresh and satisfying.

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! It’s ideal made 1 day in advance—just give it a stir before serving.

Q: How long does it keep?
A: Up to 3 days refrigerated in an airtight container.

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Fresh is best, but thawed and well-dried frozen broccoli can work in a pinch.

Q: Is this salad gluten-free?
A: Yes—just check your dressing ingredients to be sure.

Q: What apples work best?
A: Crisp, sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala hold up best.

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