Ah, broccoli—often the unsung hero of the vegetable world, isn’t it? Crisp, vibrant, and oh-so-versatile, it pairs unexpectedly well with the sweet crunch of apples in this salad. Imagine a sunny afternoon, the air filled with laughter, and you’re munching on a bowl of this delightful mix—each bite a reminder that sometimes the simplest combinations bring the greatest joy.
Steps
- Prepare the ingredients by chopping the broccoli florets, shredding the carrots, and finely dicing the red onion. Cut the apples into small cubes, and coarsely chop the pecans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, shredded carrots, diced red onion, cubed apples, chopped pecans, and dried cranberries.
- For the dressing, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything together gently until the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Once mixed, refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Ingredients
- Fresh Broccoli Florets: Approximately 2 medium heads
- Shredded Carrots: Pre-shredded can be used
- Red Onion: Adds flavor, use as desired
- Apples: 2 large sweet apples (e.g., Gala)
- Pecans: Coarsely chopped
- Dried Cranberries: For sweetness and tartness
- Light Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup
- Low Fat Greek Yogurt: 1/2 cup
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Pepper: 1/8 teaspoon
FAQ
- Can I substitute the pecans in the Broccoli Apple Salad with other nuts?
- Absolutely! You can replace pecans with walnuts or cashews. For added flavor, try toasting them in a pan until they’re fragrant and slightly browned.
- What type of apples should I use for the Broccoli Apple Salad?
- It’s best to use sweet apples like Gala, Fuji, or Braeburn for this salad, as they complement the flavors without being too tart or sour.
- How far in advance can I prepare this salad?
- This salad is actually better if it sits for about an hour before serving, as the flavors meld together beautifully. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, but for optimal freshness, consider adding the dressing just before serving.
- Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
- Yes, it’s a great option for meal prep. To avoid sogginess, you can keep the salad and dressing separate and combine them right before eating.
- Can I swap the dried cranberries for another ingredient?
- Of course! You can use raisins, golden raisins, or dried cherries as alternatives to dried cranberries.
Tips
- Prep Time Saver: Simplify the preparation by purchasing pre-shredded carrots and pre-cut broccoli florets to reduce chopping time.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different nuts, like toasted walnuts or cashews, for added flavor. You can also swap dried cranberries with raisins or dried cherries for variety.
- Apple Selection: Choose apples that are sweet rather than tart. Gala, Fuji, or Braeburn apples work well to balance the tanginess of the dressing.
- Dressing Control: To maintain freshness, consider dressing only the portion you plan to eat immediately if making ahead. This will prevent the salad from getting too soggy when stored.
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
