Bright, crisp, and irresistibly refreshing, this Delightful Honeycrisp Broccoli Salad is your new favorite side dish. It’s a stunning combination of textures and flavors—crunchy broccoli, sweet Honeycrisp apples, sharp red onion, chewy cranberries, and smoky bacon—all brought together with a creamy, tangy dressing that hits just the right notes.

Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or weeknight dinners, this salad holds up beautifully in the fridge and actually gets better as it sits. Whether you’re trying to eat more greens or just need a vibrant dish that feels like a treat, this salad delivers in every bite.

What Kind of Apples Work Best in Broccoli Salad?

Honeycrisp apples are ideal for this salad because of their sweet-tart balance and crisp texture. They stay firm and juicy even when sliced thin, offering the perfect contrast to the creamy dressing and crunchy broccoli. If you need a substitute, Fuji or Pink Lady apples make a great second choice.

Ingredients for the Delightful Honeycrisp Broccoli Salad

4 cups fresh broccoli florets (cut into bite-size pieces)
1 large Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
1/2 small red onion, finely diced
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/3 cup sunflower seeds
4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

For the Dressing:

3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and black pepper to taste

Delightful Honeycrisp Broccoli Salad (1)

How To Make the Delightful Honeycrisp Broccoli Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Produce

Wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli and apple. Cut the broccoli into small florets and thinly slice the apple. Dice the red onion finely for even distribution.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 3: Combine Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli, apple slices, red onion, dried cranberries, shredded cheese, sunflower seeds, and bacon.

Step 4: Toss with Dressing

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss until everything is well coated. Make sure the broccoli and apple are thoroughly dressed.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!

How to Serve and Store Delightful Honeycrisp Broccoli Salad

This salad makes a fantastic side for grilled meats, roasted chicken, or sandwiches. It pairs well with barbecue or can stand alone for a light lunch. To store, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The apples may soften slightly, but the flavor remains delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different kind of apple?

Absolutely. While Honeycrisp is preferred for its crunch, Fuji or Pink Lady are great substitutes.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your bacon and vinegar are certified gluten-free if needed.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge. Just give it a quick toss before serving.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

You can swap Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing. Or use half mayo, half yogurt for balance.

How do I keep the apples from browning?

Toss the apple slices in a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad to slow down oxidation.

Want More Salad Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this refreshing broccoli salad, check out these other crisp and flavorful favorites:

Blueberry Peach Feta Salad for a fruity-sweet spin on summer greens.
Mexican Zucchini and Ground Beef Skillet for a warm veggie-packed meal.
Fresh Pickled Cucumber Salad for a tangy crunch.
Healthy Sausage Veggie Skillet Meal if you’re into hearty yet nutritious dishes.
Greek Yogurt Cookie Dough to satisfy your sweet tooth the healthy way.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest salad board for easy access whenever a craving hits.

Let me know how your version turned out! Did you try it with yogurt instead of mayo? Add extra crunch with nuts? Share your twists in the comments—I love seeing your creations and helping everyone find new favorites.

For daily inspiration and more delicious recipes, follow along on Pinterest @ Nina Dishes

Delightful Honeycrisp Broccoli Salad

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This vibrant Honeycrisp Broccoli Salad combines fresh, crunchy broccoli and apples with smoky bacon, sharp onion, sweet cranberries, and a creamy honey vinaigrette. It’s refreshing, satisfying, and perfect for gatherings or healthy meal prep.