This refreshing Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is the perfect mix of crisp, creamy, sweet, and tangy — but with a healthier twist! We made it lower carb, higher protein, and lighter without losing any of the flavor. It’s the perfect make-ahead lunch, potluck side, or quick high-protein meal prep.
Recipe Card (Everything You Need!)
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Category: Salad / High-Protein
Diet: Low Carb, Gluten-Free
Ingredients
Salad
- 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
- 1 small Honeycrisp apple, diced (lower sugar than large)
- 2 tbsp dried cranberries (or sugar-free)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
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Optional protein boosters:
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese (extra protein)
- OR 1/2 cup diced grilled chicken
- OR 1 diced boiled egg
High-Protein Low-Carb Dressing
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tbsp honey (or sugar-free sweetener)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt & pepper to taste
Why You’ll Love This Salad
- ✔ Low carb but still sweet & crunchy
- ✔ High-protein Greek yogurt dressing
- ✔ Perfect for meal-prep (stays crunchy!)
- ✔ No mayo needed — lighter but creamy
- ✔ Ready in minutes
- ✔ Kid-friendly + lunchbox approved
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
1. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together:
Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
2. Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add:
broccoli, diced apple, cranberries, nuts, and red onion.
Add optional protein boosters if using.
3. Toss Everything Together
Pour the dressing over the bowl and mix gently to fully coat.
4. Chill & Serve
Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to help the flavors blend.
Serve cold and enjoy!
Substitutions & Variations
- Keto: skip apples + cranberries → add blueberries or avocado
- Dairy-Free: use coconut yogurt
- More Protein: add extra grilled chicken or ½ cup cottage cheese
- Lower Carb: use sugar-free cranberries or leave them out
- Crunch Boost: add sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
Tips for the Best Broccoli Salad
- Chop broccoli small so it absorbs the dressing better
- Toast nuts for extra flavor
- Toss apples in lemon juice if making ahead (prevents browning)
- For extra creaminess, add 1–2 tbsp more Greek yogurt
Storage
- Fridge: 2–3 days
- Meal Prep Tip: keep nuts separate until serving to maintain crunch
Nutrition (Per Serving)
(With original ingredients + no added chicken)
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 12g
- Carbs: 12g
- Net Carbs: ~10g
- Fat: 14g
