🍎 Broccoli Apple Salad 🥦 is a delightful blend of fresh, crunchy ingredients and creamy dressing that creates a perfect balance of flavors. The crispness of broccoli, the sweetness of apples, the tanginess of cranberries, and the nuttiness of pecans all come together to make this salad a refreshing and satisfying dish. Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or as a healthy side dish, this salad is both quick to prepare and packed with nutrients.
Benefits
- Nutrient-Rich: Broccoli is high in vitamins C and K, while apples provide fiber and antioxidants. This salad is a powerhouse of essential nutrients.
- Heart-Healthy: Pecans add heart-healthy fats, and Greek yogurt offers protein and probiotics, making this dish both delicious and nutritious.
- Versatile: It can be served as a side dish or a light main course and is suitable for various diets.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 medium heads)
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- 2 large apples, finely chopped (Gala apples recommended)
- ½ cup pecans, coarsely chopped
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup lite mayonnaise
- ½ cup low-fat Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
- Chop the Vegetables and Fruit: In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, shredded carrots, diced red onion, finely chopped apples, coarsely chopped pecans, and dried cranberries.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- Mix the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lite mayonnaise, low-fat Greek yogurt, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill the Salad: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, though it can be enjoyed immediately if preferred.
Helpful Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh broccoli and apples for the best flavor and texture.
- Customize the Ingredients: Feel free to substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds, and the cranberries with raisins or dried cherries if you prefer.
- Make Ahead: This salad can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to develop even more.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of apple?
A: Yes, any sweet-tart apple like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith can be used.
Q: How long will this salad last in the fridge?
A: The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Q: Can I make this salad dairy-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt or use extra mayonnaise instead.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Side Dish: Pair this salad with grilled chicken, fish, or a sandwich for a complete meal.
- As a Main Course: Add grilled chicken or tofu to make it more substantial for a light lunch or dinner.
- For Picnics or Potlucks: This salad is perfect for gatherings as it can be made ahead and served chilled.
Servings
This recipe serves 6.
Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Enjoy the crisp and refreshing flavors of this Broccoli Apple Salad at your next meal!
More Salad You Might Like
- Greek Cucumber and Tomato Salad
- Cucumber Onion and Tomato Salad
- Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad
- 7 Layer Taco Salad
Recipe Card
Broccoli Apple Salad
🍎 **Broccoli Apple Salad** 🥦 is a delightful blend of fresh, crunchy ingredients and creamy dressing that creates a perfect balance of flavors. The crispness of broccoli, the sweetness of apples, the tanginess of cranberries, and the nuttiness of pecans all come together to make this salad a refreshing and satisfying dish. Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or as a healthy side dish, this salad is both quick to prepare and packed with nutrients.
Ingredients
- – 4 cups fresh broccoli florets about 2 medium heads
- – ½ cup shredded carrots
- – ¼ cup diced red onion
- – 2 large apples finely chopped (Gala apples recommended)
- – ½ cup pecans coarsely chopped
- – ½ cup dried cranberries
- – ½ cup lite mayonnaise
- – ½ cup low-fat Greek yogurt
- – 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- – 1 tablespoon sugar
- – ¼ teaspoon salt
- – ⅛ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
- **Chop the Vegetables and Fruit**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, shredded carrots, diced red onion, finely chopped apples, coarsely chopped pecans, and dried cranberries.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- **Mix the Dressing**: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lite mayonnaise, low-fat Greek yogurt, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
- **Toss the Salad**: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- **Chill the Salad**: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, though it can be enjoyed immediately if preferred.