Save to Pinterest A vibrant, fresh salad featuring crisp broccoli and sweet-tart apple, tossed in a zesty dressing for a nutrient-packed, energizing meal.
This salad quickly became a favorite in my household for its easy prep and bright flavors.
Ingredients
- Broccoli: 1 large head, cut into bite-sized florets
- Apple: 1 large (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), thinly sliced
- Red onion: 1 small, thinly sliced
- Shredded carrots: ½ cup
- Dried cranberries: ¼ cup
- Roasted almonds: ¼ cup, roughly chopped
- Sunflower seeds: 1 tablespoon
- Extra virgin olive oil: 3 tablespoons
- Apple cider vinegar: 1½ tablespoons
- Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon
- Honey or maple syrup: 1 teaspoon
- Sea salt: ½ teaspoon
- Freshly ground black pepper: ¼ teaspoon
Instructions
- Blanch broccoli:
- Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and blanch for 1–2 minutes until vibrant green and just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Pat dry.
- Combine salad ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine blanched broccoli, apple slices, red onion, shredded carrots, and dried cranberries.
- Prepare dressing:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Toss salad:
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss to evenly coat.
- Add nuts and seeds:
- Add chopped almonds and sunflower seeds just before serving for crunch. Toss gently and serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for more flavor.
Save to Pinterest My family loves gathering around this colorful salad at dinner, especially on warm evenings.
Notes
For extra protein, add grilled chicken or chickpeas. Substitute walnuts or pecans for almonds if preferred. Try adding crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy touch. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with this salad.
Required Tools
Medium pot, large mixing bowl, small bowl or jar, whisk, knife, cutting board
Nutritional Information
Calories: 210, Total Fat: 12 g, Carbohydrates: 24 g, Protein: 4 g per serving
Save to Pinterest This salad is a refreshing, easy-to-make dish that brightens any meal.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How is the broccoli prepared for this dish?
The broccoli florets are briefly blanched in salted boiling water for 1-2 minutes until vibrant and tender, then cooled to retain their crispness.
- → What type of apples work best here?
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are ideal for their crisp texture and balance of tart and sweet flavors.
- → Can nuts be substituted in this dish?
Yes, walnuts or pecans can replace almonds depending on personal preference or allergy considerations.
- → What adds the signature crunch to this salad?
Roasted almonds and sunflower seeds are added just before serving to provide delightful crunch.
- → What dressing components tie the flavors together?
A mix of extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper creates a zesty, balanced dressing.
- → Is this dish suitable for vegetarians and gluten-free diets?
Yes, it is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, making it suitable for both dietary preferences.