Description

A fresh, colourful salad combining crisp broccoli and apples with sweet dried cranberries, creamy feta, crunchy roasted sunflower seeds, and a smooth honey dressing. It’s easy to prepare, naturally vibrant, and perfect for lunches, family meals, gatherings, or a make-ahead side dish.

Ingredients

For the Salad

4 cups broccoli florets, cut into small bite-size pieces (300 g)

2 medium apples, cored and thinly sliced (300 g)

1/2 cup dried cranberries (75 g)

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (75 g)

1/3 cup sunflower seeds, roasted (50 g)

1/4 cup red onion, finely diced (40 g)

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (15 g)

For the Honey Dressing

1/3 cup Greek yogurt (80 g)

2 tbsp mayonnaise (30 g)

2 tbsp honey (42 g)

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (15 ml)

1 tsp Dijon mustard (5 g)

1/4 tsp garlic powder (1 g)

1/4 tsp salt (1 g)

1/8 tsp black pepper (0.5 g)

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Instructions

1. Place the broccoli florets in a large mixing bowl. Add the thinly sliced apples, dried cranberries, crumbled feta, roasted sunflower seeds, finely diced red onion, and chopped parsley.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and creamy.

3. Pour the honey dressing over the broccoli mixture. Toss gently until the dressing is evenly distributed and all of the ingredients are lightly coated.

4. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes. This allows the flavours to blend while helping the salad maintain its fresh, crisp texture.

5. Give the salad one final gentle toss before serving. If desired, sprinkle a few extra sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta over the top for added texture and colour.

Notes

Cut the broccoli into small bite-size pieces so the salad is easier to eat and the dressing coats each piece evenly. Use firm, crisp apples that hold their shape when sliced. Do not over-dress the salad; toss gently so the ingredients are coated without becoming overly soft. Chill the salad for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow the flavours to come together. Add extra sunflower seeds and feta just before serving to keep the topping texture fresh. The salad can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before serving. Feta can be replaced with another crumbly cheese if preferred. Sunflower seeds can be replaced with another type of toasted seed. Keep the salad crunchy by using crisp apples and avoiding extended periods at room temperature. The honey dressing can be prepared separately and added shortly before serving. Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a light lunch. For gatherings, serve chilled with extra feta, cranberries, and sunflower seeds scattered over the top.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American