Broccoli Apple Salad

Apr 20, 2026

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My broccoli apple salad recipe is made with a combination of savory and sweet ingredients. Fresh, crunchy broccoli and sweet apples are combined with a simple creamy dressing making this salad an easy, delicious side dish. This recipe can be made in less than 15 minutes and it’s full of flavor in every bite.

I have made a lot of salads over the years, especially for family get together and potlucks. This broccoli apple salad is one that I keep coming back to because its one even my picky kids love.

All the ingredients in this potluck salad come together to make a fresh, sweet and savory, irresistible bite. It really is all the best flavors in one bowl.

Another thing I love about this recipe is that it can be put together last minute. Perfect for a summer BBQ, holiday, or just a tasty dinner side dish, it’s a must try.

Looking for more broccoli recipes to try? Be sure to check out my broccoli salad with raisins, broccoli slaw with ramen noodles, and copycat Chicken Salad Chick broccoli salad recipe.

Apple and broccoli salad ingredients

Make this apple broccoli salad with a few ingredients you might already have at home.

Broccoli, shredded carrots, diced apples, onions, mayonnaise, cranberries, pecans, sour cream, sugar, salt, and pepper.

Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are used to make this salad. I recommend cutting the florets into small pieces.
Apples: I recommend using Fuji apples, honeycrisp apples, or Gala apples.
Lemon juice: This is used to toss with the diced apples to prevent them from turning brown.
Carrots: Shredded carrots add beautiful color, crunch, and flavor.
Onion: I’m using red onion for added color but you could substitute with diced green onion.
Nuts: I like using chopped pecans but walnuts also work well.
Dressing: Mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.

How to make broccoli apple salad

Step one: Toss the apples in lemon juice. This will help prevent them from browning. Place the chopped broccoli, carrots, apples, pecans, and onions in a large bowl.

Bowl of broccoli, carrots, pecans, dried cranberries, diced apples, and diced onions.

Step two: Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl to combine.

Bowl of mayonnaise, sour cream, and sugar.

Step three: Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture. Toss to combine.

Step four: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Heather’s recipe tips

While this broccoli apple salad is easy to make, there are a few tips to help make it perfect every time.

My number one tip is chop the broccoli into small pieces because its easier to eat.
Use fresh, crisp apples for the best crunch. I really love honeycrisp apples but Gala and Fuji apples also work well.
I like to toss my chopped apples in a little bit of lemon juice to help prevent them from browning. This is especially helpful if you make the salad ahead of time.
Let the broccoli salad chill in the refrigerator before serving for the best flavor.

Variations

Bacon: Mix in some cooked and crumbled bacon for added savory, smokey flavor.
Cheese: This salad is great with a little shredded cheddar cheese, blue cheese crumbles, or goat cheese crumbles.
Sunflower seeds: You can substitute the nuts with shelled sunflower seeds.
Raisins: Change out the dried cranberries with raisins, golden raisins, or dried cherries.
Dressing: Substitute the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt.