Can I use pre-cut broccoli or bagged florets?

Absolutely! Bagged chopped broccoli is a fantastic shortcut—just dice the pieces a little smaller if needed so they mix well with the other ingredients.

What’s the best apple for this salad?

Honeycrisp is ideal for its crispness and bright flavor, but any firm, sweet-tart apple like Fuji or Gala will work. Avoid softer apples, as they can become mushy.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Definitely! In fact, it tastes even better after chilling. Just keep it covered in the fridge and give it a toss before serving. If making well in advance, keep the dressing separate and add just before serving for max crunch.

How can I make this salad nut-free?

Use sunflower seeds or pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for crunch, and double-check your dried fruit is nut-free. The salad is completely nut-free as written, but you can skip seeds altogether if needed.

Broccoli Crunch Salad Recipe

Description

This Broccoli Crunch Salad is a vibrant, healthy, and refreshing side dish, packed with crisp broccoli, shredded carrots, crunchy sunflower seeds, sweet dried cranberries, and juicy apples, all tossed in a creamy Greek yogurt dressing. It’s perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or as a nutritious addition to any meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Salad

5 heaping cups broccoli florets, chopped (340g)
1 cup carrots, shredded (80g)
1/2 cup dried cranberries (60g)
1/4 cup sunflower seeds (35g)
1/4 cup red onion, chopped (35g)
1 honeycrisp apple, chopped (200g)

Salad Dressing

3/4 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt (170g)
2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1.5 Tbsp. honey (31g)
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables and Fruit: In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, shredded carrots, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, chopped red onion, and chopped apple.
Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, and lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the flavors are well balanced.
Mix the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the broccoli mixture. Toss well until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. Toss the salad again before serving, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed, then serve chilled.

Notes

Nutritional information is approximate and may vary with ingredient substitutions.
Sunflower seeds can be substituted with sliced almonds or chopped walnuts for a different flavor and texture.
Cranberries can be replaced with raisins or other dried fruits, or omitted altogether.
Add grilled or shredded chicken to increase the protein content for a more filling meal.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to ensure the flavors meld and the salad has the best texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe (approx. 110g)
Calories: 120
Sugar: 11g
Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 3.5g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 2mg