If you’re looking for a delightful way to add more veggies to your plate, then this Apple Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is just what you need! It’s colorful, crunchy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect dish for busy weeknights or family gatherings. I love how the sweet apple pairs with the earthy broccoli and cauliflower, creating a beautiful balance that everyone will enjoy.

This salad is not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve it as a side at your next barbecue or even make it the star of a light lunch. Trust me, once you try this Apple Broccoli Cauliflower Salad, it’ll become a regular in your meal rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this salad in no time!
Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the crunch and sweetness in every bite.
Makes ahead easily: The flavors intensify when allowed to marinate, making it perfect for meal prep!
Versatile ingredients: You can mix and match ingredients according to what you have on hand.
Nutritious goodness: Packed with vitamins and fiber, it’s a healthy addition to any meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients for our Apple Broccoli Cauliflower Salad. You might already have many of these on hand!

For the Salad

4 – 5 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-size pieces (10-12 ounce bag)
2 ½ -3 cups cauliflower florets, chopped into bite-size pieces (10-ounce bag)
1 medium apple, diced (1 ½ – 2 cups)
½ small red onion, diced (½ cup)
2 celery ribs, diced (½ cup)
2-3 green onions, thinly sliced (1/3 cup)
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (omit for dairy-free or Whole30)
½ cup lightly salted roasted almonds, roughly chopped (may substitute walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds for nut-free)

For the Dressing

¾ cup mayo (use egg-free mayo for vegan)
¼ cup olive oil or avocado oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
2 teaspoons honey (use maple syrup for vegan)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon fine salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Variations

One of the best parts about this Apple Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative with substitutions or additions that suit your taste.

Add some crunch: Toss in some sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for an extra crunch.
Go green: Add spinach or kale leaves to increase the greens in this salad.
Change the fruit: Swap out apples for pears or grapes for a different twist.
Make it spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or sprinkle some red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.

How to Make Apple Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

Step 1: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the mayo, olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until everything is well combined—this should take about 2-3 minutes. This creamy dressing ties all the flavors together beautifully!

Step 2: Prepare the Veggies

In a large bowl, toss together all of your salad ingredients: broccoli, cauliflower, apple, red onion, celery, green onion, dried cranberries, feta cheese (if using), and almonds. Mixing these fresh ingredients creates a vibrant medley that’s sure to please.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Pour the dressing over your salad mixture and gently toss until everything is well coated. This step is crucial because it ensures each piece of veggie gets that delicious creamy dressing.

Step 4: Chill Out

Let your salad sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes if you can wait! This allows all those wonderful flavors to marinate together—trust me; it makes a difference!

Step 5: Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which may be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Enjoy this refreshing salad again during your busy week!

Now you’re ready to enjoy your Apple Broccoli Cauliflower Salad! It’s not just food; it’s joy on a plate!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

Creating a delightful Apple Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is all about balance and flavor; these tips will help you nail it every time!

Choose fresh produce: Fresh, crisp broccoli and cauliflower will give your salad the best texture and flavor. Look for vibrant colors and firm florets to ensure maximum crunch.
Dressing tip: If you prefer a creamier dressing, add an extra tablespoon of mayo or reduce the lemon juice slightly. This can help it cling better to the veggies and enhance the overall taste.
Mix up the nuts: Experiment with different types of nuts or seeds! Each variety brings its unique flavor and crunch. For example, sunflower seeds provide a nice lightness if you’re looking to keep it nut-free.
Let it sit: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving helps meld the flavors together beautifully. If you can wait longer, even better!
Make it colorful: Add in some colorful bell peppers or carrots for an extra pop of color and nutrition. The more vibrant your salad, the more appealing it will be!

How to Serve Apple Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

This salad is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it perfect for any occasion. You can serve it as a refreshing side dish at barbecues, potlucks, or even as a main course for a light lunch.

Garnishes

Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of parsley adds freshness and a burst of greenery that enhances visual appeal.
Sesame seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds provides a nutty flavor that complements the salad beautifully.
Lemon wedges: Serve with lemon wedges on the side for guests who love an extra zesty kick!

Side Dishes

Quinoa Pilaf: A fluffy quinoa pilaf with herbs and spices makes a nutritious addition that pairs well with this crunchy salad.
Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy chicken skewers seasoned with herbs offer protein and balance out the lightness of the salad.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes roasted until crispy are not only comforting but also add sweetness that complements the apples in your salad.
Hummus and Veggies Platter: A colorful assortment of fresh vegetables with creamy hummus makes for a delightful pairing that rounds out your meal.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Apple Broccoli Cauliflower Salad will shine at any table! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a big batch ahead of time, making it an easy, grab-and-go option for busy days.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container.
Keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
If possible, store the dressing separately until you’re ready to eat to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Freezing

This salad is not recommended for freezing due to the crunchy texture of the veggies.
However, you can freeze any leftover dressing in an ice cube tray for future use.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this salad; it’s best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Just give it a good toss before serving if it’s been sitting in the fridge for a while.

FAQs

Got questions about this delicious Apple Broccoli Cauliflower Salad? Here are some answers!

Can I make Apple Broccoli Cauliflower Salad in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the salad ahead of time and store it in the fridge. In fact, letting it sit for 30 minutes or more allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully.

What can I use instead of feta cheese in this Apple Broccoli Cauliflower Salad?

If you’re avoiding dairy, feel free to omit the feta cheese altogether. Alternatively, you can replace it with a dairy-free cheese or simply add extra nuts or seeds for added crunch and flavor.

How long will Apple Broccoli Cauliflower Salad last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, your salad will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Just remember to keep the dressing separate if you want it to stay crisp!

Is this Apple Broccoli Cauliflower Salad suitable for vegans?

Yes! To make this salad vegan-friendly, simply use egg-free mayo and swap honey for maple syrup. It’s still packed with flavor and nutrients!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this refreshing Apple Broccoli Cauliflower Salad as much as I do! It’s a delightful mix of flavors and textures that makes eating vegetables exciting. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or packing lunch for work, this salad is sure to impress. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your thoughts or variations on this recipe—I love hearing from you!