Broccoli Apple Salad
Make Broccoli Apple Salad for a crunchy, tangy side that balances sweet fruit and smoky bacon.
Ingredients
- 1 head broccoli (cut into bite-sized florets)
- ½ cup red seedless grapes (sliced in half)
- 1 large apple (any variety, diced)
- ⅓ cup carrots (shredded or julienned)
- ¼ cup red onion (diced)
- ¼ cup bacon bits (divided)
- ¼ cup golden raisins
- 3 tablespoons sunflower seeds
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup plain yogurt
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the dressing
Whisk together the mayonnaise, plain yogurt, granulated sugar, and white vinegar in a small bowl until smooth and glossy; chill the dressing briefly while you prepare the salad components so it firms slightly and the sugar dissolves into a silky, tangy cream.
Step 2: Reserve the garnish
Measure out and set aside one tablespoon of the crispy bacon bits in a tiny dish for the final garnish, keeping the remaining bacon bits available to mix into the salad so they retain a mix of crunchy and slightly softened pieces.
Step 3: Combine the salad ingredients
Place the bite-sized broccoli florets, halved red seedless grapes, diced apple, shredded carrots, diced red onion, golden raisins, toasted sunflower seeds, and the remaining bacon bits into a large white mixing bowl; gently toss them together so colors and textures—crisp broccoli, juicy grapes, crunchy carrot threads, and chewy raisins—sit in a loose, inviting mound.
Step 4: Dress and finish the toss
Pour the chilled creamy dressing over the tossed vegetables and fruit, then fold repeatedly with a sturdy wooden spoon until every floret and piece of fruit is lightly and evenly coated in a glossy, clinging emulsion that highlights textures rather than drowning them.
Step 5: Garnish and chill before serving
Transfer the dressed salad into the serving bowl if needed, sprinkle the reserved bacon bits over the top for a crisp salty finish, give a final gentle lift so the garnish sits on the surface, then refrigerate at least one hour so flavors meld and the salad cools to serving temperature.
Notes
- Chill the dressing briefly to let the sugar dissolve and the dressing firm slightly.
- Reserve crunchy toppings like bacon bits and seeds for garnish to keep texture.
- Toss gently to avoid breaking broccoli florets or bruising fruit.
- Add a splash of lemon or vinegar before serving to brighten flavors if salad sits too long.
- For vegan option, use plant-based mayo and smoked tempeh instead of bacon.