When I was asked to bring a side dish for my friend’s baby shower, I knew this Cranberry, Apple, and Broccoli Salad would be the perfect choice. My friend called while planning the shower and asked for my help with food, specifically something healthy that could serve several people. Since my husband and I always stick to a budget, I needed the recipe to be cost-effective, too.
This salad checked all the boxes and came with an extra perk, it only took 10 minutes to make! After chilling it in the fridge, I wrapped it in plastic and transported it effortlessly to my friend’s house. It’s no wonder this has become my go-to for easy, healthy, budget-friendly recipes!
Why This Salad is the Perfect Potluck Dish
This Cranberry, Apple, and Broccoli Salad is not just a crowd-pleaser; it’s also versatile enough for various occasions. With its healthy ingredients, simple preparation, and great taste, it’s bound to be a hit wherever you take it.
Step 1: Chop the Broccoli
Start with 4 fresh heads of broccoli and chop them into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Aim for pieces that are easy to scoop up with a fork so they’re not too big or awkward to eat.
Add your chopped broccoli to a large mixing bowl, then toss in 4 diced green onions for a bit of zest. Finally, sprinkle in 1 cup of dried cranberries for a pop of sweetness and color that really makes this salad stand out.
Step 2: Prep the Granny Smith Apple
Grab a large Granny Smith apple, dice it into small chunks, and add it to a separate bowl. Toss the apple pieces with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice to prevent browning and keep them fresh-looking.
I choose Granny Smith apples because their tartness creates the perfect balance against the sweetness of the cranberries and dressing. Once coated evenly in lemon juice, pour the diced apple into your broccoli bowl and give it a light toss to distribute the ingredients.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing Ingredients
Using the same bowl you prepped your apple in (why dirty another dish?), combine the ingredients for your creamy dressing:
- 1 cup light mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup light sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon white sugar
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy. The dressing should have a slightly tangy yet sweet flavor that’s not too heavy, making it ideal for pairing with raw broccoli. Once it’s perfectly blended, drizzle it over your broccoli salad.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
Now comes the fun part, tossing it all together! Use a big spoon or salad tongs to mix the salad thoroughly so every piece of broccoli, apple, and cranberry is coated in that flavorful dressing.
Make sure to scrape the sides of the bowl to get that dressing evenly distributed into every nook and cranny. Once mixed, cover your salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. The flavors will meld together beautifully, making it taste even better when served cold.
A Crowd Favorite for Every Occasion
The salad was a hit at the shower, and there wasn’t any left! I told the guests that I got the original recipe from Spend with Pennies but made my own adjustments along the way. This will definitely be a potluck go-to recipe in the future!
The other night, I made the broccoli salad again, this time alongside a couple of pieces of tangy marinated chicken, some cheese, and multi-grain crackers. I was surprised at how well my kids liked the broccoli salad; I think it may have been because of the dressing. It is sweet but not overpowering.
Have a potluck coming up? Give this recipe a whirl, or try out others from my 13 Best Summer BBQ & Potluck Recipes. Happy cooking, y’all!
