This apple broccoli cauliflower salad has become my absolute favorite dish to bring to family gatherings. My sister always asks me to make it for every potluck. I love how it combines fresh, crisp vegetables with sweet fruit and tangy dressing.
What makes this salad special is its incredible crunch and perfect balance of flavors. The sweetness from the apple and cranberries pairs beautifully with the savory feta cheese. Every bite delivers a satisfying mix of textures and tastes that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Recipe Highlights
This healthy apple broccoli cauliflower salad has quickly become one of my most requested recipes. Here are the reasons why it’s so popular in my kitchen:
Quick and Easy Preparation: No cooking required means I can have this ready in just 15 minutes. The total prep time makes it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties.
Nutrient-Dense Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables, fruit, nuts, and a homemade dressing, this salad makes it easy to meet daily veggie goals. The combination provides fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats in every serving.
Highly Customizable: I can easily swap ingredients based on what’s in my fridge or dietary preferences. This flexibility makes it a great way to use up produce before it goes bad.
Perfect for Meal Prep: The flavors actually improve overnight, making it ideal for weekly meal preparation. I often make a large batch on Sunday for quick lunches throughout the week.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: The crisp texture and sweet-savory flavor profile consistently wins over both adults and kids. It’s become my signature dish at potlucks and barbecues.
Health Benefits
This apple broccoli cauliflower salad isn’t just delicious – it’s incredibly nutritious too. The star vegetables provide powerful antioxidants and essential vitamins that support overall health.
Broccoli offers impressive amounts of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. It also contains sulforaphane, a compound linked to various health benefits. The fresh florets add natural hydration, which is why this salad feels so refreshing on hot summer days.
Cauliflower brings its own nutritional benefits to the mix. This versatile vegetable provides vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium while being naturally low in carbs. The fiber content helps with digestion and keeps you feeling satisfied longer.
The apple adds natural sweetness plus additional fiber and antioxidants. Dried cranberries contribute heart-healthy compounds, while almonds provide protein and healthy fats. Even the olive oil-based dressing supports cardiovascular health.
Ingredient Spotlight: Fresh Apples
Choosing the right apple makes a significant difference in this salad. I prefer crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith because they hold their texture well. The apple adds natural sweetness that balances the savory elements perfectly.
Fresh apples also provide pectin, a type of fiber that supports digestive health. They contain quercetin, an antioxidant that may help reduce inflammation. The natural sugars give the salad its appealing sweet-tart flavor profile.
Ingredients, Instructions & Tips
Recipe Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8 | Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Broccoli florets | 4-5 cups | Chopped into bite-size pieces (10-12 oz bag) |
| Cauliflower florets | 2½-3 cups | Chopped into bite-size pieces (10 oz bag) |
| Medium apple | 1 whole | Diced (1½-2 cups) |
| Red onion | ½ small | Diced (½ cup) |
| Celery ribs | 2 ribs | Diced (½ cup) |
| Green onions | 2-3 stalks | Thinly sliced (⅓ cup) |
| Dried cranberries | ½ cup | Unsweetened preferred |
| Feta cheese | ½ cup | Crumbled (omit for dairy-free) |
| Roasted almonds | ½ cup | Lightly salted, roughly chopped |
For the Dressing:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | ¾ cup | Use egg-free for vegan |
| Olive oil | ¼ cup | Or avocado oil |
| Fresh lemon juice | 3 tablespoons | From 1 lemon |
| Honey | 2 teaspoons | Use maple syrup for vegan |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon | Fresh garlic works too |
| Fine salt | ½ teaspoon | Adjust to taste |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon | Freshly ground preferred |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables Start by washing and thoroughly drying all fresh vegetables. Cut the broccoli and cauliflower into uniform bite-sized pieces. This ensures every forkful has the perfect balance of ingredients.
Step 2: Dice the Add-Ins Dice the apple into small, uniform pieces for even distribution. Cut the red onion finely to avoid overwhelming bites. Slice the celery and green onions thinly for optimal texture contrast.
Step 3: Make the Dressing In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice until smooth. Add honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk again until the dressing is completely combined and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli, cauliflower, diced apple, red onion, celery, and green onions. Add dried cranberries and crumbled feta cheese. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
Step 5: Add Dressing and Serve Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture. Using large spoons or salad tongs, toss everything together until well coated. Top with chopped almonds just before serving for maximum crunch.
Pro Tips for Success
Keep Vegetables Crisp: Make sure all vegetables are completely dry before mixing. Excess water dilutes the dressing and makes the salad soggy.
Apple Preparation: To prevent browning, toss diced apples with a little lemon juice before adding to the salad. This keeps them looking fresh and bright.
Dressing Distribution: Start with three-quarters of the dressing, then add more as needed. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away.
