Broccoli Apple Salad Recipe (VIDEO) (2024)

This Broccoli Salad Recipe with creamy lemon dressing is one of the first and most loved recipes on my blog; an oldie but a goodie!

Broccoli Apple Salad is loaded with crunchy broccoli, crisp apples, chewy craisins, and toasted pecans. The creamy dressing brings everything together and it just works.

Broccoli Apple Salad Recipe (VIDEO) (1)

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Broccoli Salad Video

Watch Natasha make this easy Broccoli Salad. I hope you’re inspired to make and experience it for yourself! If you haven’t already, please subscribe to ourYoutube Cooking Channeland click on the bell icon so you’ll know every time we post a new video.

This Broccoli Apple Salad is my Mama-in-laws that has been a family favorite for years. All of the flavors work really well together. It also refrigerates really well overnight even after stirring in the dressing.

Broccoli Apple Salad Recipe (VIDEO) (2)

Ingredients for Broccoli Salad

This salad has a shortlist of ingredients but each is important for that It’s sweet, tart, and crisp flavor profile.

  • Broccoli – we used 2 medium heads or about 1 lb of fresh broccoli.
  • Carrot – should be peeled and grated or sliced on a julienne slicer
  • Apple – any crisp, sweet apple will work
  • Onion – use 1/4 cup finely chopped. Yellow, sweet onion or red onion will work
  • Walnuts – toast on a skillet until fragrant and golden. You can substitute with pecans
  • Dried Cranberries – craisins add a sweet tangy bite to the salad. You can substitute it with raisins.
Broccoli Apple Salad Recipe (VIDEO) (3)

The Best Creamy Dressing

This creamy lemon salad dressing combines real mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh squeezed lemon juice, sugar salt, and pepper. The sour cream lightens up this creamy dressing and the lemon adds a vibrant fresh flavor.

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How to Make Broccoli Salad

  1. Toast walnuts on a dry skillet over medium heat, tossing frequently for 3-5 minutes, then transfer to a plate to cool.
  2. Combine salad ingredients – place all of your sliced, shredded and chopped salad ingredients into a mixing bowl.
  3. Make Dressing – stir together the salad dressing ingredients, adding lemon juice and sugar to taste.
  4. Toss and Serve – Add dressing to the salad to taste and stir until well coated in dressing.
Broccoli Apple Salad Recipe (VIDEO) (5)

Common Questions

Can you eat raw broccoli?

It isn’t necessary at all to cook the broccoli in this salad and broccoli eaten raw is more nutritious. We also love the crunchiness and vibrant color it adds to the salad. When the florets are cut small, they are easy to chew and so satisfying!

Can I cook the broccoli?

Some readers have shared good results with blanch the broccoli to soften it a bit. If you blanch the broccoli, just be sure it is chilled and patted dry before adding to the salad.

Can I use broccoli stems in salad?

Broccoli stems can be used in salad and we often do include them. Use a potato peeler to peel away the tough fibrous outer layer of the stem before using.

Can I substitute the sugar?

To make this a paleo broccoli salad, you can substitute the sugar with honey, adding it to taste.

Broccoli Apple Salad Recipe (VIDEO) (6)

Make-Ahead

This broccoli salad refrigerates well so if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, it will still be delicious the next day. Be sure to cover tightly and refrigerate. The lemon dressing preserves the apples and slows down the browning process.

More Broccoli Recipes to Explore

  • Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
  • Broccoli Grape Salad
  • Cabbage Salad with Broccoli
  • Broccoli Corn Salad

Broccoli Apple salad is perfect for potlucks, BBQs, picnics, you name it. This salad has been well-loved by our family and readers for years and I hope it becomes a favorite for you as well.

Broccoli Salad Recipe with Creamy Lemon Dressing (VIDEO)

4.96 from 120 votes

Author: Natasha Kravchuk

Broccoli Apple Salad Recipe (VIDEO) (8)

The ORIGINAL Broccoli Salad Recipe – loaded with broccoli, apples, craisins, and pecans, and tossed in a creamy lemon dressing. A must-try potluck favorite!

SavePinReviewPrint

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Cook Time: 5 minutes mins

Total Time: 20 minutes mins

Ingredients

Servings: 6 as a side salad

Ingredients for Broccoli Salad Recipe:

  • 2 medium broccoli heads , (about 1 lb)
  • 1 large carrot, grated or julienned
  • 1 apple, cored and chopped
  • 1/2 small red onion, (1/4 cup thinly sliced)
  • 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, toasted
  • 1/2 cup craisins or raisins

Ingredients for Creamy Lemon Dressing:

  • ½ cup mayo
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 Tbsp lemon juice, (freshly squeezed)
  • ½ Tbsp sugar, or add to taste
  • ¼ tsp sea salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  • Toast walnuts or pecans over medium/ high heat, tossing them occasionally so they don't burn. Heat about 4-5 minutes then transfer to a cutting board and coarsley chop.

  • Chop broccoli into bite-sized pieces, grate carrot, chop the apple and thinly slice onion, and transfer into a salad bowl. Add toasted pecans and dried raisins or cranberries.

  • To make the creamy dressing, combine: mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, sugar (to taste), salt and pepper. Mix well.

  • Add dressing to taste or use the full amount like we do and toss to combine.

Nutrition Per Serving

349kcal Calories30g Carbs7g Protein24g Fat5g Saturated Fat17mg Cholesterol305mg Sodium779mg Potassium7g Fiber16g Sugar3110IU Vitamin A185.5mg Vitamin C129mg Calcium1.9mg Iron

  • Full Nutrition Label
  • Nutrition Disclosure

Nutrition Facts

Broccoli Salad Recipe with Creamy Lemon Dressing (VIDEO)

Amount per Serving

Calories

349

% Daily Value*

Fat

24

g

37

%

Saturated Fat

5

g

31

%

Cholesterol

17

mg

6

%

Potassium

779

mg

22

%

Carbohydrates

30

g

10

%

Fiber

7

g

29

%

Sugar

16

g

18

%

Protein

7

g

14

%

Vitamin A

3110

IU

62

%

Vitamin C

185.5

mg

225

%

Calcium

129

mg

13

%

Iron

1.9

mg

11

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: broccoli salad

Skill Level: Easy

Cost to Make: $$

Calories: 349

This broccoli salad recipe was originally published in 2010 and here is the original photo. Thank you for making this salad famous with all of your fantastic reviews, and for sharing this recipe with the people you love!

Broccoli Apple Salad Recipe (VIDEO) (9)

Natasha Kravchuk

Broccoli Apple Salad Recipe (VIDEO) (10)

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved and tested recipes with YOU. Thanks for stopping by! We are so happy you're here.

Read more posts by Natasha

Broccoli Apple Salad Recipe (VIDEO) (2024)

FAQs

Broccoli Apple Salad Recipe (VIDEO)? ›

The short cooking time brings out the natural colors in the fruit or vegetable before they can turn a displeasing color (because no one wants to eat ugly broccoli!). By stopping the cooking process, the color-changing enzymes are deactivated and the vegetable maintains its vibrant color.

Why do you blanch broccoli for salad? ›

The short cooking time brings out the natural colors in the fruit or vegetable before they can turn a displeasing color (because no one wants to eat ugly broccoli!). By stopping the cooking process, the color-changing enzymes are deactivated and the vegetable maintains its vibrant color.

How to make brocoli salad? ›

Whisk together mayonnaise, cider vinegar and honey. Toss salad ingredients with dressing: Combine broccoli florets, almonds, crumbled bacon, chopped onion, and peas in a large serving bowl. Add dressing to the salad and toss to mix well.

What kind of salad is made from apple? ›

According to the American Century Cookbook, the first Waldorf salad was created in New York City in 1893, by Oscar Tschirky, the maître d'hôtel of the Waldorf Astoria. The original recipe consisted only of diced red-skinned apples, celery, and mayonnaise. Chopped walnuts were added later to this now American classic.

How to dice broccoli for salad? ›

To chop broccoli for a salad, start by separating the florets from the stalks. Use a sharp knife to cut off the florets, leaving some stem attached. Then, chop the florets into bite-sized pieces. For the stalks, trim off the tough ends and slice them into thin rounds or julienne them, depending on your preference.

What happens if you don't blanch broccoli? ›

You may find that frozen broccoli that hasn't been blanched doesn't have as good of a taste or texture in recipes. However, it's usually fine in soups and stews, especially blended soups where it's not as crucial to have florets with a specific texture.

How long should you blanch broccoli? ›

Fill a large bowl with cold water and ice. Carefully lower the broccoli florets into the boiling water and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. The broccoli should be bright green and just barely tender. With a slotted spoon, remove the broccoli and immediately plunge into the ice water.

When not to use broccoli? ›

First, check the color of the florets. They should be a bright, uniform green. If they have any yellow or brown spots, that's a sign your broccoli is starting to spoil. If you notice fuzzy white or black patches growing on the florets or the stem, that tells you that mold is starting to form, and it's time to toss it.

Can broccoli be eaten raw as in a salad? ›

Broccoli can be prepared in numerous ways, including sautéed, steamed, boiled, or roasted, but it can also be served raw in salads or with dips.

What is the best apple to use for apple salad? ›

For salads, you'll want a nice crunchy apple that doesn't brown too quickly when sliced or chopped ghostwriter referat. The best apples for adding to salads are: Honeycrisp, Fuji, Pink Lady, Piñata®, Jazz, Envy, and Empire.

Why is it called Waldorf salad? ›

Waldorf salad is named for the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York City, where it was first created for a charity ball given in honor of the St. Mary's Hospital for Children on March 13, 1896.

What do you soak broccoli in before cooking? ›

Nope, not those commercial produce washes; the USDA actually advises against using those. Instead, use a pantry staple: vinegar. Fill a large bowl with 2 ⅔ cups cold or warm water and ⅓ cup white vinegar. Allow it to soak for 2 minutes, then dump the broccoli into a colander.

Do you wash broccoli before or after cutting? ›

Before you cook or eat fresh broccoli, be sure to clean it to remove dirt, pesticides, and even bugs. You can wash your broccoli quickly and easily with water or a vinegar solution, and you can remove cabbage worms from the florets with a salt water solution.

What are the benefits of blanching broccoli? ›

This softens vegetables while locking in their colors so they stay bright and fresh-looking. Blanching is also a wonderful technique to use for certain vegetables — such as broccoli — that are to be used in salads or crudité platters.

Why do you blanch vegetables for salad? ›

Blanching cleans the surfaces of fruits and vegetables to remove dirt and organisms and can also reduce bitterness. It brightens the color of certain vegetables, especially broccoli and other green veggies.

What does blanching do to broccoli? ›

Blanching broccoli is a simple process that involves quickly cooking your florets, then immediately chilling them to stop the cooking so the broccoli stays bright green. It's an essential step for freezing the vegetable and it helps the broccoli look and taste its best in everyday recipes.

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