Dinner

Broccoli Apple Salad Recipe

ByMariam Harutyunyan April 8, 2026April 8, 2026

Introduction

This Broccoli Apple Salad is a fresh and flavorful mix that brings together crisp broccoli, sweet apples, and a creamy tangy dressing. It’s perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for any meal, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors.

A close-up view of a speckled white bowl filled with a colorful broccoli salad, layered with bright green broccoli florets, thin orange carrot strips, red apple slices with skin, and chunks of light brown nuts mixed together with creamy white dressing, all sitting on a white marbled texture. A wooden spoon is partially visible on the right side of the bowl, gently blending the salad. At the top left corner, there is a blurred red apple in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 medium heads)
1/2 cup shredded carrots

1/4 cup diced red onion
2 large apples, finely chopped (I used Gala apples)

1/2 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup lite mayonnaise
1/2 cup low fat Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, shredded carrots, diced red onion, chopped apples, chopped pecans, and dried cranberries.
Step 2: To make the dressing, whisk together the lite mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss well to coat everything evenly.

Step 4: Chill the salad in the refrigerator until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch and flavor, try adding toasted sunflower seeds or sliced almonds instead of pecans.
If you prefer a sweeter salad, increase the sugar slightly or add a drizzle of honey to the dressing.

Use different apple varieties such as Fuji or Honeycrisp for varied sweetness and texture.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, give it a good stir as some dressing may settle at the bottom. This salad is best enjoyed chilled and does not freeze well due to the fresh ingredients.

How to Serve

The image shows a fresh broccoli salad with several visible layers: bright green broccoli florets form the main layer, mixed with thin, orange shredded carrot strips scattered throughout; shiny red apple slices with a touch of cream dressing cover parts of the salad; pieces of light brown walnuts add texture in between; and small dark red dried cranberries are mixed all over. The salad is coated with a creamy, white dressing that lightly covers all ingredients. It is served in a white bowl with dark speckles, accompanied by two wooden spoons partially visible on the right side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance and refrigerate it. This allows the flavors to blend nicely, but avoid making it too far ahead to keep the apples and broccoli crisp.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?

If you prefer, you can use regular plain yogurt or sour cream in place of Greek yogurt for the dressing. Just keep in mind the texture and tanginess may vary slightly.