Description

A refreshing and crunchy Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad combining sweet apples, fresh broccoli, tangy cranberries, crunchy almonds, and sharp cheddar cheese, all tossed in a creamy honey-mustard dressing. Perfect as a vibrant side dish for any meal or a light lunch option.

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

2 Honeycrisp apples, diced
4 cups fresh broccoli florets
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Dressing Ingredients

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Dice the Honeycrisp apples, chop the broccoli into florets, thinly slice the red onion, and measure out dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the diced apples, broccoli florets, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and red onion. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
Make Dressing: In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure that all the salad components are evenly coated with the dressing.
Add Cheese: Fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese carefully to distribute it throughout the salad without breaking up the cheese too much.
Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes prior to serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully for an enhanced taste experience.

Notes

Use Honeycrisp apples for a sweet and crisp texture; other apple varieties can alter the flavor and crunch.
For a dairy-free option, omit the cheddar cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
To make the salad gluten free, confirm that all ingredients including mayonnaise are gluten free.
Chilling the salad improves the flavor and texture by allowing the dressing to soak into the broccoli and apples.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for best freshness.