Are you on the lookout for a refreshing and nutritious dish? This creamy broccoli apple salad is a delightful blend of flavors that will keep you coming back for more. Perfect as an Easter salad or a light lunch, this recipe incorporates the crispness of apples and the richness of creamy lemon dressing, making it one of the best broccoli salad recipes around.
Imagine biting into a crunchy apple salad that combines the vibrant textures of fresh broccoli, sweet apples, and crunchy pecans. This broccoli apple pecan salad elevates the classic broccoli salad and fits seamlessly into any healthy eating plan. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or enjoying a wholesome meal at home, this apple broccoli salad recipe is a winner.
What sets this recipe apart is its straightforward preparation and the use of simple ingredients. It’s not just a salad; it’s a celebration of flavors and colors on your plate!
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Vibrant Ingredients at Play
Bright green broccoli florets form the base of this delightful Crunchy Broccoli Apple Salad. Their fresh and crisp texture pairs beautifully with the sweet and juicy diced apples, adding a pop of color and flavor to every bite.
The inclusion of golden chopped pecans introduces a satisfying crunch, enhancing the overall experience of this Broccoli Apple Salad Recipe Healthy. Each component is chosen not just for taste but for its visual appeal, making this dish a feast for the eyes as well.
A Creamy Lemon Dressing to Tie It All Together
The creamy lemon dressing is the star of this Broccoli Apple Pecan Salad. Made from plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and a touch of honey or maple syrup, this dressing adds a zesty brightness that elevates the salad’s flavor profile.
With only a few ingredients, this dressing is quick and easy to prepare, ensuring that you can whip up this salad in no time. A drizzle of the creamy concoction over the salad perfectly complements the textures of broccoli and apples, making it one of the best broccoli salad recipes around.
Health Benefits of Crunchy Salad Recipes
This Broccoli Apple Salad is not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients. Broccoli is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, while apples bring natural sweetness and fiber to the table. Together, they create a nutritious option that fits seamlessly into healthy eating plans.
With under 250 calories per serving, this dish is perfect for those seeking crunchy salad recipes healthy. It can serve as a light lunch or a colorful side dish for gatherings, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
Simple Preparation Steps
Creating this Broccoli Apple Salad is a straightforward process. Start by blanching fresh broccoli florets, which enhances their vibrant color while keeping them tender-crisp. Mixing in diced apples, chopped pecans, and shredded carrots makes for a delightful combination.
The final touch involves tossing everything together with the creamy lemon dressing. For those looking for a refreshing side for Easter salad recipes or just a light, healthy lunch, this Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe delivers both in taste and presentation.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This salad shines when served cold, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. For an added twist, consider incorporating other ingredients like shredded kale or even a sprinkle of bacon for those who enjoy a savory touch.
Whether you’re preparing this for a picnic, a family gathering, or just a weekday meal at home, the Broccoli Apple Salad Recipe offers endless possibilities for customization. Each serving promises a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making it a favorite among salad lovers.
Freshness and Appeal on the Table
Presented in a rustic bowl, this vibrant salad becomes the centerpiece of any dining table. The colorful ingredients scattered around create an inviting atmosphere, making it hard to resist diving in.
With its stunning visual appeal and mouthwatering flavors, this Crunchy Apple Salad is not just a dish; it’s an experience that celebrates the goodness of fresh ingredients. Perfect for anyone looking to add a nutritious and delicious option to their meal repertoire!
Delicious Broccoli Apple Salad Recipe Healthy and Under 250 Calories
This broccoli apple salad is a refreshing dish that combines tender broccoli florets, crunchy apples, and creamy lemon dressing. It’s light yet satisfying, perfect for anyone looking for healthy salad recipes. The addition of pecans adds a nutty crunch that complements the sweetness of the apples.
With only under 250 calories per serving, this salad is ideal for anyone seeking nutritious yet delicious options. The balance of flavors makes it a standout dish whether served as a side or a main course.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 large apple, diced (any crunchy variety)
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the blanched broccoli, diced apples, chopped pecans, and shredded carrots. Pour the creamy lemon dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately, or chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. This salad is best served cold and can be a delightful addition to any meal.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 220kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
Diet Suitability
| Diet | Explanation / Adjustments |
|---|---|
| Vegetarian | Suitable as is, since all ingredients are plant-based and contain no meat, fish, or poultry. |
| Gluten-Free | Suitable as is, as none of the ingredients contain gluten. Ensure the honey or maple syrup is certified gluten-free. |
| Dairy-Free | Not suitable as is. Replace Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut yogurt or almond-based yogurt. |
| Vegan | Not suitable as is. Replace Greek yogurt with a vegan yogurt alternative and honey with maple syrup. |
| Low-Carb/Keto | Not suitable as is due to apples and carrots being higher in carbs. Reduce the quantity of apples and carrots, or substitute with lower-carb vegetables (e.g., zucchini or celery). Replace honey/maple syrup with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol. |
| Paleo | Suitable with modifications. Replace Greek yogurt with a paleo-friendly option like almond yogurt, and ensure honey is used instead of maple syrup. |
| Nut-Free | Not suitable as is. Remove pecans and replace with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free alternative. |
| Low-FODMAP | Not suitable as is. Broccoli, apples, and honey are high-FODMAP. Substitute broccoli with spinach, apples with oranges or berries, and honey with maple syrup for a low-FODMAP option. |
| Diabetic-Friendly | Partially suitable. Reduce or omit honey/maple syrup to lower the glycemic impact and ensure portion control is followed. |
| Heart-Healthy | Suitable as is, due to its high fiber content and healthy fats from pecans. Ensure the salt is used sparingly to limit sodium. |
