Broccoli Apple Hot Salad

Featured in: Quick Flavor Fixes

This vibrant dish combines crisp broccoli florets and thinly sliced tart apples, blended with shredded carrots, dried cranberries, and red onion for a fresh medley. Blanched broccoli ensures tender crunch while a tangy dressing of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey ties the flavors together. Roasted almonds and sunflower seeds add a satisfying crunch. Ready in under 20 minutes, it offers a nutrient-rich, energizing option for a light meal or side.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 15:33:00 GMT
A vibrant Broccoli and Apple Hot Girl Salad, with bright green broccoli florets and apple slices. Save
A vibrant Broccoli and Apple Hot Girl Salad, with bright green broccoli florets and apple slices. | flavza.com

A vibrant, fresh salad featuring crisp broccoli and sweet-tart apple, tossed in a zesty dressing for a nutrient-packed, energizing meal.

This salad has become a favorite for refreshing lunches and light dinners in my household, loved by both adults and kids.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables & Fruit: 1 large head broccoli cut into bite-sized florets, 1 large apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) thinly sliced, 1 small red onion thinly sliced, ½ cup shredded carrots, ¼ cup dried cranberries
  • Nuts & Seeds: ¼ cup roasted almonds roughly chopped, 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds
  • Dressing: 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, ½ teaspoon sea salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 1:
Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil Add broccoli florets and blanch for 1–2 minutes until vibrant green and just tender Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking Pat dry
Step 2:
In a large bowl combine blanched broccoli apple slices red onion shredded carrots and dried cranberries
Step 3:
In a small bowl or jar whisk together olive oil apple cider vinegar Dijon mustard honey salt and pepper until well combined
Step 4:
Pour dressing over the salad and toss to evenly coat
Step 5:
Add chopped almonds and sunflower seeds just before serving for crunch Toss gently and serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for more flavor
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This salad often brings our family together at the table enjoying healthy and colorful meals.

Notes

For extra protein add grilled chicken or chickpeas Substitute walnuts or pecans for almonds if preferred Try adding crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy touch A crisp Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with this salad

Required Tools

Medium pot Large mixing bowl Small bowl or jar Whisk Knife Cutting board

Nutritional Information

Calories 210 Total Fat 12 g Carbohydrates 24 g Protein 4 g

This Broccoli and Apple Hot Girl Salad shows fresh ingredients tossed in a zesty, homemade dressing. Pin it
This Broccoli and Apple Hot Girl Salad shows fresh ingredients tossed in a zesty, homemade dressing. | flavza.com

A bright and simple salad perfect for any season combining fresh ingredients and great textures.

Broccoli Apple Hot Salad

Vibrant mix of broccoli, apple, nuts, and zesty dressing for a fresh, energizing meal in minutes.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
2 Minutes
Total Time
17 Minutes

Category: Quick Flavor Fixes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 servings

Dietary: Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Vegetables & Fruit

01 1 large broccoli head, cut into bite-sized florets
02 1 large apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), thinly sliced
03 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
04 ½ cup shredded carrots
05 ¼ cup dried cranberries

Nuts & Seeds

01 ¼ cup roasted almonds, roughly chopped
02 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds

Dressing

01 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
02 1½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
03 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
04 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
05 ½ teaspoon sea salt
06 ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 01

Blanch Broccoli: Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and blanch for 1 to 2 minutes until vibrant green and just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking. Pat dry.

Step 02

Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix blanched broccoli, apple slices, red onion, shredded carrots, and dried cranberries.

Step 03

Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

Step 04

Dress the Salad: Pour dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to coat evenly.

Step 05

Add Nuts and Seeds: Stir in chopped almonds and sunflower seeds just prior to serving to maintain crunch. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance flavors.

Tools You'll Need

  • Medium pot
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl or jar
  • Whisk
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains tree nuts (almonds).
  • Contains mustard.
  • Honey presence makes it unsuitable for strict vegans.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 210
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 24 g
  • Protein: 4 g