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–+ servings
Holiday broccoli salad with apple and cranberry on a rustic marble table.

Healthy Broccoli Salad (Creamy Greek Yogurt Dressing)

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Author: Nico Pallotta
This Healthy Broccoli Salad is a creamy, crunchy mix of broccoli, apple, cranberries, and walnuts tossed in a light Greek yogurt dressing. It’s easy to make, naturally nutritious, and perfect for holiday meals or cozy weeknight dinners. A fresh, flavorful side everyone will love.
USA - Metric

Ingredients

  • 1 head broccoli about 1 pound; cut into small florets
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • 1 red apple Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala fit best with the sun-dried tomatoes
  • ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil — drained from the oil and chopped
  • ½ cup walnuts chopped
  • ½ red onion chopped

For the Dressing

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise optional
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • ¾ teaspoon salt or to taste + black pepper

Instructions

  • Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional), 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon honey, ¾ teaspoon salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
    Step 1 dressing – Whisking Greek yogurt dressing with honey Dijon and apple cider vinegar in small bowl.
  • Prep the Salad: Cut 1 head broccoli into small florets. Add to a large bowl with ½ cup dried cranberries, 1 red apple (chopped), ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped), ½ cup walnuts, and ½ red onion (finely chopped).
    Step 2 chopping – Chopping broccoli apples walnuts and red onion for creamy broccoli salad recipe.
  • Mix Everything: Pour the dressing over the bowl and toss until all the ingredients are well coated.
    Step 3 mixing – Tossing broccoli apple cranberry salad with creamy Greek yogurt dressing in large bowl.
  • Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes so the flavors come together. Give it a quick stir before serving. This creamy, crunchy salad is perfect for holiday meals or cozy winter dinners.
    Step 4 serving – Chilled broccoli salad with Greek yogurt dressing ready to serve at festive table.

Notes

Substitutions
  • Broccoli → Pre-cut florets or lightly steamed frozen broccoli for a softer texture.
  • Red apple → Pear or pomegranate seeds for a fruity twist.
  • Dried cranberries → Raisins, chopped dates, or dried cherries.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes in oil → Roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes.
  • Walnuts → Almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds.
  • Red onion → Shallots or green onions for a milder flavor.
  • Greek yogurt → Low-fat Greek yogurt or Skyr for more protein.
  • Mayonnaise → Olive oil mayo, vegan mayo, or skip for a lighter dressing.
  • Apple cider vinegar → White wine vinegar or lemon juice.
  • Honey or maple syrup → Agave syrup or date syrup.
  • Dijon mustard → Yellow or grainy mustard.
 
Tips
  • Cut broccoli into small florets for the best texture and flavor.
  • Blanch briefly if you prefer a softer crunch.
  • Use crisp, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji.
  • Toast walnuts or pecans for extra flavor and crunch.
  • Chill for 15–20 minutes so the flavors blend beautifully.
  • Adjust honey or vinegar to balance sweetness and tang.
  • Make ahead — this holiday broccoli salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge
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