Broccoli Apple Hot Salad

Featured in: Everyday Cozy Meals

This dish features crisp broccoli florets blanched to tender vibrancy combined with thinly sliced tart apples and crunchy nuts. Enhanced by a lively dressing of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and a hint of honey, it creates a balanced medley of fresh, sweet, and savory flavors. Ideal for a quick, nourishing meal, it offers texture variety from dried cranberries and sunflower seeds, making it a bright addition to any table.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 08:18:00 GMT
Vibrant Broccoli and Apple Hot Girl Salad, featuring bright green broccoli florets and crisp apple slices. Save
Vibrant Broccoli and Apple Hot Girl Salad, featuring bright green broccoli florets and crisp apple slices. | moonthyme.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 quickly became my go-to lunch during busy weeks because it's both delicious and energizing.

Ingredients

  • Broccoli: 1 large head, cut into bite-sized florets
  • Apple: 1 large (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), thinly sliced
  • Red onion: 1 small, thinly sliced
  • Shredded carrots: ½ cup
  • Dried cranberries: ¼ cup
  • Roasted almonds: ¼ cup, roughly chopped
  • Sunflower seeds: 1 tablespoon
  • Extra virgin olive oil: 3 tablespoons
  • Apple cider vinegar: 1½ tablespoons
  • Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon
  • Honey or maple syrup: 1 teaspoon
  • Sea salt: ½ teaspoon
  • Freshly ground black pepper: ¼ teaspoon

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.
Fresh and colorful Broccoli and Apple Hot Girl Salad, with a tangy dressing and crunchy almonds ready to serve. Save
Fresh and colorful Broccoli and Apple Hot Girl Salad, with a tangy dressing and crunchy almonds ready to serve. | moonthyme.com

My family especially enjoys this salad during warm weather, making it a staple at our summer gatherings.

Required Tools

Medium pot, large mixing bowl, small bowl or jar, whisk, knife, and cutting board are needed to prepare this recipe.

Allergen Information

This recipe contains tree nuts and mustard; please check labels if allergies are a concern.

Nutritional Information

Each serving contains approximately 210 calories, 12 g total fat, 24 g carbohydrates, and 4 g protein.

Tempting Broccoli and Apple Hot Girl Salad, showcasing the crisp textures of apple, broccoli, and toasted almonds. Save
Tempting Broccoli and Apple Hot Girl Salad, showcasing the crisp textures of apple, broccoli, and toasted almonds. | moonthyme.com

This salad is perfect for meal prep and tastes even better after chilling for 30 minutes.

Broccoli Apple Hot Salad

Crisp broccoli and sweet apple tossed with zesty dressing for a fresh, energizing dish.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
2 min
Total Duration
17 min
Created by Lydia Brooks


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Portions 4 Serving Size

Diet Info Vegetarian Friendly, No Dairy, No Gluten

What You'll Need

Vegetables & Fruit

01 1 large head broccoli, 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

How to Make It

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 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: Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, sea salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or jar until emulsified.

Step 04

Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss until evenly coated.

Step 05

Add Nuts and Seeds: Sprinkle chopped almonds and sunflower seeds over the salad just before serving. Toss gently and serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance flavors.

Tools Needed

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

Allergen Details

Review every ingredient for allergens and ask a medical professional when unsure.
  • Contains tree nuts (almonds)
  • Contains mustard
  • Honey excludes vegan suitability

Nutrition Details (each serving)

These details are for reference only, and shouldn't replace healthcare advice.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Proteins: 4 g