Broccoli Apple Salad: The Freshest, Crunchiest, Best Broccoli Salad Recipe You’ll Ever Make

A Salad So Good, It Disappears Instantly

This broccoli apple salad is a breeze to whip up and combines fresh broccoli florets, sweet Honeycrisp apples, crunchy bacon, and creamy Greek yogurt dressing. It’s the perfect balance of healthy, delicious, and easy—truly a crowd-pleaser.

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Updated June 2025: This recipe has been retested and rewritten by Chef Cory using fresh, real ingredients. Photos are currently being updated with real-life kitchen photography as part of our full site refresh.

Craving Something Fresh and Crunchy?

This broccoli apple salad is crisp, crunchy, and the perfect mix of sweet and tangy.

It’s loaded with fresh apples, tender-crisp broccoli, toasted sunflower seeds, and just the right amount of creamy dressing to pull it all together.

I serve this at cookouts, holiday dinners, and even as a quick lunch side.

It’s bright, fresh, and holds up well in the fridge — which means leftovers are almost better the next day. A salad that actually gets better with time?

That’s a win in my book.

Why This One’s a Showstopper

• Uses Greek yogurt for creamy richness without the heaviness.
• The apple adds freshness, bacon brings the savory hit, and the cheddar punches it up.
• No sugar overload—just enough sweetness to balance the vinegar.

Key Ingredients that Make This Salad Shine

🥦 Broccoli

• Packed with vitamin C, K, and fiber, broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse.
• Contains sulforaphane, a compound that may help fight inflammation and support detoxification.
• High in antioxidants and great for heart health, immune support, and digestion.

🍎 Apples

• Full of dietary fiber to support gut health and keep you feeling full.
• Contain quercetin, a natural anti-inflammatory antioxidant.
• Naturally sweet with a low glycemic index—great for blood sugar balance.

🧀 Sharp Cheddar

• Provides a solid dose of calcium and protein for bone health and muscle function.
• Adds healthy fats that help with nutrient absorption, especially vitamins like A, D, E, and K.
• A little goes a long way in flavor—no need to overload.

🥓 Bacon (optional but delicious)

• Adds protein and healthy fats when used in moderation.
• Use high-quality, nitrate-free bacon to avoid unwanted preservatives.
• Offers savory flavor without needing much added salt.

🌻 Sunflower Seeds

• Rich in vitamin E, magnesium, and selenium—key nutrients for brain and heart health.
• Provide healthy unsaturated fats that support cholesterol balance.
• A satisfying crunch that’s also high in plant-based protein.

🍇 Dried Cranberries

• Bring natural sweetness and a boost of antioxidants.
• Contain compounds that may support urinary tract health.
• Choose unsweetened or low-sugar varieties to keep it wholesome.

🍯 Greek Yogurt Dressing (with apple cider vinegar & honey)

• Greek yogurt is full of probiotics, protein, and calcium.
• Apple cider vinegar aids digestion and blood sugar regulation.
• A drizzle of raw honey provides natural sweetness with trace enzymes and minerals.

Smart and Easy Substitutions

• Dairy-Free Swap: Replace Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or vegan mayo and use dairy-free cheese.
• Gluten-Free Swap: This salad is naturally gluten-free—just verify your mustard and bacon labels.
• Kid-Friendly Variation: Omit red onion, and replace sharp cheddar with milder cheese or cubed mozzarella.
• No Bacon? Substitute crispy smoked almonds or chickpeas for texture and smoky flavor.
• Alternate Seeds: Pumpkin seeds or pecans make perfect swaps if sunflower seeds aren’t available.

Why My Broccoli Apple Salad Stands Out

• Perfectly Balanced Dressing: My secret combo of Greek yogurt and mayo gives creamy tang without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
• Exceptional Freshness: Apples, broccoli, and lemon zest brighten up every bite, delivering unmatched freshness and flavor.
• Better With Time: Unlike most salads, this broccoli salad gets tastier after chilling, perfect for making ahead.
• Texture on Point: With chewy cranberries, crunchy broccoli, crispy bacon, and juicy apples, every bite is exciting.
• Chef-Tested: This recipe has been fine-tuned through years of kitchen experimentation and customer feedback. Trust me—it’s perfected.

