Pin Recipe A vibrant, fresh salad featuring crisp broccoli and sweet-tart apple, tossed in a zesty dressing for a nutrient-packed, energizing meal.
This salad has quickly become a favorite for quick lunches and light dinners. Its bright colors and fresh tastes never fail to impress my family and friends.
Ingredients
- Vegetables & Fruit: 1 large head broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets, 1 large apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), thinly sliced, 1 small red onion, thinly sliced, ½ cup shredded carrots, ¼ cup dried cranberries
- Nuts & Seeds: ¼ cup roasted almonds, roughly chopped, 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds
- Dressing: 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, ½ teaspoon sea salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1:
- 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.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, combine blanched broccoli, apple slices, red onion, shredded carrots, and dried cranberries.
- Step 3:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Step 4:
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss to evenly coat.
- Step 5:
- Add chopped almonds and sunflower seeds just before serving for crunch. Toss gently and serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for more flavor.
Pin Recipe This salad brings joy to our family meals, often eaten together during sunny afternoons or quick dinners after busy days.
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)
Pin Recipe This bright salad is perfect for refreshing meals anytime. Enjoy its crisp textures and balanced flavors as a healthy staple.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you prepare the broccoli for this dish?
Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling salted water for 1-2 minutes until bright green and tender, then rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- → What kind of apples work best in this salad?
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are preferred for their tartness and crisp texture, complementing the salad's flavors.
- → Can the nuts be substituted?
Yes, walnuts or pecans can replace almonds to provide a different but equally crunchy texture.
- → Is it possible to add protein to this dish?
Adding grilled chicken or chickpeas can boost protein while maintaining fresh flavors.
- → How should the dressing be prepared?
Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined for a balanced, tangy dressing.
- → What is the best way to serve this dish?
Toss the salad gently with dressing and nuts, then serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for enhanced flavor melding.