If you’ve been looking for a salad that’s equal parts refreshing, satisfying, and just a little bit sweet, this Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is about to become your new obsession. It’s crisp, colorful, and perfect for those busy days when you want something delicious without a whole lot of effort. Honestly, it feels like a little celebration in a bowl.
I love serving this at potlucks, family dinners, or just as a way to brighten up a random Tuesday lunch. And let’s be real—any recipe that gets us to actually crave broccoli? That’s a win in my book.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad
- Flavor Explosion – Sweet apples, crunchy broccoli, tangy dressing, and chewy cranberries all dance together in perfect harmony.
- Quick & Easy – Less than 20 minutes from chopping board to table. (Yes, really!)
- Make-Ahead Friendly – It gets even better after chilling in the fridge, which makes it perfect for meal prep.
- Wholesome & Filling – Packed with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats from sunflower seeds.
It’s basically a hug for your taste buds—with the bonus of being healthy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the stars of the show. No fancy ingredients here—just everyday staples that work together like magic:
- Broccoli – Fresh and crunchy, it’s the backbone of this salad.
- Honeycrisp Apples – Sweet, crisp, and slightly tart. The star of the show.
- Red Onion – A zesty kick that balances the sweetness.
- Sunflower Seeds – Nutty crunch and healthy fats.
- Dried Cranberries – Chewy little gems that add color and sweetness.
- Greek Yogurt (or Mayo) – Creamy dressing base. Use yogurt for light and tangy, or mayo for extra richness.
- Honey (or Maple Syrup) – A touch of natural sweetness.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds brightness and tang.
- Salt & Pepper – The classic flavor lifters.
(Exact measurements are in the recipe card below—because nobody wants to play the guessing game at dinnertime.)
How To Make Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad
1. Prep Your Ingredients
Chop broccoli into small florets, dice your Honeycrisp apple, and finely chop the red onion. Keep everything bite-sized—every forkful should feel balanced.
2. Mix the Base
In a big mixing bowl, toss together broccoli, apples, onion, sunflower seeds, and cranberries. Don’t overmix—this salad is all about keeping that crunch.
3. Make the Dressing
Whisk together Greek yogurt (or mayo), honey (or maple syrup), apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine & Toss
Pour the dressing over your salad base. Gently stir until everything is coated—but remember, we’re making salad, not mashed veggies.
5. Chill & Serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps all those flavors mingle like old friends at a family reunion. Then, serve cold and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Salad
- Make it ahead – This salad tastes even better the next day after the flavors have time to blend.
- Switch up the seeds – Pumpkin seeds or sliced almonds work great if you’re out of sunflower seeds.
- Kid-friendly hack – Skip the onions and use a little extra honey if your little ones aren’t fans of “zingy” flavors.
- Crisper apples = better salad – Stick with Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala for the best crunch.

FAQs About Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad
Can I substitute the apples?
Yes! While Honeycrisp apples give the perfect sweet-tart crunch, Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady work beautifully too.
How long does this salad keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it stays fresh for up to 3 days. Just give it a stir before serving.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely—use a vegan mayo or a dairy-free yogurt alternative for the dressing.
What can I serve it with?
It pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, salmon, or even as a side at a summer BBQ.
A Salad You’ll Crave Again and Again
This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad isn’t just another side dish—it’s a fresh, flavorful way to make vegetables exciting again. Whether you’re making it for meal prep, a holiday table, or just a quick weeknight side, it delivers every single time.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your regular recipe rotation. And hey—your house will smell like a crisp fall day meets Sunday dinner. Not a bad combo, right?
More Delicious Recipes to Try
If you loved this salad, you’ll definitely want to explore more comforting and flavor-packed dishes:
- Cozy up with a bowl of Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup for the ultimate comfort food experience.
- Enjoy seasonal flavors in this hearty Pumpkin Feta Pasta, perfect for fall nights.
- Try a creative twist with Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash that brings together savory and sweet.
- And don’t forget dessert—this Slow Cooker Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is a must-try sweet treat.

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is crisp, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. Fresh broccoli, sweet apples, tangy cranberries, and creamy dressing come together for a healthy side dish you’ll love serving at weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday tables.
Ingredients
4 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 Honeycrisp apples, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/3 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise)
2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets, dice the apples, and finely chop the red onion.
In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli, apples, onion, sunflower seeds, and cranberries.
In a separate bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt (or mayo), honey (or maple syrup), apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss until evenly coated.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
Notes
Swap sunflower seeds for pumpkin seeds or almonds for variety.
Honeycrisp apples are best, but Fuji or Gala also work.
For dairy-free, use vegan mayo or dairy-free yogurt.
This salad tastes even better the next day!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad , Side dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 15 mg
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 2 g