Description
Broccoli Apple Salad with Cashews & Cranberries
Ingredients
4 cups broccoli florets
2 medium apples, diced
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup roasted cashews
1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise)
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
Prepare the ingredients:
Chop the broccoli into small bite-sized florets and dice the apples.
Mix the salad base:
In a large bowl, combine broccoli, apples, dried cranberries, red onion, and cashews.
Make the dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt (or mayo), honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine and toss:
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
Chill and serve:
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld, then serve and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 200 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for a perfect salad every time. Start by thoroughly washing the broccoli and apples. For the broccoli, ensure you cut the florets into small, uniform pieces for easy eating. Core the apples and dice them into 1/2-inch chunks; a quick toss in a teaspoon of lemon juice can prevent browning. Thinly slice the red onion using a sharp knife or mandoline for delicate pieces that won’t overpower. In your large mixing bowl, gently combine the broccoli, apples, dried cranberries, onion, and cashews. For the dressing, whisk the Greek yogurt vigorously with the honey and vinegar until completely emulsified and creamy. Season well with salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and use two large spoons to fold and toss, ensuring every piece is lightly coated. Transfer to a serving dish or airtight container for chilling.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile salad shines as a bright side dish at barbecues and potlucks alongside grilled chicken or burgers. For a satisfying vegetarian lunch, serve it over a bed of leafy greens or quinoa. It also makes an excellent filling for a whole-grain wrap or pita pocket. Garnish with extra chopped cashews or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives just before serving for added texture and color.
How-to Summary
Chop broccoli and apples. Combine all salad base ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk yogurt, honey, vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing. Toss the dressing with the salad until coated. Chill for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Add the cashews just before serving to maintain their crunch.
What’s a good substitute for Greek yogurt? You can use an equal amount of mayonnaise, sour cream, or a dairy-free yogurt alternative. The honey can be replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar.
How do I prevent the apples from turning brown? Toss the diced apples in a tablespoon of lemon juice or the apple cider vinegar from the recipe before adding them to the salad.
Can I use different nuts or dried fruit? Absolutely. Almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds work well. Try dried cherries or chopped apricots instead of cranberries.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep? Perfectly. Divide into individual containers for ready-to-go lunches. Keep the dressing separate if prepping more than a day ahead.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid cutting the broccoli florets too large, as they won’t coat well with dressing or be pleasant to eat. Do not skip the chilling time; this step is crucial for softening the broccoli slightly and letting the flavors develop. Resist the urge to overdress the salad; start with 3/4 of the dressing, toss, and add more only if needed. Finally, do not add the cashews before chilling if you want to preserve their roasted texture.
Conclusion
This Broccoli Apple Salad is a celebration of textures and flavors, combining crisp produce with a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s a reliably healthy, make-ahead dish that proves side salads can be the star of the meal. Simple to prepare yet impressive in taste, it’s a recipe you’ll return to for any occasion. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious crunch!