Adapted from The Recipe Critic.
I know what you’re thinking: these ingredients do not belong together. When I was growing up, I would have told you the same thing. I’m known in my household for being quite a picky eater, and at social gatherings like church picnics, outdoor barbecues, and Girl Scout gatherings I always turned my nose up at the creamy mayo-based salads (no potato or pasta salads for this girl). I think it’s both a taste and a texture thing.
However, I discovered at some point that that creamy sensation combined with sweet, fresh fruits and crunchy nuts was quite palatable. Do you remember that Fruit & Walnut Salad McDonald’s used to offer? I loved that dish, and I think it helped open my eyes a bit to how delicious unique salad pairings can be. Now, I’m not opposed to throwing things together that look like they don’t belong (remember my Picadillo recipe?) because the end result is more than just a sum of its parts.
I love fresh fruit and vegetables year-round, but the warmer weather has had me craving more fresh flavors like this broccoli apple salad. Creamy, crunchy, sweet and a bit tangy, this broccoli apple salad delights with a myriad of flavors and textures. It’s not summer without salad. But who says salad has to be boring?
INGREDIENTS:
For the salad
- 4 c fresh broccoli florets
- ½ c shredded carrots
- ¼ c sweet onion, diced
- 2 large apples OR 3 small ones, finely chopped (Gala, Red Delicious, or Fuji all work well)
- 1/2 c raisins
- 1/3 c pecans, coarsely chopped
For the dressing
- ¼ c mayonnaise
- ¾ c plain Greek yogurt (I used nonfat)
- 2 T lemon juice
- 1 T sugar
- ¼ t salt
- ¼ t black pepper
DIRECTIONS:
- In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients for the salad except for the pecans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and mix to thoroughly coat.
- Refrigerate at least one half hour to chill, then top with pecans when ready to serve.
About Demelza Young
Demelza Young is an alumni of Northern Kentucky University. She currently enjoys volunteering her time in her local community, reviewing online content with her cat, and sharing quality recipes.
Very nutritious cool summer salad.
Thank you! It’s quite refreshing on these hot summer days.
Great flavors in this recipe. And it looks good too.
Thank you! And believe me, it tastes even better than it looks.
I’d love to try this. Thanks for sharing 🙂
My pleasure! Please let me know how you like it.
Looking and tasty
Thanks, Rochelle! I hope you get a chance to try out the recipe. 🙂
This sounds like a very tasty and healthy recipe. I can’t wait to try it. I have been wanting to try out new healthy recipes. Thank you so much for sharing this
I love broccoli and apples so I know I would love this salad!
Oooh! This looks delish! I think my whole family would love this. Pinning now for future reference.
This looks so yummy, We will have to try this one.
I have had this before and it is really good. In our area, we usually see walnuts rather than pecans in it. I think I would like it either way. This makes a great side dish and good for picnics too.
I love salads like this. So healthy and filling too. Just pinned for future reference.
This does look so good, and good for you, too. I have an abundance of apples right now, I’d love to try this!
Looks so delicious. Thanks for sharing. This will go good for an upcoming church potluck dinner.
This is a tasty and healthy looking recipe. I can see myself making this for myself and my family.
This sounds delicious and healthy! I have never had broccoli and apple together, I can’t wait to try it!
Thanks, Lauryn! It’s actually a really refreshing combination; I hope you enjoy it.
I love broccoli and apples! This salad sounds so delicious that I am going to make it very soon.
It’s a lovely salad to transition from summer to fall, so great timing. 🙂 I hope you love it as much as I do, Deborah!
This looks delicious! I love the pecans, that would add a great texture, and taste.
I love all the yummy flavors put in a bowl together. Very healthy and nutritional.