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)

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

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.

Broccoli Apple Salad Recipe (VIDEO) (4)

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)? ›

Extra water on the broccoli can make for a runny mixture. The same goes for rinsing your broccoli! Make sure you give your broccoli adequate time to dry after rinsing. You get enough moisture from the dressing mixture that any extra water will make your salad too watery.

Why does my broccoli salad get watery? ›

Extra water on the broccoli can make for a runny mixture. The same goes for rinsing your broccoli! Make sure you give your broccoli adequate time to dry after rinsing. You get enough moisture from the dressing mixture that any extra water will make your salad too watery.

What is the best apple for salads? ›

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 do you blanch broccoli for salad? ›

🥄 How to Make Broccoli Salad

Blanching keeps the broccoli firm but the taste will be a little less “raw” and it also sets the pretty green color. This is an optional step, but I think it's really worth doing. To blanch the florets, bring a large pan of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 1 minute.

How to stop salad from going soggy in the fridge? ›

Store your clean, dry salad in an airtight plastic container lined with paper towel. The paper towel will absorb any excess water, and the airtight container will keep the salad from wilting.

What is the healthiest apple to eat everyday? ›

Red Delicious apples contain more anthocyanidins that provide their color and powerful antioxidants. They also have more calcium than other apples. Not only do they taste sweet, but they also encourage healthy weight loss and balance out the bacteria in your colon.

How should apples be cut for salad? ›

How should apples be cut for salad? If you want to make a slaw, cut them in matchsticks, but you can also dice them or thinly slice them in salads too.

What is the most popular salad in America? ›

Caesar Salad

It is a popular choice in many American restaurants and is often served as a side dish or a main course.

How do you keep apple salad from turning brown? ›

Use citrus juice, like orange or lemon juice

“To prevent fruit salad from turning brown, you can toss the fruits in a mixture of citrus juice (like lemon or orange juice) before combining them, as the citric acid in the juice helps inhibit enzymatic browning by reducing the fruits' exposure to oxygen,” she says.

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.

How do I stop apple going brown in a salad? ›

Any type of citrus juice—lemon, lime, or orange juice—will work here; pineapple juice will do the trick too. These fruit juices contain citric acid, which slows the chemical reaction and prevents browning. (You can also sprinkle the fruit with powdered citric acid, but it may leave a strong sour flavor.)

What happens if you don't blanch broccoli? ›

If you don't blanch your broccoli, it will turn color and acquire a bitter taste. You can either stick it in boiling water for three minutes to blanch, or steam it for five minutes, whichever you choose.

Can you eat broccoli raw in a salad? ›

The bottom line. Broccoli is a nutrient-packed vegetable that can be eaten safely either raw or cooked. Cooking may enhance the antioxidant activity of broccoli, but it may also reduce its content of certain heat-sensitive nutrients, such as vitamin C and sulforaphane.

Should I cut broccoli before blanching? ›

Once you have separated the broccoli into florets and peeled and chopped the stems, drop the broccoli pieces into the pot of rapidly boiling water. Let them cook for 2 minutes. Alternatively, steam the broccoli for 2 minutes in a vegetable steamer rather than boiling it. Drain the broccoli in a colander.

How do you remove excess water from broccoli? ›

NOTE: After I strain the broccoli, I shake the colander over the sink until most of the water has come out. Then I place some paper towels on the counter and dump the broccoli onto the paper towels in a single layer. This helps to get the remaining water out and lets the broccoli cool quickly, and not be mushy!

Why is my salad always wet? ›

According to Spina, this comes down to age and bacteria. “Like many plants after harvest, salad greens start to decay,” Spina said. “When they get old, they release more moisture (water) and become slimy.” Bacteria naturally live on veggies.

Why does salad leave water? ›

Acids will break down the structure of vegetables; sugar and salt are osmotic agents and will draw out the water inside the vegetables. Water-rich vegetables, like cucumbers and tomatoes, will release a lot of water and make a soggy salad.

Why is there water in my salad? ›

the seeds are responsible for 95% of the liquid and around 5% of the taste. Get rid of them. Cucumber seeds are pmuch just water while tomato seeds you can use for sauces later. Additionally you can salt them and squeeze off the water later.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: The Hon. Margery Christiansen

Last Updated:

Views: 6414

Rating: 5 / 5 (50 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: The Hon. Margery Christiansen

Birthday: 2000-07-07

Address: 5050 Breitenberg Knoll, New Robert, MI 45409

Phone: +2556892639372

Job: Investor Mining Engineer

Hobby: Sketching, Cosplaying, Glassblowing, Genealogy, Crocheting, Archery, Skateboarding

Introduction: My name is The Hon. Margery Christiansen, I am a bright, adorable, precious, inexpensive, gorgeous, comfortable, happy person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.