Broccoli and Apple Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Broccoli and Apple Salad is a fresh and crunchy combination bursting with vibrant flavors and textures. With toasted nuts and a tangy honey-mustard dressing, it’s a perfect side dish or light lunch that’s both healthy and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 300 g Broccoli florets (10 ½ oz)
• 1 Red bell pepper, cut into pieces
• 1 Red apple
• 30 g Pine nuts (1 oz)
• 60 g Blanched almonds, roughly chopped (2 oz)
• 4 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp White vinegar
• 2 tbsp Balsamic cream vinegar
• 1 tbsp Honey
• 2 tsp Mustard
• 1 tsp Salt
• ½ tsp Black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Toast the pine nuts in a dry pan over medium heat until they turn golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside. Roughly chop the blanched almonds.
2. Step 2: Finely chop the broccoli florets, red bell pepper, and apple into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure a crisp texture in every bite.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white vinegar, balsamic cream vinegar, honey, mustard, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, bell pepper, apple, toasted pine nuts, and chopped almonds. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat all ingredients evenly.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or mint.
• Substitute walnuts or pecans if you prefer a different nut flavor.
• Try swapping the red apple for a green apple for a tarter taste.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving. If mixed, the salad may become softer over time. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can chop the ingredients and make the dressing a few hours ahead. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain the salad’s crispness.

What can I use if I don’t have balsamic cream vinegar?

You can substitute with regular balsamic vinegar or increase the amount of white vinegar slightly, but the balsamic cream adds a nice sweetness and thickness to the dressing.

Broccoli and Apple Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.4 from 101 reviews

A fresh and crunchy Broccoli and Apple Salad combining vibrant broccoli florets, sweet red apple, and red bell pepper, tossed with toasted pine nuts and almonds, dressed in a tangy and slightly sweet olive oil vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: International
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Vegetables and Fruit

• 300 g Broccoli florets (10 ½ oz)
• 1 Red bell pepper, cut into pieces
• 1 Red apple

Nuts

• 30 g Pine nuts (1 oz)
• 60 g Blanched almonds, roughly chopped (2 oz)

Dressing

• 4 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp White vinegar
• 2 tbsp Balsamic cream vinegar
• 1 tbsp Honey
• 2 tsp Mustard
• 1 tsp Salt
• ½ tsp Black pepper

Instructions

1. Toast the nuts: In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the pine nuts until they turn golden brown and fragrant. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and set aside. Roughly chop the blanched almonds.
2. Chop the veggies and fruit: Finely chop the broccoli florets, red bell pepper, and red apple into small, bite-sized pieces. Aim for tiny, crisp bits that will give texture and flavor in every bite.
3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, white vinegar, balsamic cream vinegar, honey, mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
4. Mix it up: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, bell pepper, apple, toasted pine nuts, and chopped almonds. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss everything together thoroughly until evenly coated with the dressing.

Notes

• Toast the nuts carefully to avoid burning, as burnt nuts can impart bitterness.
• Use a crisp apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture and flavor contrast.
• You can substitute the balsamic cream vinegar with regular balsamic vinegar if unavailable, but use less honey for balance.
• This salad is best served fresh to maintain the crunchiness of the ingredients.

Keywords: Broccoli salad, Apple salad, Nutty salad, Healthy salad, Vegetarian salad, Crunchy salad, Easy salad recipe