Apple-Broccoli Salad
A crisp, fresh salad combining sweet apples, crunchy broccoli, and tangy Italian dressing, perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop the red Delicious apples with skin on into bite-sized pieces.
- Cut broccoli into small flowerets.
- Chop the onion finely.
- In a large bowl, toss all ingredients with Italian salad dressing.
- Start with a small amount of dressing and add more until the salad is coated to taste.
- This salad can be prepared and tossed with dressing hours ahead of time.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, consider using Granny Smith apples for a tart contrast. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak the chopped onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding it to the salad. You can also add nuts like walnuts or pecans for added protein and crunch. This salad can easily be made vegan by using a plant-based dressing.
Serving Suggestions
This Apple-Broccoli Salad is a refreshing side dish for grilled meats or as part of a light lunch. It pairs beautifully with Peggy'S Broccoli And Rice Casserole for a hearty meal. For a more substantial dish, consider adding shredded chicken or chickpeas. Serve chilled for the best flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Apple-Broccoli Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If the salad seems dry after storage, add a splash more of the Italian dressing before serving. Avoid freezing the salad, as the broccoli and apples may become mushy when thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple-Broccoli Salad contains roughly 56 calories, with 1g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of apples for this salad?
Absolutely! While red Delicious apples provide sweetness, you can experiment with other varieties such as Fuji or Honeycrisp for a different flavor profile. Each type of apple will bring its own unique taste and texture to the salad.
How can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the salad ingredients and keep them separate from the dressing until you're ready to serve. This will help maintain the freshness of the broccoli and apples. Just toss everything together with the dressing shortly before serving.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad is great for meal prep! Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat to prevent sogginess. Portion it out into meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. It stays fresh for a couple of days in the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).