Name: Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: PT-487747H32M36S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped small; 2 Honeycrisp apples, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced or finely chopped; 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled; 1/3 cup dried cranberries or raisins; 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or chopped nuts (optional); 1/3 cup mayonnaise; 1/3 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp honey or 1 tsp sugar; Salt and pepper, to taste

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is a fresh, crisp, and colorful side dish that balances sweet, savory, and tangy in every bite. Packed with crunchy broccoli, juicy Honeycrisp apples, crisp bacon, and a creamy dressing, this salad is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or an easy make-ahead lunch.

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this salad hits every note—sweet apples, salty bacon, creamy dressing, and the crunch of raw broccoli. It’s incredibly easy to toss together, and it holds up beautifully in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prep. Whether I serve it with grilled meats, sandwiches, or holiday meals, it always brings something fresh and vibrant to the table.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Fresh broccoli florets (chopped small)
Honeycrisp apples (diced)
Red onion (thinly sliced or finely chopped)
Cooked bacon (crumbled)
Dried cranberries or raisins
Sunflower seeds or chopped nuts (optional)
Mayonnaise
Greek yogurt or sour cream
Apple cider vinegar
Honey or sugar
Salt and pepper

Directions

I start by whisking together the dressing in a small bowl—mayonnaise, yogurt or sour cream, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
In a large mixing bowl, I combine the broccoli, diced Honeycrisp apples, red onion, bacon, and cranberries.
I pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything until well coated.
I let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors come together.
Just before serving, I sometimes sprinkle sunflower seeds or nuts on top for extra crunch.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings as a side dish. It takes around 20 minutes to prepare, plus optional chilling time of 30 minutes.

Variations

I’ve swapped the dried cranberries for chopped dates or golden raisins. For a tangier bite, I use red wine vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar. If I want it vegetarian, I skip the bacon or use smoky roasted chickpeas for a crunch and flavor boost. I’ve also added shredded carrots or cauliflower for extra texture.

storage/reheating

I store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The apples stay crisp thanks to the dressing’s acidity, and the flavors deepen over time. I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the fresh ingredients lose their texture.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it a day in advance. It holds up great in the fridge, and the flavors actually improve after chilling.

How do I keep the apples from browning?

The vinegar in the dressing helps prevent browning. I also toss the apples in a little lemon juice before mixing if I’m prepping them early.

Can I use another type of apple?

Yes, I like using Honeycrisp for their sweetness and crunch, but Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady apples also work well.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Absolutely. I just use a dairy-free mayo and skip the yogurt, or replace it with more mayo and a splash of lemon juice for balance.

What can I serve this salad with?

I love it with grilled chicken, pork chops, or burgers. It’s also a great side for holiday meals or as part of a lunch spread.

Conclusion

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is a refreshing, satisfying dish that brings together vibrant textures and bold flavors. I love how easy it is to make and how versatile it is for any occasion. It’s the kind of salad that even broccoli skeptics can’t resist—and I find myself making it on repeat all year long.