A crisp and creamy salad combining broccoli, apples, almonds, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries in a tangy poppyseed dressing. Perfect as a side dish or light lunch, it’s high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats, making it a wholesome and colorful addition to your weekly meal rotation.
Prepare the Broccoli Florets: Start by rinsing two fresh broccoli heads under cold running water to remove any dirt or residue. Pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Trim off the thick stalks and cut the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets, about the size of a quarter. Uniform pieces ensure even texture and make the salad easier to toss and eat. Place the florets in a large mixing bowl.
Chop the Apples: Select two crisp apples of your choice, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji, for a naturally sweet crunch. Rinse thoroughly, core them, and chop into small cubes, roughly the same size as the broccoli florets. This ensures a balanced bite with each forkful. If you are not serving immediately, drizzle the chopped apples with a teaspoon of lemon juice to prevent browning.
Dice the Red Onion: Peel a small red onion and cut it in half. Slice each half into thin strips and then dice into small, uniform pieces. The red onion adds a subtle sharpness that balances the sweetness of the apples and cranberries. Add the diced onion to the large mixing bowl with broccoli and apples.
Measure and Toast the Nuts (Optional): Measure 1/3 cup slivered almonds and 1/4 cup sunflower seeds. For extra flavor, lightly toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally until they are fragrant and golden. Let them cool slightly before adding them to the salad. Toasting enhances their crunch and brings out a richer nutty flavor.
Add the Dried Cranberries: Measure 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and add them directly to the bowl with the broccoli, apples, onion, almonds, and sunflower seeds. The cranberries provide a tangy-sweet burst that complements the creamy dressing beautifully.
Prepare the Poppyseed Dressing: In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt and 1/4 cup mayonnaise. Whisk together until smooth and creamy. Add 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Whisk again until fully combined. Finally, stir in 2 teaspoons poppy seeds. Taste the dressing and adjust sweetness or tang as desired; a little more honey or vinegar can balance the flavor according to your preference.
Combine Salad and Dressing: Gradually drizzle the prepared dressing over the broccoli, apples, nuts, and cranberries. Start with a small amount of dressing and gently toss with a large spoon or salad tongs, ensuring all ingredients are lightly coated. Add more dressing incrementally until you achieve the desired creaminess, making sure not to oversaturate the salad.
Chill for Optimal Flavor: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together, the dressing to slightly thicken, and the salad to become refreshingly crisp. This step elevates the taste and texture significantly.
Final Toss and Serve: Before serving, give the salad one last gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and ingredients. Taste a small portion and adjust seasonings if necessary, such as adding a pinch of salt or a few extra poppy seeds. Serve chilled as a side dish, light lunch, or appetizer for gatherings.
Notes
Balance Sweetness and Crunch: Use crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a naturally sweet flavor and firm texture. Slightly underripe apples work best to hold their shape in the salad.
Nuts and Seeds: Slivered almonds and sunflower seeds add crunch and heart-healthy fats. Toast them lightly to enhance their flavor. You can also swap in pecans or walnuts for variety.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the salad a few hours or even a day ahead. Toss the apples in lemon juice to prevent browning and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Dressing Consistency: Adjust the dressing to your preference by adding a bit more yogurt or honey for creaminess and sweetness. Stir gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
Flavor Variations: Add cooked bacon, cubed cheese, or halved grapes to create a personalized version while keeping the salad balanced and delicious.