Broccoli Apple Salad

$- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 large apple (preferably a sweet variety like Honeycrisp), diced - 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped - 1/4 cup dried cranberries - 1/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a sharp cheese works well) - 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - Salt and pepper to taste This salad packs a good punch of nutrients. Each serving has about: - Calories: 250 - Protein: 8g - Fiber: 5g - Fat: 15g - Carbohydrates: 27g - Broccoli: Full of vitamins C and K, it boosts your immune system. - Apple: This fruit adds fiber and antioxidants, which are great for heart health. - Walnuts: They contain healthy fats and support brain health. - Greek Yogurt: A great source of protein and probiotics, aiding digestion. - Cranberries: These sweet bites are rich in vitamins and can help prevent urinary tract infections. I love how each ingredient in this salad works together for a tasty, healthy meal. The crunchiness of the broccoli pairs well with the sweetness of the apple. The walnuts add a nice texture, while the cranberries give a touch of sweetness. This dish is not just a salad; it’s a vibrant mix of flavors! For the full recipe, check out the details above. - Rinse and steam broccoli. Begin by rinsing the broccoli florets under cold water. This removes dirt and ensures freshness. Next, steam the broccoli for about 2-3 minutes. You want it tender-crisp. After steaming, drain and let it cool. - Prepare the apple and other ingredients. While the broccoli cools, dice a large sweet apple, like Honeycrisp. Chop half a cup of walnuts. Gather your dried cranberries and shredded cheese. Mix these ingredients in a large bowl. This creates a colorful base for your salad. - Ingredients for the dressing. For the dressing, you will need: - 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - Salt and pepper to taste - Whisking technique for a smooth consistency. In a separate bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Use a whisk to blend everything together. This helps create a smooth dressing. Make sure to taste and adjust the salt and pepper as you like. - Mixing and tossing ingredients. Once the broccoli has cooled, add it to the bowl with the apples and other ingredients. Pour the dressing over this mix. Gently toss everything together. You want all components to be well coated with the dressing. - Recommended resting time for flavor enhancement. Let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to blend. Enjoy the vibrant and fresh taste of your broccoli apple salad! For the full recipe, check out the details provided earlier. - Selecting the best apples: Choose sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji. They add a nice crunch and balance the savory broccoli. Look for firm apples with vibrant skin. Avoid bruised or soft ones for the best flavor. - Preventing browning of apple slices: To keep your apple slices fresh, squeeze some lemon juice on them. The acidity slows down browning. You can also soak the slices in a mix of water and lemon juice for a few minutes. - Adding proteins: You can add cooked chicken or tofu for extra protein. Chicken adds a savory touch, while tofu is perfect for a plant-based option. Cube them and mix them into the salad. - Substituting ingredients: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your taste. If you don’t like walnuts, try pecans or sunflower seeds. You can also use other fruits like grapes or pears. - Pairing with meals: This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. It adds color and freshness to your plate. Serve it alongside sandwiches for a light lunch. - Presentation tips: Serve the salad in a large bowl or on a platter. For an attractive finish, sprinkle some extra walnuts and cranberries on top. Add a sprig of parsley for a pop of green. This makes the dish appealing and ready for sharing. For the full recipe, check out the details in the earlier sections! {{image_2}} You can change the dressing for your Broccoli Apple Salad to fit your taste. Here are some ideas: - Creamy Dressings: Use ranch or blue cheese for a rich flavor. - Vinaigrettes: Try a simple lemon vinaigrette for a fresh touch. If you want vegan options, you can use: - Cashew Cream: Blend soaked cashews with lemon juice and salt. - Tahini Dressing: Mix tahini with water, lemon juice, and garlic for a nutty taste. Switching out ingredients can make the salad unique. Here are some swaps to consider: - Seasonal Fruits: Use pears or berries when apples are out of season. - Nuts: Try pecans or almonds for a different crunch. Adding grains can also add texture. Consider: - Quinoa: This adds protein and fiber. - Brown Rice: A hearty option that makes the salad more filling. You can easily adapt this salad for various diets. Here’s how: - Gluten-Free Options: All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just check your dressing. - Low-Carb Variations: Skip the dried cranberries and use fewer apples for fewer carbs. These variations allow everyone to enjoy the salad while fitting their diet. For the full recipe, please refer to the earlier section. To keep your salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent air from making it soggy. Glass containers work great because they don’t stain. Plastic options are also fine, just make sure they seal well. This salad can last up to three days in the fridge. After that, it may lose its crunch. Signs the salad has gone bad include a sour smell or a slimy texture. If you see these signs, it’s best to toss it out. You can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Chop the broccoli and apple, and store them separately. Keep the nuts and cheese in a different container. Assemble everything just before serving for the best taste and crunch. Enjoy the fresh flavors! Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. I suggest preparing it up to a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve. This keeps the salad fresh and crisp. The flavors will blend nicely if you let it sit for a bit. For this salad, I recommend sweet apples. Honeycrisp apples are my favorite. They add a nice crunch and sweetness. Other great choices include Fuji or Gala apples. Avoid tart apples, as they may overpower the salad's flavor. Broccoli works well both raw and cooked. For this salad, I prefer lightly steaming the broccoli. This keeps it tender yet crisp. Raw broccoli gives a crunchier texture. Choose what you like best! You can make this salad more filling by adding proteins. Rotisserie chicken or chickpeas are great options. You can also add quinoa or couscous for extra texture. These ingredients will make your salad a complete meal. If you need quick dressing alternatives, try these ideas: - Olive oil and lemon juice for a light option. - Balsamic vinegar mixed with honey for sweetness. - Store-bought vinaigrettes like ranch or Italian work well too. These options can save time and still taste good! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section above. This blog post covered delicious broccoli apple salad recipes and tips. We explored key ingredients and their health benefits, plus how to make it step-by-step. I shared best practices for selecting apples and making it your own with proteins. We also discussed variations, storage tips, and answers to common questions. Now, you have all the tools to create a fresh and tasty salad. Enjoy this healthy dish and feel free to try your own twists!$

Discover the vibrant flavors of Broccoli Apple Crunch Salad, a perfect blend of fresh broccoli, sweet apples, crunchy walnuts, and tangy cranberries! This easy recipe is not only healthy but also quick to prepare, taking just 15 minutes. Toss everything together with a delicious yogurt-based dressing for a refreshing side dish that everyone's sure to love. Click through to explore the full recipe and make this delightful salad today!

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Ingredients

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 large apple (preferably a sweet variety like Honeycrisp), diced

1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a sharp cheese works well)

1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Begin by rinsing the broccoli florets under cold water. Steam the broccoli briefly until tender-crisp, about 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apple, chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, and shredded cheese. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.

In a separate bowl, make the dressing by whisking together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Once the broccoli has cooled, add it to the bowl with the apples and other ingredients.

Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until well coated.

Let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 30 min | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large bowl or on a platter. For an attractive finish, sprinkle a few extra walnuts and cranberries on top, and add a sprig of parsley for color.