There's something uniquely satisfying about a crisp, juicy apple paired with tender broccoli florets. Finding the perfect balance of flavors in a salad can be a challenge, but not with our Broccoli Apple Salad recipe! With just a bit of prep, you'll have this vibrant, crunchy salad bursting with the sweetness of apples ready for your next meal. And don't forget the zippy dressing—it's the secret ingredient that ties all these delicious flavors together!
Our crunchy Broccoli and Apple Salad is more than just a salad, it's a celebration of flavors and textures.
Whether you're hosting a potluck dinner, savoring a summer party, or seeking a unique side dish to elevate your holiday table, this sweet broccoli salad recipe is bound to be a crowd-pleaser.
What I love about this salad is how easy it is to make.
But don't be deceived by its simplicity. This broccoli salad recipe with apples delivers a flavor explosion.
The sweetness of the apple beautifully offsets the savory taste of the broccoli. And the sweet dressing for broccoli salad? It introduces a tangy twist that brings flavors together.
This Broccoli and Apple Salad isn't merely tasty—it's also incredibly satisfying.
Each mouthful offers a pleasing crunch, and the medley of flavors will have your taste buds yearning for more. It's the kind of salad that feels indulgent yet is brimming with nutrients.
So, are you ready to dive into this vegan sweet broccoli salad? I bet once you take a bite of this flavor-packed dish, you'll be hooked and want to make it over and over again.
Ingredients
Salad
- Broccoli: Look for broccoli that has bright green florets that are free from any yellowing. The broccoli stems should be firm, and the florets should be tightly closed.
- Red onion: Choose a red onion that is firm and free from any brown spots.
- Sunflower seeds: To toast the sunflower seeds, simply place them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, or until they are lightly browned.
- Apple: For this recipe, you will need one apple that is peeled, cored, and diced. I like to use Granny Smith apples because they are tart and have a firm texture, or Honey Crisp for a sweeter flavor.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley has a bright flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients in this salad. If you can’t find fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley instead.
Sweet Broccoli Salad Dressing
- Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard is a type of French mustard that is made with wine, vinegar, and spices. It has a sharp flavor that is perfect for this mustard broccoli salad.
- Maple syrup: Maple syrup has a sweet, slightly smoky flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients in this salad.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Choose the best quality that you can.
- Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is made from apple cider that has been fermented. It has a slightly sweet and tangy flavor. You could use lemon juice in its place.
- Sea salt: You could use kosher salt or table salt if you prefer.
- Black pepper: Don’t skip the pepper - it really plays with the sweetness in this apple broccoli salad recipe.
Tips and Tricks
- Use a sharp knife to chop the broccoli into small pieces. This will help to ensure that all of the pieces are evenly cooked.
- If you want a bit more sweetness in your salad, you can add raisins or dried cranberries. (Broccoli apple cranberry salad is especially good around the holidays.)
- To give the salad a bit of extra crunch, you can add chopped nuts such as pecans, cashews, or walnuts.
- The dressing for this salad can be made up to four days ahead of time and refrigerated until you are ready to serve the salad. Simply whisk it together again before adding it to the salad.
- If you want to make this salad ahead of time, you can chop all of the vegetables and mix them together in a large bowl. Then, add the dressing the day of serving. This will help to ensure that the salad stays fresh and crunchy.
- Want to add cheese? Sharp cheddar cheese or blue cheese are great options.
- To make the dressing creamy, use mayonnaise or Greek yogurt in place of the oil.
How To Make Apple Broccoli Salad
For the full recipe with measurements, see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Serving Suggestions
This apple broccoli salad with no mayo is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of different dishes.
Try it with grilled chicken or fish, on top of a bed of greens, as a side dish to your favorite summer BBQ, or on your holiday table.
No matter how you serve it, you’re sure to enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dressing for broccoli salad with apples?
The best dressing for apple broccoli salad is a sweet and tangy dressing made with Dijon mustard, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, sea salt, fresh ground black pepper, and olive oil.
Some recipes use mayo in the dressing, but I think broccoli apple salad with no mayo is much lighter and more refreshing.
Can I make apple broccoli salad without onion?
Yes, you can make apple broccoli salad without onion. Simply omit the onion from the recipe.
What apples are good for salads?
- Honeycrisp: These are known for their crisp texture and a sweet-tart taste that's delightful in salads.
- Fuji: These apples are incredibly crunchy and have a sweet, mild flavor that pairs well with various salad ingredients.
- Pink Lady: Also known as Cripps Pink, these apples offer a tart flavor with a sweet finish, which works excellently in salads.
- Piñata®: These apples are crisp, sweet, and slightly tart, making them a delicious addition to any salad.
- Jazz: Jazz apples have a tangy-sweet flavor and a firm texture that stays intact in salads.
- Envy: They're sweet, slightly tart, and remain crisp in salads.
- Empire: These apples are crispy and have a sweet-tart flavor that's ideal for salads.
- Gala: Gala apples are crisp, sweet, and resist browning, making them a great choice for salads.
- Granny Smith: These apples are famous for their vibrant green color and tart, tangy flavor. They have a firm, crisp bite that holds up well in salads, providing a refreshing contrast to sweeter ingredients.
Storage
Broccoli salad with apple cider vinegar dressing will last in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best presentation, you may wish to wait to add the apple just before serving.
Be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
15-Minute Broccoli Apple Salad
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 pound broccoli with stems
- ½ medium red onion sliced into quarter moons
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds toasted
- 1 apple cored and diced
- ¼ cup parsley chopped fine
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- Place a large pot of water on to boil.
- Trim stems off of broccoli and cut florets into bite sized pieces.
- Blanch broccoli for 1 minutes and then rinse with cool water.
- Julienne stems and place broccoli and stems in a large bowl. Add onion, sunflower seeds, apple and parsley.
- Combine dressing ingredients in a blender and process until well combined.
- Toss with broccoli mixture and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Shannon Graham
A perfect side for summer! Love it!
Shannon Graham
What a delicious summer get together side idea!