Broccoli Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Walnuts Recipe

There’s something about this Broccoli Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Walnuts Recipe that just hits the spot every time. It’s got that perfect balance of crunchy broccoli paired with sweet, tart cranberries and crisp apple chunks, all brought together with a creamy, tangy dressing. Honestly, I’ve made this salad so many times for potlucks and family dinners because it’s consistently a crowd-pleaser and super easy to throw together.

If you’re looking for a fresh, flavorful salad that’s both nutritious and satisfying, this recipe is a winner. It works beautifully as a light lunch, a side for your grilled chicken, or even as a quick snack. Plus, the combination of textures and flavors keeps things interesting bite after bite. Trust me, once you try this Broccoli Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Walnuts Recipe, it’s going to become a staple in your recipe rotation too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this recipe come together to create a harmony of sweet, nutty, tangy, and crunchy notes. When shopping, aim for fresh broccoli florets and crisp apples to maximize that lively texture and flavor contrast.

• Mayonnaise: I like using a good-quality mayo since it really holds the dressing together and gives it creaminess.
• Honey: Just enough to add a light natural sweetness without overpowering the tangy elements.
• Apple cider vinegar: Adds that subtle acidity that brightens the whole salad.
• Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance all the flavors without masking them.
• Fresh broccoli florets: Cut small so you get a nice crunch with each bite, but not too tiny that it turns mushy.
• Dried cranberries: The star of that sweet-tart pop, I always look for cranberries that aren’t overly sweetened.
• Apple (unpeeled, diced): Keep the skin on for extra nutrients and that beautiful color contrast.
• Walnuts (coarsely chopped): Toast them lightly for an extra toasty flavor — it makes a surprisingly big difference!
• Red onion (diced): Adds just the right amount of bite without overwhelming the salad.
• Fresh parsley (chopped): For a fresh herbal note and a pop of green to brighten up the bowl.

Variations

I like to switch things up now and then with this Broccoli Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Walnuts Recipe based on what I have on hand or to fit different dietary needs. You can make it your own and keep it exciting!

• Vegan version: I’ve made this with vegan mayo before and honestly, you won’t miss the traditional mayo. The honey can be swapped with maple syrup for a fully plant-based dressing.
• Nut-free option: If you’re serving someone with a nut allergy, sunflower seeds are a crunchy, nut-free alternative that works just as well.
• Seasonal twists: Sometimes I swap apples for pears in the fall for a slightly softer sweetness that pairs nicely with the walnuts.
• Extra crunch: Adding shredded carrots or celery can be a fun way to add more texture without changing the flavor profile much.

How to Make Broccoli Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Walnuts Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Creamy Dressing

Start in a large mixing bowl by whisking together the mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk it until it’s smooth and nicely combined. This dressing is the magic that pulls all the flavors together, so take a moment to really blend it well. I find this step easiest when the mayo is at room temperature.

Step 2: Prep Your Fresh Ingredients

Chop the broccoli into small florets, dice the apple with its peel intact, chop the walnuts (toasted if you prefer), dice the red onion, and roughly chop the parsley. Having all your ingredients ready before mixing helps keep things efficient and prevents the apples and broccoli from sitting too long, which can affect their crunch.

Step 3: Combine and Toss Gently

Add the broccoli, apples, cranberries, walnuts, onion, and parsley to the dressing. Stir gently but thoroughly to make sure everything gets coated evenly. Be careful not to mash the apples — you want to keep those crisp bites intact. If you’re making this ahead, I recommend mixing everything except the dressing and tossing just before serving to keep the crunch fresh.

How to Serve Broccoli Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Walnuts Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this salad with a few extra walnut halves on top for that eye-appealing finish and some freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness. Sometimes, a little sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper right before serving adds a nice subtle kick too.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or turkey for a well-rounded meal. It’s also fantastic alongside simple sandwiches at a casual lunch or on a holiday table as a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes like mashed potatoes and roasts.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve served this salad in cute little mason jars or small clear bowls which really shows off all those vibrant ingredients. Layering the salad with the dressing on the bottom and tossing it just before eating keeps it fresh and visually impressive. It also works well as a colorful topping on a bed of baby greens if you want to up the veggie factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftover broccoli salad in an airtight container in the fridge and try to eat it within 24 hours. After that point, the broccoli and apples can start to get a little soggy. If you want to keep it crisp, I recommend storing the dressing separately and tossing right before serving.

Freezing

This one’s best fresh or refrigerated — freezing tends to make the broccoli mushy and affects the texture of the apples and walnuts. So, I don’t recommend freezing the finished broccoli salad with apples, cranberries, and walnuts recipe if you want to keep that lovely crunch.

Reheating

No need to reheat this salad since it’s meant to be served cold or at room temperature. If it’s chilled in the fridge, just let it sit out for about 10 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Broccoli Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Walnuts Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to salads because it’s fresh, flavorful, and packs a wonderful crunch in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight, a picnic, or a holiday spread, you’re going to love how simple yet impressive it is. Give it a try — I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how quickly it becomes a family favorite!

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