Get ready to fall in love with a fresh, crunchy, and downright irresistible Honeycrisp Apple and Broccoli Salad! This vibrant bowl brings together the crisp sweetness of Honeycrisp apples, the zesty pop of red onion, the crunch of broccoli, and just the right touch of smoky bacon. Each bite bursts with contrasting flavors and textures, making this salad a show-stealer at any meal—from easy weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. The creamy yogurt dressing ties everything together, ensuring that this Honeycrisp Apple and Broccoli Salad becomes a repeat favorite in your kitchen.

Honeycrisp Apple and Broccoli Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this salad earns its place, working together to create an unforgettable mix of flavors, textures, and colors. Simple, everyday items like apples and bacon transform this dish into something you’ll want to share with everyone you know.

Honeycrisp apple: This apple’s perfect balance of sweetness and crisp texture makes every bite refreshing and juicy.
Broccoli: Fresh, vibrant florets add crunch and a brilliant green color that looks and tastes amazing.
Red onion: Provides just the right kick of sharpness to contrast the sweetness of the apple and raisins.
Raisins: Little pops of chewy sweetness that complement the tangy and savory elements of the salad.
Sunflower seeds: They add a nutty, roasted crunch that you’ll crave in every forkful.
Bacon: Smoky, salty, and crispy—bacon is the finishing touch that takes this salad to a new level.
Plain yogurt: The creamy base for a lighter, tangy dressing that coats every ingredient beautifully.
Milk: Thins out the dressing just enough so it evenly envelops the salad without weighing it down.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds a bright, zesty bite that balances the creamy and sweet components.
Sugar (or honey): Use your favorite—it sweetens the dressing and highlights the apple’s natural flavor.
Salt & pepper: Season to taste and let all the other ingredients shine their brightest.

How to Make Honeycrisp Apple and Broccoli Salad

Step 1: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing

Start by combining the plain yogurt, milk, apple cider vinegar, sugar or honey, and a good pinch of salt and pepper in a mason jar or small bowl. Give it a thorough whisk (or just shake it up in the jar!), and pop the dressing in the fridge. This step is simple, but letting the dressing chill gives the flavors time to mingle and become irresistibly creamy.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base

Chop the Honeycrisp apple into bite-sized pieces, cut the broccoli into small florets, and finely dice the red onion. Toss them all into a large mixing bowl along with the raisins and sunflower seeds. This is the foundation of your Honeycrisp Apple and Broccoli Salad, full of vibrant color and a fantastic blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements.

Step 3: Coat Everything in Creamy Dressing

Right before you’re ready to serve, pour the chilled dressing over the chopped ingredients. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently toss everything together, making sure each piece is nicely coated. Pop the salad back in the refrigerator for thirty to sixty minutes—this wait is worth it! The flavors have a chance to come together, and the salad becomes even more flavorful and refreshing.

Step 4: Add the Crunchy Bacon

Just before it’s time to eat, sprinkle crumbled bacon over the top of the salad. This simple step ensures the bacon stays perfectly crispy and delivers an amazing smoky crunch that complements the sweet and tangy flavors of your Honeycrisp Apple and Broccoli Salad.

How to Serve Honeycrisp Apple and Broccoli Salad

Garnishes

For an extra pop of color and flavor, sprinkle a few whole sunflower seeds or additional crumbled bacon on top right before serving. A handful of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro can also add a beautiful green flair, making your Honeycrisp Apple and Broccoli Salad as gorgeous as it is delicious.

Side Dishes

This salad is the perfect partner for grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or a hearty sandwich. Its crisp and refreshing taste also pairs well with summer BBQ fare, especially anything smoky or savory. If you’re enjoying it in colder months, try it alongside roasted root vegetables or baked sweet potatoes.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Honeycrisp Apple and Broccoli Salad into a standout party dish by serving it in individual mason jars or small cups at gatherings. You can also scoop the salad into lettuce cups for a fun, handheld appetizer. For potlucks, try layering the salad in a clear glass bowl to show off all the colorful layers—everyone will be reaching for seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Honeycrisp Apple and Broccoli Salad can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, making each serving more delectable! For best results, store the bacon separately and add it just before eating to maintain that signature crunch.

Freezing

This salad isn’t a great candidate for freezing, as the fresh apple and broccoli can lose their crisp texture once thawed. Instead, enjoy it fresh or keep it chilled in the fridge for a couple of days to maintain its appealing crunch and flavor.

Reheating

Honeycrisp Apple and Broccoli Salad is at its best served cold or at room temperature. If you’ve stored it in the fridge, simply give it a gentle toss and let it sit out for a few minutes before serving. No reheating needed—the crispness and creamy dressing shine when the salad is chilled.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple in this salad?

You can, but Honeycrisp apples have an unbeatable balance of sweetness and crunch that makes them ideal for this salad. If you must substitute, look for similar crisp varieties like Fuji or Gala.

Is it possible to make this Honeycrisp Apple and Broccoli Salad dairy-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the plain yogurt and milk for your favorite non-dairy alternatives (like coconut or almond yogurt and plant-based milk). The salad will still have a creamy, tangy dressing you’ll love.

Can I prep the salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients and dressing a day ahead—just keep them separate and toss them together about an hour before serving. Add the bacon right at the end to keep it crispy.

What can I use instead of bacon for a vegetarian version?

Try roasted chickpeas, crispy tempeh, or even a handful of smoked almonds. These alternatives add a satisfying crunch and savory flavor to your Honeycrisp Apple and Broccoli Salad.

How do I keep the apples from browning?

Toss the chopped apple pieces with a little lemon juice immediately after slicing. Mixing them right into the creamy dressing also helps prevent browning, keeping your Honeycrisp Apple and Broccoli Salad looking fresh and appetizing.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish to brighten any table and win over every palate, this Honeycrisp Apple and Broccoli Salad is your answer. With its stunning colors, satisfying crunch, and crave-worthy flavors, you’ll find excuses to make it again and again. Give it a try—you’ll see just how delicious something this simple can be!

Honeycrisp Apple and Broccoli Salad Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 13 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful and refreshing Honeycrisp Apple and Broccoli Salad that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors with a creamy yogurt dressing. This salad is a great addition to any meal or perfect on its own!

Instructions

Prepare the Dressing: In a mason jar or small bowl, whisk together yogurt, milk, apple cider vinegar, sugar (or honey), salt, and pepper until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped Honeycrisp apple, broccoli florets, red onion, raisins, and sunflower seeds. Toss well.
Toss in Dressing: Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated. Let sit in the refrigerator for 30–60 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Add Bacon Before Serving: Just before serving, sprinkle crumbled bacon on top for added crunch.

Notes

You can customize this salad by adding other nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
This salad can be made ahead of time, but add the bacon just before serving to maintain its crispiness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing, Tossing
Cuisine: American