Description
This Healthy Cranberry Broccoli Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish featuring fresh broccoli florets, sweet dried cranberries, crisp apples, savory sun-dried tomatoes, crunchy walnuts, and red onion, all tossed in a creamy Greek yogurt dressing. Perfect as a refreshing side or light lunch, this salad combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with a satisfying crunch, making it both delicious and wholesome.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 broccoli head (about 1 pound; cut into small florets)
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 1 red apple (Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala work best, chopped)
- ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained and chopped)
- ½ cup walnuts (chopped)
- ½ red onion (chopped)
Dressing
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional; can substitute with vegan mayo)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
- ¾ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional), 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon honey, ¾ teaspoon salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Prep the Broccoli: Cut 1 broccoli head into small florets and add them to a large mixing bowl.
- Chop Ingredients: Chop 1 red apple, ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped), ½ cup walnuts, and ½ red onion. Add all these ingredients along with ½ cup dried cranberries into the bowl with the broccoli florets.
- Add the Mix-Ins: Combine all chopped ingredients thoroughly in the large bowl to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Add Dressing: Pour the prepared creamy Greek yogurt dressing over the salad mixture.
- Toss Well: Toss the salad well to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for 15–20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled for best taste.
Notes
- Mayonnaise in the dressing is optional and can be substituted with vegan mayo for a dairy-free alternative.
- The salad can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated to deepen the flavor.
- Use honey for a non-vegan sweetener or maple syrup for a vegan option.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste preferences.
- This salad is best served chilled for optimal flavor and texture.