Broccoli Apple Salad

This Broccoli Apple Salad is a crispy, crunchy bowl full of goodness!

Layers of texture and palate-pleasing flavors will have you clamoring for a second helping. Crunchy pecans, juicy apples and raisins, and broccoli are layered with a sweet and tangy dressing for a light lunch option or the perfect picnic pack-a-long.

Fast, no fuss, and super flavorful- add it to your list of favorite summer side dishes like Quinoa Chickpea Salad, Corn and Black Bean Salad, and fan favorite Pesto Tortellini Salad.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Below is an overview of the ingredients and notes for substitutions or variations.

• Fresh Broccoli - Use fresh, raw broccoli and wash well before adding. This recipe requires 2 cups of broccoli florets which is equivalent to1 large head. Pre-cut florets are a timesaving option but are pricier.
• Broccoli Slaw - I attempted to use shaved broccoli stems the first time I made this salad and found the texture too tough. I recommend using broccoli slaw or a simple cabbage and carrot slaw if that’s difficult to find.
• Apple - I use 1 large apple or 2 small ones. The sweet pop of flavor from red apple varieties such as Honeycrisp or Gala apples is preferable over a tart variety like a Granny Smith apple.
• Golden Raisins - Raisins add another layer of texture and subtle sweetness. You can easily substitute cranberries or dried currants which taste similar to raisins.
• Pecans - Pecans are my go-to for nuts in salads. I like to toast them, but it’s not required for this recipe. Feel free to substitute any nuts you like, although walnuts would probably be the closest.
• Dressing Ingredients - My go-to is Hellman's Mayo (full fat) for a creamy dressing. Adding plain Greek yogurt balances out the mayo and lightens the overall calories.

Recipe Tip: As much as I love broccoli, it’s best to cut the florets on the smaller side for a balanced bite. The goal is to get a mixture of ingredients and flavors on your fork rather than one giant hunk of broccoli.

Creative Additions and Ideas

This easy broccoli salad is simple for a reason. However, if you’re looking for a creative flavor boost, these ingredients are complementary:

• Sunflower Seeds: For extra crunch sprinkle sunflower seeds into the mix.
• Green Onions: Finely chopped green onions will add a mild peppery bite.
• Golden Raisins: An extra pop of color, these moist morsels are a solid gold addition.
• Olive Oil: Drizzle a bit of olive oil on top for an added richness to enhance the overall taste.
• Sour Cream: Substitute a portion of the Greek yogurt with sour cream for a creamier dressing.
• Apple Cider/Red Wine Vinegar: Craving extra tang? Add an extra splash of apple cider vinegar or a dash of red wine vinegar to the dressing a subtle kick.
• Maple Syrup: Prefer a sweeter dressing? Add a splash of pure maple syrup to your dressing.

If you love this broccoli apple salad recipe…

Try this Crunchy Asian Slaw, this Winter Fruit Salad, this  Chopped Greek Salad, or this Mediterranean Salmon Avocado Salad next!

Check out all our side dish recipes, and this index of our favorite summery salads!

Storage and Make Ahead Suggestions

Serving: Flavors marinate well after sitting for a few hours and using firm ingredients prevents the “soggy salad” effect.

Make Ahead: The dressing and the ingredients can be prepared the night before (the dressing helps keep the apples from yellowing). I like this salad better if the dressing has meshed with the salad for a few hours in the refrigerator, so feel free to pack it all together for potlucks, picnics, or lunches. It can also be served immediately after dressing.

Leftovers: This salad is excellent the next day. The dressing keeps the apples from turning brown. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days.