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My easy Broccoli apple salad recipe combines fresh broccoli, crisp apples, raisins and carrots in a ranch-flavored creamy dressing. This simple side salad is perfect for potlucks and cookouts!
If you have ever been to a potluck, especially a church potluck, chances are you’ve had broccoli apple salad. I’ve had my fair share of this delicious salad, because there is something about the mix of fresh fruit and vegetables in a creamy dressing that is completely irresistible!
My version of apple broccoli salad has a secret ingredient — ranch dressing mix — that gives this popular side dish extra flavor. People love it, and it always goes fast!
I actually made this easy side salad twice last week to go with some of our favorite Blackstone recipes. We even had leftovers with pizza!
Why you’ll love this broccoli salad with apples
Easy to make with simple ingredients. No blanching required!
No added sugar — just natural sweetness from the fruit!
It’s creamy, crunchy, and even my pickiest eater goes back for seconds!
What You Need
Here are the basic ingredients. Full amounts are listed in the printable recipe card below.
- Fresh broccoli — Since there’s no blanching, you need to cut it into small, bite-sized pieces
- Apples — Go with sweet apples, not tart ones for best taste. I like gala apples or honeycrisp apples in this salad.
- Carrots — Choose shredded carrots from the store to make things easier
- Raisins — regular or golden raisins for natural sweetness. You can also use dried cranberries.
- Mayonnaise — We’re going old school here
- Sour cream — for a tangy dressing
- Apple cider vinegar — prevents apples from browning and helps preserve veggies
- Ranch powder — adds a little je ne sais quoi without overpowering the flavors
- Salt and pepper — just a pinch of each, to taste
How to Make Broccoli Apple Salad
First, wash and cut the broccoli and apples. Then, mix the dressing ingredients in a large bowl. Add all ingredients to the bowl, and toss until everything is well coated with the dressing. Cover, and place in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Quick Tips
Make sure the apples and broccoli are cut into small pieces, roughly the same size.
Don’t peel the apples — we want the nice red color to shine!
Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
Storing the Salad
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container. They stay fresh for about 2 days before getting too soft.
Variations
You can substitute plain Greek yogurt for the sour cream or use all yogurt for the dressing. You may want to add sugar if it’s too tart.
Lemon juice or red wine vinegar are good subs for the cider vinegar.
If you don’t want the ranch flavor, just leave it out.
I don’t add red onion as my kids don’t like it in salad, but you can add some if you want.
More Easy Potluck Sides
Try this reader favorite broccoli cauliflower salad or snicker apple salad or this easy cucumber tomato pasta salad next!
The Most Delicious Broccoli Apple Salad
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets about 2 medium heads
- 2 medium gala apples rinsed and diced
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup raisins
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning like Hidden Valley
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- pinch sea salt to taste
- pinch ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the dressing ingredients until well blended
- Add the chopped broccoli, diced apples, carrots and raisins
- Stir until well coated with the dressing
- Cover and refrigerate salad until ready to serve
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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