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Apple Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with fresh ingredients in a bowl

Apple Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

A bright and refreshing salad combining crunchy broccoli, cauliflower, sweet-tart apples, chewy cranberries, and toasted almonds, all brought together with a creamy lemony dressing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Gluten-Free
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Base
  • 4–5 cups broccoli florets, chopped (about 1 medium head) Roughly chop into bite-sized pieces.
  • 2½–3 cups cauliflower florets, chopped (about 1 small head) Roughly chop into bite-sized pieces.
  • 1 medium apple, diced (such as Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala) Leave the skin on for color and fiber.
  • ½ small red onion, finely diced Or use 2–3 tablespoons minced for milder flavor.
  • 2 ribs celery, diced For crunch and a hint of freshness.
  • 2–3 pieces green onions, thinly sliced Scallions for mild oniony brightness.
  • ½ cup dried cranberries Choose sweetened or unsweetened based on preference.
  • ½ cup roasted almonds, roughly chopped Or use toasted slivered almonds.
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise Use a gluten-free label such as avocado oil mayo.
  • ¼ cup olive oil or avocado oil Keeps dressing silky.
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice Fresh is best for brightness.
  • 2 teaspoons honey Or maple syrup for a vegan option.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon fine salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Ingredients
  • ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled Omit or use a dairy-free feta for vegan.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Prepare the dressing first: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, fine salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
  2. Chop the vegetables and fruit: Roughly chop broccoli and cauliflower, dice apple, finely dice red onion, and slice green onions. Dice celery.
Combining Ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped vegetables and fruit with dried cranberries, roasted almonds, and crumbled feta (if using). Gently toss to mix.
Dressing the Salad
  1. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently fold until everything is evenly coated.
Resting
  1. Cover and refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes for optimal flavor.
Serving
  1. Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and taste for seasoning. Adjust with more salt or lemon juice if needed.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the dressing separate for maximum crispness if desired.