Delightful Honeycrisp Broccoli Salad

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A vibrant burst of flavors and textures, this Delightful Honeycrisp Broccoli Salad is a celebration of freshness. Crisp-tender broccoli florets meet sweet, juicy chunks of Honeycrisp apple, tangy red onions, crunchy walnuts, creamy feta, and chewy dried cranberries, all tossed together with a light vinaigrette dressing that enhances each bite.

This salad is perfect for those who want a healthy side dish that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. It’s the kind of bowl you bring to a potluck and leave with nothing but compliments. Whether you’re packing lunch or serving it alongside dinner, this dish makes getting your greens exciting again.

What Kind of Apples Work Best in This Salad?

Honeycrisp apples are the ultimate choice for this recipe because they offer a natural sweetness and crisp bite that doesn’t brown quickly. If you want alternatives, Pink Lady or Fuji can work as well, but Honeycrisp truly makes this salad shine.

Ingredients for the Delightful Honeycrisp Broccoli Salad

• Broccoli: Fresh florets give this salad its body and a satisfying crunch.
• Honeycrisp Apples: Juicy and sweet with a crisp texture, they pair beautifully with the broccoli.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a touch of sharpness and color contrast.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbly and tangy, feta adds a creamy dimension.
• Walnuts: Toasted or raw, they bring earthy flavor and crunch.
• Dried Cranberries: Sweet-tart jewels that add chewiness and balance.
• Dressing: A simple vinaigrette (olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon) to tie it all together.

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How To Make the Delightful Honeycrisp Broccoli Salad

Step 1: Prep the Broccoli

Rinse and chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets. For extra tenderness, you can quickly blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 1 minute, then transfer to ice water to keep it bright and crisp.

Step 2: Slice the Apples and Onions

Core the Honeycrisp apples and slice into thin wedges or chunks. Thinly slice red onion. If you prefer milder onion flavor, soak slices in cold water for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Toast the Walnuts

This step is optional but enhances the nutty flavor. Toast walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, stirring often.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

Whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine All Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss the broccoli, apples, red onion, walnuts, cranberries, and feta. Drizzle the dressing over and toss gently to coat evenly.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Let the salad sit for 15-20 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.

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Serving and Storing Your Honeycrisp Broccoli Salad

This salad is incredibly versatile. Serve it fresh and slightly chilled for the best experience. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted dishes, or as a refreshing lunch all on its own. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The apples will stay crisp thanks to the vinaigrette.

What to Serve With Delightful Honeycrisp Broccoli Salad?

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

The brightness of the chicken complements the sweet and tangy salad.

Buttery Stuffed Artichokes

Looking for a fancy sidekick? These rich artichokes work well with the salad’s fresh crunch. Try it with Buttery Stuffed Artichokes

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A warm, cozy pairing for cooler days. Perfect balance of hearty and fresh.

Shrimp Broccoli Alfredo

Let this salad lighten up a creamy pasta dish like Shrimp Broccoli Alfredo

Roasted Parmesan Potatoes and Broccoli

A double-broccoli combo? Yes please. Try this with our Roasted Parmesan Potatoes and Broccoli

Lemon Garlic Salmon

A heart-healthy protein that adds elegance and omega-3 richness.

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Want More Salad Ideas?

If this crunchy, sweet-tart salad has you hooked, here are a few more ideas to explore:

• Strawberry Spinach Salad for berry lovers.
• Easy Asian Slaw when you want something zesty and bold.
• The Ultimate Italian Grinder Salad to satisfy your savory cravings.
• Roasted Broccoli and Sweet Potatoes for a warm, hearty salad twist.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest healthy recipes board so you can make it again and again.

Did you switch up the nuts or try goat cheese instead of feta? Tell me how you made this salad your own! I love hearing your delicious tweaks.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting salads and meals on ChefAlchemy’s Pinterest for even more fresh inspiration.

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