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Jessica T. Brown

15-Minute Broccoli Crunch Apple Salad

A vibrant, creamy, and crunchy Broccoli Apple Salad with a poppyseed dressing, packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins, perfect as a quick side dish or light lunch.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Appetiser, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad:
  • 2 heads broccoli chopped into small florets (about 4 cups)
  • 2 apples chopped (about 2 cups)
  • 1/4 cup red onion diced
  • 1/3 cup slivered almonds
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Dressing:
  • 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons poppy seeds

Equipment

  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Chef’s Knife
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 Whisk

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Broccoli Florets: Start by thoroughly washing the broccoli heads under cold running water to remove any dirt or residue, then trim away the tough stems and separate the crowns into small, bite-sized florets.
    Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to ensure the dressing will stick properly, and set them aside in a large mixing bowl ready for the other salad ingredients.
  2. Chop the Apples and Red Onion: Wash the apples, remove the cores, and chop them into even, bite-sized pieces to ensure every forkful has a balance of crunch and sweetness.
    Dice the red onion finely so that its sharp flavor blends subtly into the salad without overwhelming the other ingredients, and immediately add both the apples and onion to the large mixing bowl with the broccoli.
  3. Add the Nuts and Dried Fruit: Measure out the slivered almonds, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries, and sprinkle them evenly over the prepared broccoli, apples, and onion.
    Toss lightly with your hands or a large spoon to distribute the textures and flavors, creating a base that is visually appealing and crunchy in every bite.
  4. Make the Creamy Poppyseed Dressing: In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and poppy seeds.
    Whisk continuously until the mixture is completely smooth, creamy, and free of lumps, with the poppy seeds evenly suspended throughout, giving the dressing its signature flavor and texture.
  5. Combine Salad and Dressing: Gradually drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, adding a little at a time while gently tossing the ingredients with a spatula or salad tongs.
    Ensure every piece of broccoli, apple, and nut is lightly coated with the creamy dressing for even flavor distribution without making the salad soggy.
  6. Chill for Optimal Flavor: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
    This chilling step allows the flavors to meld, the apples to remain crisp, and the dressing to fully enhance the overall taste, making it a refreshing, flavorful, and perfectly balanced salad.

Notes

  • Add extra crunch: Sprinkle in your favorite nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture.
  • Try cheese variations: Cubed cheddar, shredded parmesan, or crumbled feta can add a savory twist.
  • Prevent browning apples: Toss apple pieces in a teaspoon of lemon juice before mixing into the salad.
  • Make ahead: Salad tastes best if prepared a few hours or a day in advance; chilling enhances flavor.
  • Customize sweetness: Adjust honey or sugar in the dressing according to your preference.