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Honeycrisp Broccoli Salad

Honeycrisp Broccoli Salad

Honeycrisp Broccoli Salad is a fresh and vibrant side dish combining crisp broccoli florets with sweet-tart Honeycrisp apples, crunchy nuts, smoky bacon, and a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect for any meal or gathering, this salad is quick to prepare, colorful, and adaptable to various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 Honeycrisp apples, cored and diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 slices crispy bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or slivered almonds, toasted

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Broccoli and Apples: Wash and chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Core and dice the Honeycrisp apples into similarly sized pieces to ensure every forkful gets both fresh crunch and sweetness.
  2. Slice the Onion and Prepare Nuts: Thinly slice the red onion for a delicate sharpness that complements the other flavors. Lightly toast sunflower seeds or almonds to enhance their nutty aroma and crunch.
  3. Cook and Crumble the Bacon: Cook bacon until crispy, drain on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces. This adds a savory, smoky element that contrasts beautifully with the sweet apples and fresh broccoli.
  4. Make the Dressing: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice) and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Whisk until smooth and creamy, balancing tang and sweetness perfectly.
  5. Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl, mix broccoli, apples, red onion, toasted nuts, and bacon. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat each ingredient evenly.

Notes

  • Use fresh, crisp broccoli with firm stalks and vibrant green florets for best texture and flavor.
  • Toss apple pieces in a little lemon juice before mixing to prevent browning.
  • Lightly toast nuts to elevate their crunch and flavor.
  • For best flavor, prepare salad a few hours ahead and refrigerate; add nuts and bacon right before serving to maintain crunch.
  • Adjust honey or maple syrup according to desired sweetness.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, Honeycrisp apple salad, healthy side dish, summer salad, potluck salad, crunchy salad