Apple Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe

I love that this Apple Broccoli Cauliflower Salad brings both bright flavors and crunchy textures in every bite. Crisp apples and dried cranberries elevate the medley of vibrant veggies, while roasted nuts add a satisfying crunch. A tangy, creamy lemon dressing ties everything together, making it a refreshing fall delight.

I love making this Apple Broccoli Cauliflower Salad because it really captures the flavors of fall and packs a nutritious punch. I mix 2 cups chopped broccoli florets with 2 cups cauliflower florets, then toss in 2 crisp diced apples to give it a sweet crunch.

I also add 1/2 cup dried cranberries and 1/2 cup roasted nuts to bring both sweetness and a nutty texture to the dish. The creamy lemon vinaigrette is my favorite part—made with 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon honey, and a little salt and pepper.

I think this salad offers a great balance of taste and key nutrients, and it makes an excellent choice for anyone looking for a nutrient-dense, fall-friendly broccoli and cauliflower salad.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe for a bunch of reasons. First, I love how the crunch of the apples and nuts mixes with the tender broccoli and cauliflower so in each bite its a fun texture party. Second, I like that the creamy lemon dressing gives such a tangy kick that makes all the flavors pop, and its not too heavy either. Third, I appreciate that its really simple to make so i can whip it up fast even if im in a hurry. Lastly, the mix of sweet dried cranberries with the savory veggies makes every mouthful interesting and unexpected.

Ingredients

• Broccoli: Crisp, fibre-rich and full of vitamins that helps your digestion and add crunch.
• Cauliflower: Mild flavour veggie, high in fibre and nutrients that supports a healthy lifestyle.
• Apples: Crisp, sweet fruit that gives the salad fresness and a fibre boost.
• Cranberries: Dried berries that add a tangy kick and a burst of antioxidants.
• Roasted Nuts: Crunchy, protein-packed nuts with healthy fats that bring a nutie taste.
• Lemon Juice: Sour and fresh, it brightens the mix and absolutly balances the sweetness.
• Greek Yogurt: Creamy dairy that offers protein and a tangy note, perfect for dressing.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups chopped broccoli florets
• 2 cups chopped cauliflower florets
• 2 crisp apples, cored and diced
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup roasted nuts (almonds or walnuts, roughly chopped)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. Start by chopping 2 cups of broccoli florets and 2 cups of cauliflower florets into bite-sized pieces.

2. Core and dice 2 crisp apples then add them to a large bowl.

3. Stir in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and 1/2 cup of roasted nuts, either almonds or walnuts, roughly chopped.

4. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon honey.

5. Season the creamy mixture with salt and pepper to taste then whisk it until it’s smooth.

6. Pour the dressing over the chopped veggies, apples, cranberries, and nuts in the large bowl.

7. Toss everything together well so every piece gets dipped in that lovely lemony sauce.

8. Let the salad rest for about 15 to 20 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

9. Give it a final toss, check for a bit more salt and pepper if needed.

10. Serve cold and enjoy your delicious Apple Broccoli Cauliflower Salad as the perfect fall treat.

Equipment Needed

1. A large mixing bowl for tossing all the chopped veggies, fruits, cranberries, and nuts together
2. A small bowl for combining the dressing ingredients
3. A sturdy cutting board to chop the broccoli, cauliflower, and apples
4. A sharp knife for dicing the vegetables and fruits
5. A whisk for smoothly blending the mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, zest, and honey
6. Measuring cups and spoons to accurately measure each ingredient
7. A citrus zester for obtaining the lemon zest (if you don’t have one, a fine grater can work)
8. A spatula or mixing spoon to help toss the salad evenly

FAQ

• Q: Can I make the salad ahead of time?
  A: Yeah, you can prep it a day in advance. Just keep it in the fridge in an airtight container and add the nuts right before serving so they stay crunchy.
• Q: Can I swap the mayonnaise for something else?
  A: Sure you can. If you want a lighter version try using extra Greek yogurt instead. For a vegan twist, use a plant-based mayo.
• Q: Do I need to cook the broccoli and cauliflower?
  A: No, you dont have to cook them. Raw veggies add a great crunch to the salad but if you prefer a softer texture, lightly blanch them.
• Q: What type of apples work best in this recipe?
  A: Crisp apples like Gala or Honeycrisp work great cause they hold up well and add a nice sweet-tart flavor.
• Q: How long will the salad last in the fridge?
  A: It should be good for one to two days. Give it a stir before serving since the dressing might make the fruit and veggies a little soft.

Apple Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you dont have crisp apples, try using diced pears or even seedless grapes for a similar crunch and sweetness
• If you’re low on mayo, you can swap it out with a bit more plain Greek yogurt or even a vegan mayo if thats your thing
• Not a fan of dried cranberries? Raisins or dried cherries works pretty well in its place
• If roasted nuts arent available, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds provide a good alternative for that nutty texture
• For a different tang if you dont have fresh lemon juice, a splash of apple cider vinegar can do the trick

Pro Tips

1. Try to toast your nuts in a dry pan for a few minutes till they get lightly browned. It really makes them crunchier and deepens their nutty flavour.
2. If your salad feels a bit dry once everything is tossed, add a little extra lemon juice or even a splash of olive oil. It helps to brighten up the whole dish.
3. Let the salad sit in the fridge for an extra 10 or 15 minutes if you can; it really gives the dressing time to meld with all the ingredients better.
4. Feel free to substitute the cranberries with raisins or even chopped dried apricots if you prefer a different kind of sweetness. Enjoy experimentin with this and make it your own!