Broccoli Apple Salad

Broccoli apple salad is a great dish to bring to a picnic or potluck, since it can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, or thrown together quickly on the spot. It’s tasty while still being nutritious, and it contains ingredients that both adults and kids will eat up, including raisins, apples, broccoli and bacon. Plus, this recipe is very versatile—you can sprinkle the salad with toasted nuts and grated cheese, swap the bacon for baked tofu or add cooked grains, really whatever you like and have handy. Here’s how to make broccoli and apple salad. 

Ingredients for Broccoli Apple Salad

Diana Chistruga for Taste Recipes

• Broccoli florets: If you can, get your broccoli from the farmers market or a grocery store that sells farm-fresh produce. Since there aren’t many ingredients in this salad, the ingredients that are used should ideally be high quality. 
• Apples: Select a nice crunchy apple that doesn’t brown easily, like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady.
• Golden raisins, dried cranberries and chopped dates: This salad calls for all three dried fruits—raisins, cranberries and dates—to add crucial chewiness and sweetness.
• Red onion: Don’t overdo it on the onion, and be sure to chop it evenly and finely to help soften the taste. (You could even soak the onion in cold water for a bit before drying it thoroughly and adding it to the salad, one of the tips to help tame the flavor of an onion.)
• Reduced-fat plain yogurt: If you want to make a vegan version of this apple broccoli salad, leave out the bacon and yogurt and replace it with a homemade vinaigrette and chickpeas or another veggie.
• Bacon strips: While so many dishes taste better with a little salty bacon, plant-based bacon is a good alternative for those who’d prefer this dish to be meat-free.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the main ingredients

Diana Chistruga for Taste Recipes

In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, apples, dried fruit and onion.

Step 2: Dress the salad

Diana Chistruga for Taste Recipes

Add the yogurt, and toss to coat, then sprinkle on the crumbled bacon. Refrigerate until serving.

Diana Chistruga for Taste Recipes

Broccoli Apple Salad Variations

• Swap the red onion for crispy shallots: Fry up some shallots in a cast-iron skillet and add them to the salad instead of the onion, for extra crunch.
• Finish it with cheese: Some grated Parmesan or pecorino would be an excellent topping on this salad.
• Add nuts: We love adding toasted almonds or sunflower seeds to apple broccoli salad. If you’re making this salad in advance, leave out the toasted nuts until you’re ready to eat.

How to Store Broccoli Apple Salad

Broccoli apple salad should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

Can you make broccoli apple salad ahead of time?

Yes, this is a great dish to make in advance. That’s because the longer this salad sits in the fridge, the more flavorful it will become (as long as it’s not more than 24 hours). However, if you’re following the variations in this recipe, we’d recommend leaving out any toasted nuts, cheese or fried shallots and adding them right before serving.

Broccoli Apple Salad Tips

Diana Chistruga for Taste Recipes

Can I make a dressing for this broccoli apple salad recipe?

Yes, if you’d like to make a dressing for this salad, we’d recommend a homemade lemon vinaigrette. It’s simple, classic and doesn’t overpower the other flavors in the dish.

What should I serve with broccoli apple salad?

Apple broccoli salad pairs especially well with grilled chicken or salmon.

How can I make this salad more of a main dish?

Alternatively, if you want to turn this salad into more of a main course, add a cup of cooked quinoa, chickpeas and/or baked tofu to make it heartier.