You can’t go wrong with this classic salad at your next BBQ–plus it can handle the heat! Crunch broccoli and Honeycrisp apples paired with a sweet, creamy yogurt dressing and bacon. YUM!
This week it has been HOT here in Michigan–like high 80s. It’s totally getting me prepared to be pregnant in the summer….which I can admit I’m dreading. One thing I AM excited about, though, is summer cookouts. I love being able to marinade a protein or throw together random veggies to put on the grill for dinner.
When it comes to sides, I like to have different salad recipes on hand to whip up. This broccoli salad recipe has been in the family for years, but I wanted to switch it up a bit! Instead of mayo, yogurt is used to create a sweet, creamy dressing. Since I’ve been craving Honeycrisp apples, I added those for an extra crunch, plus sunflower seeds and raisins.
Did you know Michigan grows tons of agriculture?! Most people think of cherries, but apples are also very popular. Also, soy beans, peaches, potatoes, asparagus, berries and more. Plus we have vineyards galore–the Traverse City area is a beautiful wine country! During the summer, the farmers market is where it’s at! Even though apples are considered a fall fruit, I’m still enjoying Michigan apples now in the spring.
I am so honored to collaborate with the Michigan Apple Committee for this recipe. I know you’ll love this recipe, too. My favorite part about this salad is that it can hold up for DAYS. Yes, DAYS! I ate our last batch for 4 days and it wasn’t a bit soggy.
Helpful items you might need:
- Large bowl with a lid
- Veggie Chopper – this helps create uniform sized bites for the apples and onions!
- Dressing Jar to store dressing in – make ahead to save yourself some time!
- My favorite measuring cups!
- 1 Honeycrisp apple seeded and chopped into bite sized pieces
- 1 large bunch of broccoli chopped into florets (or 12 ounce prepared bag)
- ½ cup chopped red onion
- ½ cup raisins
- ½ cup sunflower seeds
- 4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- ¾ cup plain yogurt
- 2 Tablespoons milk
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup sugar or ¼ cup honey
- Salt & Pepper to taste
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In a mason jar, add dressing ingredients. Whisk and refrigerate until ready to use.
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Using a large bowl, add all salad ingredients, except bacon. Toss together. Slowly pour the dressing over the salad and allow to sit for 30-60 minutes.
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Sprinkle with bacon before serving.
This will stay tasty for up to 3 days if covered in the refrigerator. It doesn’t get soggy.
NOTE: If you can't find Honeycrisp apples, try Gala, Pink Lady or Jonagold.
For more delicious recipes, visit The Michigan Apple Committee Page!
loved it! Definitely a repeating thing!
Very easy an delicious!! Thx
This looks so good! What a great combination of flavors!
I have never left a review on anything online…….ESPECIALLY food. This salad recipe blew me away. I love apples in anything, so I got out my box grater and went to town. I snuck grated brussels sprouts instead of the broccoli (just because they were there, and broccoli wasn’t). I love the homemade, additive free, and natural ingredients in the dressing!!!! I snuck in parsley and dill which matched to Brussels perfectly. no on suspected, no leftovers and yeah, I still have a trick or two up my sleeve. Thanks so much for sharing this with us, this dressing would be great on grilled chicken too…I’m so very happy with the whole meal, KUDDO to you !!!!!
Oh my gosh, thank you so much! I love the substitutions!
How do you read the recipe with all of the junk covering the recipe?!!! Very annoying! I know you need the ads but really, do they have to cover the recipe?!!! I can’t even leave my name and email address!!!
Sorry you feel this way.
And I see if the comment isn’t favorable it’s not posted!! Tells me all I need to know about this site!
This website has not been active since 2020, I check comments as often as I have time to. Sorry for the delay!
You should relax. This recipe is amazing! Give me a break already! How rude
Question: how do you keep the apples from browning??
They actually don’t brown once in the dressing!
Due to a dairy allergy I can’t have milk or yogurt.
Can I substitute mayo ?
Yes, you can do that!
Can I use pumpkin seeds instead of sunflower seeds.
Can I use pumpkin seeds instead of sunflower seeds? Can I add cauliflower too?
You can do whatever you’d like! I can’t vouch for the flavor of cauliflower, but I bet it would be fab. I have tried smoked almonds instead of bacon before and it was delish. Pumpkin seeds would add a nice crunch, too!
I made this salad for coworkers at school. It was a hit.
Great salad with good flavor. Served with a Su dinner and it was inhaled. Definitely recommend!
How many servings is this recipe for?
I’d say about 10-12 servings.
I can’t have dairy, so is there a replacement for the milk and yogurt in the honey crisp broccoli salad? I sure hope so. I would love to make this salad now that it’s summer.
Hello! I would suggest using an unflavored almond milk or lactose free milk and a dairy free yogurt. I think Lactaid offers both!
Would it still taste good if I put dried cranberries instead of raisins?
Yes, I like to do that! Also dried blueberries!
If you substitute mayo for yogurt, would you use the same amount?
I absolutely love this recipe, but some of the family thought it was too sweet so I was hoping if I use mayo next time it would cut down on the sweetness
Yes, you can use the same amount of mayo to substitute and you can cut the sugar/honey to taste.
If honey crisp apples aren’t in season and I can’t find them, what other apple variety could I use?
Hello! You can use Gala, Pink Lady or Granny Smith, if you want a kick of sour.
Your recipe looks great! Great job with the naysayers! I was worried about the apples turning brown also, but since you are great at posting questions ( wink wink) I got to see the answer to my question. Thank you for posting such wonderful creations!
Looks sooo good. How many servings will this make? I need to feed a large group. Like 36 people.
Hi Tracy! I’d make at least a double batch! It’s always a crowd pleaser, so maybe try a triple batch.