A vibrant, refreshing salad that combines the crunch of fresh broccoli and toasted nuts with the sweetness of apples and raisins, all tossed in a tangy, creamy lemon dressing. This salad is a great addition to picnics, potlucks, or as a hearty side dish at dinner.
Creamy Broccoli Apple Crunch Salad
6
servings15
minutes5
minutes300
kcalIngredients
- For the Salad:
2 medium heads of broccoli (about 1 lb), chopped into bite-sized florets
1 large carrot, grated or julienned
1 apple, cored and chopped (a sweet-tart variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp works well)
1/2 small red onion (about 1/4 cup), thinly sliced
1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup craisins or raisins
- For the Creamy Lemon Dressing:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tbsp sugar, or to taste
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
Directions
- Toast the Nuts:
– Place pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Toast, stirring frequently, for about 4–5 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and coarsely chop once cooled. - Prepare the Vegetables and Fruit:
– Chop broccoli into small florets.
– Grate or julienne the carrot.
– Core and chop the apple into bite-sized pieces.
– Thinly slice the red onion
Combine all in a large salad bowl. Add the toasted nuts and craisins/raisins. - Make the Dressing:
– In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. - Assemble the Salad:
– Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Make it lighter:
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or mayo to cut down on calories and increase protein. - Add protein:
For a more filling salad, add grilled chicken or chickpeas. - Storage tip:
This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days, but wait to add the dressing if storing longer to maintain texture.
This Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad is a perfect blend of textures and flavors—crunchy, creamy, sweet, and tangy. It’s a crowd-pleaser that holds up well in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead option.
