A Broccoli Apple Salad is a refreshing and crunchy side dish with a nice balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors! It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or just as a healthy side to any meal. Here’s a simple recipe:
Broccoli Apple Salad
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 medium head of broccoli)
- 2 medium apples (such as Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith), diced
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts) for crunch
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional, for sweetness)
For the dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or regular vinegar)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Prepare the broccoli:
- Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. If you prefer, you can also peel and slice the stems to add them for more crunch.
- Prepare the apples:
- Core and dice the apples into bite-sized pieces. To prevent browning, you can toss the diced apples in a little lemon juice, though it’s optional.
- Mix the salad ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, diced apples, shredded cheddar cheese (if using), red onion, sunflower seeds (or nuts), and raisins (if using).
- Make the dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding a bit more honey or vinegar as desired.
- Toss the salad:
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together gently until well coated.
- Chill and serve:
- For the best flavor, let the salad sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Garnish with extra seeds or nuts just before serving for a crunchy finish!
Optional Variations:
- Add protein: To make this salad a more substantial dish, add some grilled chicken, bacon bits, or even chickpeas.
- Use Greek yogurt: For a lighter version, you can substitute half or all of the mayo with Greek yogurt.
- Add herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can brighten up the salad even more.
This Broccoli Apple Salad is a wonderful balance of creamy, crunchy, and tangy. It’s also super versatile—you can make it your own by adjusting the ingredients based on your taste. Would you add any extra fruit or perhaps a different nut?