Save A vibrant, fresh salad featuring crisp broccoli and sweet-tart apple, tossed in a zesty dressing for a nutrient-packed, energizing meal.
I first served this salad to my family on a warm summer day and everyone loved the refreshing combination of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 1 large head broccoli: cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 large apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion: thinly sliced
- ½ cup shredded carrots:
- ¼ cup dried cranberries:
- ¼ cup roasted almonds: roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil:
- 1½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar:
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard:
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup:
- ½ teaspoon sea salt:
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper:
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and blanch for 1–2 minutes until vibrant green and just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Pat dry.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, combine blanched broccoli, apple slices, red onion, shredded carrots, and dried cranberries.
- Step 3:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Step 4:
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss to evenly coat.
- Step 5:
- Add chopped almonds and sunflower seeds just before serving for crunch. Toss gently and serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for more flavor.
Save This salad reminds me of sunny family picnics where everyone enjoyed a healthy fresh dish together.
Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
2 minutes
Total Time
17 minutes
Save Enjoy this fresh salad as a perfect light meal or side dish anytime.
Recipe Guide
- → How do you keep the broccoli crisp and vibrant?
Blanch broccoli briefly in boiling salted water then immediately rinse under cold water to stop cooking. This preserves color and crunch.
- → Can I substitute the nuts in this dish?
Yes, walnuts or pecans work well and provide similar texture and flavor nuances to the salad.
- → What dressing ingredients balance the flavors?
Olive oil gives richness, while apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard add tang and depth, with honey providing subtle sweetness.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- → How can I add more protein to this dish?
Adding grilled chicken or chickpeas boosts protein content without altering the fresh flavors significantly.