Nut Timing: Add nuts just before serving to maintain their crunch. If making ahead, store nuts separately and add them at the last minute.
Make It Allergy-Friendly
This versatile salad easily adapts to various dietary needs and preferences:
Nut-Free Option: Replace almonds with roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for the same satisfying crunch without tree nuts.
Dairy-Free Version: Simply omit the feta cheese or substitute with dairy-free cheese alternatives. The salad remains delicious and satisfying.
Vegan Adaptation: Use egg-free mayonnaise, replace honey with maple syrup, and skip the feta cheese. Consider adding nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
Lower-Fat Alternative: Substitute half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for reduced calories while maintaining creaminess.
Storage, Serving & FAQs
Storage Instructions
This apple broccoli cauliflower salad stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep and advance planning. The flavors actually develop and improve after sitting in the refrigerator overnight.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the completed salad in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The vegetables maintain their crunch remarkably well during this time.
Serving from Storage: Before serving leftover salad, give it a good toss to redistribute the dressing. The ingredients may settle, but a quick mix brings everything back together perfectly.
Freezer Warning: I don’t recommend freezing this salad. The high water content in the vegetables creates a soggy, unappetizing texture when thawed.
Prep-Ahead Tips
Day-Before Preparation: Toss diced apples in lemon juice to prevent browning. Combine all ingredients except almonds and dressing. Store separately and combine 30 minutes before serving.
Weekly Meal Prep: Make a large batch on Sunday for easy weekday meals. Portion into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches.
Party Planning: This salad actually benefits from sitting for a few hours, making it ideal for entertaining. Prepare in the morning for evening gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile salad pairs wonderfully with various proteins and main dishes. I love serving it alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp for a complete, balanced meal.
For vegetarian meals, it complements pasta dishes, quiches, or grain bowls beautifully. The fresh, crisp texture provides a nice contrast to heavier main courses.
Summer Entertaining: This salad shines at barbecues, potlucks, and outdoor gatherings. It travels well and doesn’t require heating or special serving equipment.
Holiday Tables: The colorful presentation makes it an attractive addition to holiday spreads. The make-ahead nature reduces stress during busy cooking days.
Recipe Variations
Seasonal Adaptations: Substitute pears for apples in fall, or add fresh berries in summer. Each variation brings its own unique flavor profile.
Protein Additions: Mix in cooked chicken, turkey, or chickpeas to transform this side dish into a complete main course salad.
Different Nuts: Try walnuts, pecans, or pine nuts instead of almonds. Each adds its own distinct flavor and texture.
Herb Enhancements: Add fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives for extra freshness and color.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad without mayonnaise? Yes! Replace the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option. You can also use avocado-based mayo or make a vinaigrette with olive oil and vinegar instead.
How long does this salad stay fresh? The salad maintains its quality for up to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly. The vegetables stay surprisingly crisp, though the nuts may soften slightly over time.
What’s the best apple variety to use? I prefer crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith. These hold their texture well and won’t become mushy. Avoid softer apples like Red Delicious for this recipe.
Can I substitute frozen vegetables for fresh? Fresh vegetables work best for this salad’s signature crunch. If using frozen, thaw completely and drain thoroughly, though the texture won’t be quite the same.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. The flavors actually improve overnight. Store in individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
This apple broccoli cauliflower salad has become my go-to recipe for any occasion. The combination of fresh vegetables, sweet fruit, and creamy dressing creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or feeding a crowd, this versatile salad delivers every time.
Apple Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Ingredients
- Salad:
- 4-5 cups broccoli florets chopped into bite-size pieces
- 2½-3 cups cauliflower florets chopped into bite-size pieces
- 1 medium apple diced
- ½ small red onion diced
- 2 celery ribs diced
- 2-3 green onions thinly sliced
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup feta cheese crumbled
- ½ cup lightly salted roasted almonds roughly chopped
- Dressing:
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup olive oil or avocado oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Wash and thoroughly dry all fresh vegetables. Cut broccoli and cauliflower into uniform bite-sized pieces.
- Dice the apple into small, uniform pieces. Cut red onion finely, slice celery and green onions thinly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, and lemon juice until smooth. Add honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until creamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli, cauliflower, diced apple, red onion, celery, and green onions. Add cranberries and feta cheese. Toss gently.
- Pour dressing over vegetable mixture and toss until well coated. Top with chopped almonds just before serving.
Notes
Toss diced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning
Add nuts just before serving to maintain crunch
Store in refrigerator for up to 4 days
For dairy-free: omit feta cheese
For vegan: use egg-free mayo, maple syrup instead of honey, and omit feta
For nut-free: substitute almonds with sunflower seeds
