Crunchy Broccoli Apple Salad with Nuts

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Dive into a bowl of freshness with this vibrant and crunchy broccoli apple salad, complemented by the nutty textures of pecans and the sweet chewiness of cranberries. This salad is not only a delight to your taste buds but also a feast for your eyes, making it a perfect addition to any meal.

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

  • 2 large broccoli heads, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
  • 3/4 cup pecans or walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
  • 1 apple, cored and diced

For the Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Directions:

  1. Salad Prep: Begin by washing the broccoli thoroughly. Chop the broccoli, red onion, and apple into small, bite-sized pieces. Roughly chop the toasted nuts to add a crunchy texture to your salad.
  2. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, bring together the chopped broccoli, diced apple, chopped red onion, dried cranberries, toasted and chopped pecans (or walnuts), and sunflower seeds. Mix well to distribute all the ingredients evenly.
  3. Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon juice until smooth. For a hint of sweetness, add honey or maple syrup according to your preference. Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  4. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything together until the salad is well coated with the dressing, ensuring each piece is lightly dressed in the creamy mixture.
  5. Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the broccoli to slightly soften, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the salad.

This broccoli apple salad with nuts is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, from the creamy dressing to the crunchy vegetables and nuts, rounded off with the sweetness of the cranberries and apples. It’s a refreshing side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of mains, offering a burst of freshness with every bite.

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