Dinner

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe

Name: Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped; 1 large Honeycrisp apple, diced; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts; 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced; 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey; Salt and pepper to taste

ByEthan Lark August 4, 2025August 4, 2025

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a colorful, crowd-pleasing dish that’s both satisfyingly crisp and irresistibly creamy, look no further than Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad. Packed with crunchy veggies, sweet apple chunks, a lively tang from dried cranberries, and a creamy honey-mayo dressing, this salad is a perfect blend of flavors and textures you’ll crave all year round. Whether it’s gracing a holiday table or jazzing up a weekday dinner, it’s destined to become a favorite.

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad keeps things simple, but every ingredient truly matters. Each component lends its own unique crunch, flavor, or burst of color, turning a handful of everyday items into something extraordinary.

Broccoli florets: Fresh, crisp florets are the heart of this salad, providing an earthy crunch that holds up to the creamy dressing.
Honeycrisp apple: Their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness makes these apples add juiciness and a bright, fruity pop.
Dried cranberries: These lend chewy, sweet-tart accents that contrast beautifully against crunchy elements.
Pecans or walnuts: Nuts bring buttery richness and hearty crunch; use whichever you love most or have on hand!
Red onion: A little goes a long way for gentle, savory bite and gorgeous color.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional): For those who like a savory edge, this adds delicious depth and a richer texture.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base that binds all the flavors together and coats every bite perfectly.
Apple cider vinegar: Invites a bright tang that balances the creamy and sweet components.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and rounds out the sharp notes in the dressing beautifully.
Salt and pepper: Perfect seasoning that brings everything into harmony. Taste and adjust as needed!

How to Make Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

Step 1: Combine the Salad Base

Start by taking your largest, prettiest mixing bowl and add in all the chopped broccoli, diced Honeycrisp apple, dried cranberries, chopped pecans (or walnuts), finely diced red onion, and that generous handful of sharp cheddar if you’re using it. Mix everything gently so that there’s a bit of every ingredient in each scoop; the rainbow of colors alone will start to wake up your appetite!

Step 2: Whisk the Creamy Dressing

In a smaller bowl (or a glass measuring cup for easy pouring), add the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until it’s smooth and pourable, with the honey fully dissolved. This silky, tangy-sweet dressing will become the backbone of your Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad.

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

Pour your creamy dressing over the salad mixture in the big bowl. Using salad tongs or two large spoons, toss everything until all the nooks and crannies are coated. Every floret should get some of that luscious dressing, so don’t be shy about mixing thoroughly. The colors should become even more vibrant as everything gets glossy and combined.

Step 4: Chill and Let Flavors Meld

Cover your salad and slide it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This little rest time lets the flavors mingle, the broccoli tenderize just slightly, and the entire salad chill to perfection — so every bite is refreshing and cohesive when you dig in.

How to Serve Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra dried cranberries, toasted nuts, or even a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper makes this Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad extra inviting. If you want more color, scatter a few finely sliced chives or microgreens over the top just before serving to truly wow your guests and add even more texture.

Side Dishes

This salad is a wonderful companion to grilled meats, savory sandwiches, or hearty lentil dishes. Try pairing it with roast chicken, pulled pork sliders, or a grain bowl for a satisfying crunch and hint of sweetness at every meal. The tangy dressing also plays beautifully next to spicy or smoky flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

To take things up a notch, spoon the salad into individual mason jars for charming picnic-friendly servings or serve it alongside lettuce cups for a build-your-own lunch option. For parties, consider lining a large platter with butter lettuce leaves and mounding the salad in the center. However you serve it, Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad brings vibrant color and fresh flavors to any table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad keeps well for up to three days, and you may even find the flavors deepen and meld the next day. Just give it a quick toss before serving in case any dressing settles at the bottom.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad, as the fresh apples and broccoli will lose their crispness and become watery when thawed. To keep things vibrant and crunchy, always enjoy this salad fresh from the fridge instead of the freezer.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed chilled or at cool room temperature. Reheating isn’t necessary and may dull the crispness of the broccoli and apples. If the salad has been refrigerated for a while, just let it sit out for about 10 minutes to take off the chill before serving, and you’re good to go.

FAQs

Can I make Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad the day before?

Absolutely! In fact, making the salad a few hours (or even the night) before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just wait to add any garnish until right before you serve to keep things looking extra fresh and appealing.

What kind of apple works best for this salad?

While the Honeycrisp apple steals the show with its sweet-tart balance and firm crunch, you can swap in other crisp varieties like Fuji or Pink Lady if needed. That said, nothing beats the signature bite of a Honeycrisp in this salad.

Can I substitute the mayonnaise in the dressing?

You sure can! If you prefer a lighter dressing, try using Greek yogurt, or a blend of yogurt and mayo. The result will be slightly tangier but just as creamy and delicious in your Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, as written, Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is naturally gluten-free — just double-check your mayonnaise and any pre-shredded cheese to be certain no gluten-containing ingredients have been added.

How do I keep the apples from browning?

The dressing acts as a natural barrier against browning, but if you’re prepping the apples far ahead, you can toss the diced pieces with a squeeze of lemon juice before adding them to the salad. This keeps them bright and beautiful until you’re ready to mix.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the combination of crisp broccoli and sweet Honeycrisp apple in this irresistible salad. Take a break from the ordinary and whip up Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad for your next meal — it’s a fresh twist that might just become your new signature dish. Give it a try and share the deliciousness with family and friends!

Ethan Lark

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need