Essential Equipment to Make Life Easier

Prepping is a breeze with just a few kitchen essentials:

• ✅ Large cutting board
• ✅ Sharp chef’s knife
• ✅ Large mixing bowl
• ✅ Small mixing bowl (for the dressing)
• ✅ Whisk or fork (for mixing the dressing)
• ✅ Measuring cups and spoons
• ✅ Medium saucepan (for optional blanching)
• ✅ Slotted spoon or tongs (for transferring broccoli)
• ✅ Colander or mesh strainer (for draining broccoli)
• ✅ Paper towels (for drying blanched broccoli or draining bacon)
• ✅ Skillet or frying pan (for cooking bacon)
• ✅ Airtight container or plastic wrap (for chilling)

Ready to Make the Best Broccoli Apple Salad?

This recipe will be your go-to whenever you need something fresh, quick, and universally beloved.

Ready to turn raw broccoli into the star of the show? This isn’t your average deli counter side—it’s a flavor-packed, crunchy, creamy, sweet-and-savory masterpiece that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.

With fresh apples, crispy bacon, toasted seeds, and a zippy yogurt-honey dressing, it’s the kind of salad that disappears before dinner’s even served.

Broccoli Apple Salad

Recipe by dealiciousness.net

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: SaladCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Chill Time

30

minutes

Calories

220

kcal

This fresh broccoli salad is a crave-worthy combo of crisp broccoli florets, sweet apples, tangy dried cranberries, sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and toasted sunflower seeds—all tossed in a creamy Greek yogurt and apple cider vinaigrette that’s equal parts zesty, sweet, and savory. It’s crunchy, colorful, and totally addicting.

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Ingredients

• 2 Large Heads Fresh broccoli, chopped into small florets (about 6 cups)

• ½ small red onion, very thinly sliced

• ½ cup sharp white cheddar, diced small (or sub with crumbled feta for tang)

• ⅓ cup toasted sunflower seeds (or chopped roasted almonds)

• ½ cup dried cranberries (or golden raisins for a brighter bite)

• 4 strips thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled (optional—but let’s be honest, it’s not really optional)

• 1 small apple, diced (Honeycrisp or Pink Lady for sweet crunch)

• Zest of 1 lemon (optional but fantastic)

• 🥄 Dressing (the flavor bomb)

• ½ Cup plain Greek yogurt

• ¼ Cup real mayo (adds creaminess without overdoing it)

• 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 Tbsp raw honey (or maple syrup)

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• Salt + fresh cracked pepper, to taste

Directions

• Blanch (Optional but Worth It):
  Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in broccoli florets for just 30 seconds, then immediately plunge into ice water. Drain well. This takes away the raw edge while keeping the crunch and vibrant color.
• Mix the Base:
  In a large bowl, toss together the broccoli, red onion, cheddar, cranberries, apple, sunflower seeds, and bacon.
• Whisk the Dressing:
  In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, mayo, vinegar, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
• Combine and Chill:
  Pour the dressing over the salad, toss until everything’s coated and happy, then cover and chill for at least 30 minutes (1–2 hours is best).
• Taste and Finish:
  Before serving, give it a taste—adjust salt or vinegar if needed. Garnish with lemon zest for that zippy pop.
• If you tried this recipe and loved it, I’d appreciate it if you could give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a comment below! It really helps more people find the recipe, and I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!

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How to Serve This Irresistible Broccoli Salad

Pair it with:

• Grilled Meats: Ideal with burgers, steaks, or grilled chicken. The freshness balances hearty, smoky flavors.
• Brunch Spread: Perfect alongside quiches, frittatas, or fresh pastries for a sophisticated brunch.
• Weekday Lunches: Add grilled chicken or tofu for an easy, nutritious lunchbox meal.
• Summer Picnics: Portable, chill-friendly, and perfectly refreshing under the summer sun.

Bonus Tip: Garnish with extra lemon zest or a sprinkle of toasted seeds for a gourmet finishing touch.

Wrap It Up, Chef Style

I’m confident this broccoli apple salad will become a staple at your table, just as it has mine.

Share your salad creations with me by tagging @Dealiciousness—I absolutely love seeing your delicious results!

If you enjoyed the recipe, don’t forget to give it a 5-star rating below.

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FAQs

Can I make this broccoli salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! It’s even tastier after a few hours chilling in the fridge. Just toss again before serving.

What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?

Sour cream, regular yogurt, or vegan yogurt all make excellent substitutes.

Can I freeze or reheat this salad?

This salad doesn’t freeze well, as freezing compromises the fresh, crunchy texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Do I have to blanch the broccoli?

Blanching is optional, but it brightens the broccoli and slightly softens it, enhancing texture and taste.

What other fruits work besides apples?

Pears, grapes, and blueberries are delightful substitutes, each offering unique flavor profiles.