Name: Easy 15-Minute Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups broccoli, chopped; 1 apple, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup dried cranberries; 1/4 cup sunflower seeds; 1/4 cup Greek yogurt; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

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Oh, you have to try this Apple Broccoli Salad—it’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’re doing something good for yourself without sacrificing flavor. I first threw it together one summer when I needed something quick, fresh, and filling for a picnic, and now it’s my go-to when I want a salad that actually satisfies. The crisp apples and crunchy broccoli play off each other perfectly, and that little tang from the Greek yogurt dressing? Absolute magic. Plus, it comes together in minutes—no cooking, no fuss, just fresh, wholesome goodness. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Broccoli Salad

This salad is one of those rare recipes that checks all the boxes—it’s fresh, crunchy, ridiculously easy to make, and good for you too. I mean, what’s not to love? Whether you need a quick lunch, a side dish for dinner, or something to bring to a potluck, this salad has your back. Plus, it’s vegetarian and requires zero cooking, which means more time for you to enjoy it!

Quick and Easy to Make

Honestly, the hardest part is chopping the broccoli—and even that takes just a few minutes. Toss everything together, whisk the dressing, and you’re done in under 15 minutes. Perfect for those days when you want something homemade but don’t feel like putting in much effort.

Packed with Nutrients

Apples bring natural sweetness and fiber, broccoli adds a vitamin C boost, and Greek yogurt gives the dressing a protein kick. It’s the kind of salad that makes you feel energized, not weighed down. And with all those colors? You know it’s doing your body good.

Perfect for Any Occasion

I’ve served this at backyard barbecues, packed it for work lunches, and even brought it to holiday gatherings (yes, it holds its own next to all the heavy dishes). It’s light but satisfying, and the flavors just get better as they mingle. Trust me, this salad is a crowd-pleaser—no matter the crowd.

Apple Broccoli Salad Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need—simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. No fancy stuff here, just good, honest flavors that make this salad shine. Trust me, measuring matters here—too much onion can overpower, and too little honey leaves the dressing flat. Get these proportions right, and you’re golden.

2 cups broccoli, chopped into small florets (about 1 medium head—stems trimmed but not wasted!)
1 large apple, diced (I swear by Granny Smith for that perfect crisp-tart balance)
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (soak in ice water for 5 minutes if you want milder bite)
1/4 cup dried cranberries (the chewy little bursts of sweetness make this salad)
1/4 cup sunflower seeds, lightly toasted if you’ve got 3 extra minutes (worth it!)

For the dressing: This is where the magic happens.

1/4 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat gives the creamiest texture, but low-fat works)
1 tbsp honey (warm your spoon—it pours easier)
1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed (bottled works in a pinch, but fresh is brighter)
Salt and pepper to taste (start with 1/4 tsp salt—you can always add more)

See? Nothing complicated. Just grab these, and you’re minutes away from the crunchiest, most refreshing salad ever.

How to Make Apple Broccoli Salad

Okay, let’s make this happen! I promise it’s so easy you’ll have this salad ready before you know it. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have the perfect crisp, fresh bowl of goodness in no time. The key is taking it one step at a time—no rushing, but no overcomplicating either.

Preparing the Vegetables and Fruits

First, grab that head of broccoli. I like to chop the florets into small, bite-sized pieces—about the size of a quarter—so every forkful gets a little bit of everything. Don’t toss those stems! Peel off the tough outer layer with a veggie peeler, then slice them thin. They add such a nice crunch.

Apple Broccoli Salad - detail 1

Now, the apple. Core it first (safety first, folks!), then dice it into little cubes. If you’re prepping ahead, toss the pieces with a squeeze of lemon juice to keep them from browning. Red onion? Thin slices are your friend here. If raw onion’s too strong for you, a quick soak in ice water tames the bite beautifully.

Mixing the Dressing

This is where the magic happens. Grab a small bowl and whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey, and lemon juice until it’s smooth and creamy. No lumps allowed! Taste as you go—sometimes I add an extra drizzle of honey if my apples are extra tart. A pinch of salt and pepper brings all the flavors together. Pro tip: Let it sit for a minute so the honey fully dissolves into the yogurt.

Combining and Serving

Now for the fun part! Dump all your prepped veggies and fruits into a big bowl. Sprinkle in those cranberries and sunflower seeds (toasted, if you’re fancy). Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss everything together—I like to use two big spoons so I don’t crush the broccoli. Let it chill in the fridge for about 10 minutes before serving. This little rest lets the flavors get to know each other. Then? Dig in! Cold, crisp, and absolutely addictive.

Tips for the Best Apple Broccoli Salad

Want to take this salad from good to unforgettable? Here are my tried-and-true tricks: First, stick with firm apples like Granny Smith—they hold their crunch even after tossing. Let the salad sit 10 minutes before serving (the flavors meld beautifully). And if you’ve got walnuts or almonds? Throw ’em in for extra texture. Just don’t skip toasting those sunflower seeds—that warm, nutty aroma makes all the difference. Trust me, these little touches turn a simple salad into something special.

Apple Broccoli Salad Variations

Oh, the fun part—making this salad your own! Swap cranberries for golden raisins or chopped dates if you want deeper sweetness. Add a handful of walnuts or almonds for extra crunch. Feeling fancy? Throw in some crumbled feta or goat cheese—the salty tang plays so nicely with the apples. The best part? It’s hard to mess up!

Serving Suggestions

This salad shines alongside so many dishes! My favorite way? Pile it next to grilled chicken or salmon—the fresh crunch balances rich flavors perfectly. It’s also amazing with a cozy bowl of tomato soup or even tucked into a wrap for lunch. Honestly, it’s so versatile, you can’t go wrong!

Storing and Reheating Apple Broccoli Salad

This salad keeps like a dream! Just pop any leftovers in an airtight container—it’ll stay fresh and crunchy in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get better as they mingle. And remember, always serve it cold—no reheating needed (or wanted!).

Apple Broccoli Salad FAQs

Can I use a different dressing?
Absolutely! While the Greek yogurt dressing is my favorite (so creamy and tangy!), you can swap it for a light vinaigrette or even a tahini-lemon mix. Just avoid anything too heavy—this salad shines with lighter dressings.

How long does it last in the fridge?
About 3 days, though the apples might soften a bit. Pro tip: If meal prepping, keep the dressing separate until ready to eat—it keeps everything extra crisp.

Can I add nuts?
Yes, please! Toasted almonds or walnuts are *chef’s kiss*. Just toss them in right before serving so they stay crunchy.

Is there a substitute for cranberries?
Golden raisins or chopped dried apricots work great. Even pomegranate seeds would add a fun pop of color and tartness!

Nutrition Information

Here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in each serving (about 1 cup) of this Apple Broccoli Salad: roughly 120 calories, 4g fat (mostly the good kind from sunflower seeds!), 20g carbs with 3g fiber to keep you full, and 3g protein. It’s got 12g natural sugar from the apples and cranberries—nothing added! Sodium stays low at around 50mg per serving. Of course, these numbers can shift a bit depending on your exact ingredients (like yogurt brands or apple size), but overall? It’s a light, nutrient-packed choice that won’t weigh you down.

Did You Make This Apple Broccoli Salad?

I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Did you add any fun twists? Leave a comment below—I read every single one. And if you snapped a pic, tag me so I can see your masterpiece. Happy crunching!

For more delicious recipes and inspiration, check out my Pinterest page.