Broccoli Crunch Salad
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With summer right around the corner, there's no better time than now to start bringing out all the fresh, summertime salads. This Broccoli Crunch Salad is an easy way to kick off the season, featuring a refreshing blend of tender broccoli, crisp apples, and a crunchy cranberry walnut mix, all tossed in a tangy homemade salad dressing that fills every bite with flavor!
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Whether you're hosting a backyard cookout or heading out for a simple picnic, this crowd-pleasing classic is fit for any occasion. It's just as delicious on its own as it is paired alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or any of your favorite main dishes. Quick to make, full of healthy ingredients, and packed with flavor, this is the kind of go-to dish you'll find yourself making all season long!
Looking for more fresh and flavorful salads? Try this Seven Layer Salad or this Creamy Dill Pasta Salad. Need some ideas for what to serve this broccoli crunch salad with? Grilled Balsamic Bruschetta Chicken, Easy Lemon Chicken, and Air Fryer Steak are just a couple tasty picks!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Make-ahead friendly: This salad gets even better after some time in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to settle and meld together.
- Easy to customize: This recipe is super versatile and can be effortlessly customized. Feel free to make as many swaps, add-ins, and substitutions as you wish!
- Quick and easy: With just a handful of ingredients and a couple minutes in the kitchen, you'll have this fresh, flavorful salad ready in no time.
- Nutritious and satisfying: Packed with healthy ingredients, this salad delivers a great balance of nutrients, texture, and bold flavor.
- Colorful and crunchy: The vibrant colors of the fresh ingredients make this dish as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Ingredients
Gather the ingredients below to make this broccoli salad recipe:
- Broccoli florets: You can use fresh or frozen broccoli. If using frozen, be sure to fully thaw and drain well to avoid any extra moisture.
- Carrots: Matchstick carrots work great, but you can shred whole carrots as well.
- Salad Pizazz Raspberry Cranberry Walnut Frisco: A convenient blend of sweet cranberries and crunchy walnuts.
- Red onions: Adds a mild onion flavor without overpowering the salad
- Honeycrisp apple: Crisp and sweet, these apples add the perfect bite. If substituting, choose another firm, crisp variety.
- Non-fat plain Greek yogurt: You can also use a mix of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, or substitute entirely with mayo for a richer dressing.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness to the dressing.
- Honey: Balances out the acidity of the dressing. Maple syrup works as an alternative.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed if possible.
- Salt and pepper: Adjust to taste.
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions & Variations
- Add more veggies: Bulk up your salad with extra crunch and color by tossing in some chopped cauliflower, celery, or shredded cabbage.
- Crispy bacon boost: Sprinkle in some crumbly, crispy bacon bits for a savory upgrade.
- Cheesy add-ins: Mix in blue cheese crumbles, crumbled feta, or parmesan for added richness and a deeper savory flavor.
- More protein: Add a protein like grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or diced turkey to turn this salad into a more balanced, hearty dish. And if this combo sounds good to you, make sure to check out our Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad!
- More crunch: Experiment with other nuts and seeds like cashews, almonds, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
How to Make Broccoli Crunch Salad
Once you've gathered all your ingredients, grab a couple mixing bowls and follow the steps below to make this easy broccoli salad.
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, add broccoli, carrots, Salad Pizazz, onions, and apples. Toss to combine.
- Step 2: In a small mixing bowl, which Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, and lemon juice together. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 3: Pour dressing over vegetable mixture. Stir well.
- Step 4: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Stir and serve.
Helpful Tips
- Speed up prep: Use a food processor to quickly chop or shred ingredients and save on prep time.
- Chop ingredients evenly: Try to keep your broccoli, apples, and add-ins a similar size so you get a balanced bite every time.
- Keep dressing separate for longer storage: If you're making this salad more than one day ahead of time, wait to add the dressing until an hour before serving to keep the salad as crisp and fresh as possible.
- Let it chill before serving: Even 30 minutes in the refrigerator helps the flavors come together and improves the overall taste.
- Prevent apples from browning: Toss chopped apples in a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad to keep them fresh and vibrant.
- Cut broccoli small: Chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces so the dressing coats everything evenly and it's easier to eat. And hey, if you have any broccoli leftover, try our Chicken Broccoli Alfredo recipe! It's a favorite in our family!
- Balance the texture: Add a mix of crunchy and chewy elements like seeds, nuts, and dried fruit for the best flavor and texture in every bite.
Recipe FAQs
If you're unsure about using raw broccoli, feel free to quickly blanch it for a slightly softer texture. That said, raw broccoli works perfectly for this recipe. The dressing helps soften its texture as it sits, making it tender without losing that satisfying crunch.
Fresh broccoli is best for texture. Frozen broccoli tends to be too soft once thawed and can make the salad watery.
To prevent a soggy salad, make sure any washed ingredients are dried thoroughly before adding, keep the dressing separate until closer to serving, and add any crunchy garnishes right before serving if you're making more than a day in advance.
You can serve it right away, but you'll get the best flavors and texture after at least an hour in the refrigerator. If you're short on time, 30 minutes should do the trick!
Storage & Freezing Instructions
Storage Instructions
Keep broccoli crunch salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It may last even longer if the dressing is stored separately.
Freezing Instructions
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and is not recommended for freezing.
More Fresh & Easy Salad Recipes You'll Love
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Broccoli Crunch Salad
Ingredients
- 5 cups broccoli florets (chopped)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- Salad Pizazz Raspberry Cranberry Walnut Frisco
- ¼ cup red onions (chopped)
- 1 honeycrisp apple (chopped)
- ¾ cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 ½ tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add broccoli, carrots, Salad Pizzaz, onions, and apples. Toss to combine.
- In a small mixing bowl, which Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, and lemon juice together. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour dressing over vegetable mixture. Stir well.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Stir and serve.
Notes
- Speed up prep: Use a food processor to quickly chop or shred ingredients and save on prep time.
- Chop ingredients evenly: Try to keep your broccoli, apples, and add-ins a similar size so you get a balanced bite every time.
- Keep dressing separate for longer storage: If you're making this salad more than one day ahead of time, wait to add the dressing until an hour before serving to keep the salad as crisp and fresh as possible.
- Let it chill before serving: Even 30 minutes in the refrigerator helps the flavors come together and improves the overall taste.
- Prevent apples from browning: Toss chopped apples in a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad to keep them fresh and vibrant.
- Cut broccoli small: Chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces so the dressing coats everything evenly and it's easier to eat.
- Balance the texture: Add a mix of crunchy and chewy elements like seeds, nuts, and dried fruit for the best flavor and texture in every bite.