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This bright broccoli salad packs vibrant colors and satisfying crunch for a feel-good side you can whip up in fifteen minutes. It blends fresh broccoli and sweet fruit with a creamy yogurt poppy seed dressing, making it a favorite at family picnics and summer potlucks.
I first threw this together when I needed a last-minute dish for a barbecue. Everyone asked for the recipe and now my cousins bring it to every get-together.
Ingredients
- Fresh broccoli: Cut into small pieces gives this salad its powerful crunch and is packed with vitamins. Look for firm stalks and tight green florets
- Fresh blueberries: Add juicy bursts of flavor. Choose berries that are plump and deep blue
- Red onion: Finely diced for a hint of sharpness. Pick onions that feel heavy and have papery skins
- Dried cranberries: Bring chewy texture and subtle tartness. Try to use unsweetened if possible
- Sunflower seeds: Offer extra crunch and healthy fats. Raw or lightly toasted both work
- Large crisp apple: Cut into bite-size pieces adds freshness. For best results pick a tart apple like Honeycrisp
- Lemon juice: Keeps the apples from browning and brightens the flavors
- Plain Greek yogurt: Forms the creamy base for the dressing. Thick full fat gives richness though any variety will work
- Honey: Sweetens the dressing naturally. Use real raw honey whenever you can
- Apple cider vinegar: Delivers a gentle tanginess and rounds out the yogurt’s flavor
- Poppy seeds: Add specks of crunch and visual appeal
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Broccoli and Fruit:
- Chop the broccoli into small bite-size florets. Dice the apple into similar sized pieces. Finely chop the onion. This helps every bite have a little of everything
- Toss the Apples:
- In a small bowl toss the chopped apple with lemon juice. This step is key to keeping apples crisp and preventing browning
- Combine the Veggies and Fruit:
- In a large salad bowl add the broccoli blueberries onions cranberries and sunflower seeds. Stir to evenly distribute the ingredients
- Mix the Greek Yogurt Dressing:
- In a separate bowl whisk together Greek yogurt honey lemon juice apple cider vinegar and poppy seeds. Whisk until smooth and creamy
- Toss with Dressing:
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Use a large spoon to toss gently until all ingredients are coated but the salad stays fluffy
- Serve or Chill:
- This salad can be served right away or covered and chilled for later. I like to refrigerate for at least thirty minutes for the flavors to meld
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The apples are always my favorite part because they soak up the tangy yogurt dressing and their crunch reminds me of the apple trees in my grandparents’ backyard. I love watching my kids pile their plates high with every colorful spoonful.
Storage tips
If you want to make this ahead keep the dressing and salad separate in airtight containers. Combine just before serving to maintain crunch. Leftovers are best eaten within a day though the flavors keep well for up to forty eight hours.
Ingredient substitutions
Mayonnaise can be swapped for yogurt if you prefer a more classic creamy dressing. You can also use pear or grapes in place of apples for a little twist. Pumpkin seeds or chopped walnuts bring a great nutty spin if you do not have sunflower seeds.
Serving suggestions
This salad shines next to grilled chicken skewers or as part of a picnic spread. Try serving in lettuce cups for a creative appetizer or alongside rotisserie chicken for a quick weeknight meal.
Cultural history
Broccoli salads became popular in American cookouts thanks to their simple preparation and ability to stay crisp without wilting. Swapping Greek yogurt for mayo keeps this version fresh and modern while keeping that beloved tang.
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I keep the salad crisp if making ahead?
Store dressing and salad separately in airtight containers and toss together just before serving for maximum crispness.
- → Can I substitute mayonnaise for the yogurt?
Yes, you can use 1 cup mayonnaise instead of Greek yogurt. Reduce honey to 3 tablespoons for balance.
- → What fruits can I use besides apples and blueberries?
Pear slices or grapes work well as substitutes or additions for extra sweetness and texture diversity.
- → Is the salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, prep ingredients ahead but add dressing right before eating to maintain fresh crunch and flavor.
- → Can the salad be made nut-free?
Absolutely—sunflower seeds are naturally nut-free, making this a safe, crunchy addition without tree nuts.