Mediterranean Broccoli Apple & Cashew Salad with Creamy Dressing
This Mediterranean-inspired broccoli salad is a vibrant mix of crisp vegetables, sweet fruits, and crunchy nuts, all coated in a tangy-sweet creamy dressing. Fresh broccoli adds a refreshing crunch, red onions bring a mild zing, while apples, pears, and dried cranberries give bursts of natural sweetness. Cashews round everything out with their buttery texture, making each bite balanced and satisfying. It’s perfect as a side dish for grilled meats, a light vegetarian lunch, or a colorful potluck addition.
Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time (optional for best flavor): 30 minutes
Total Time: 15–45 minutes
Ingredients
Salad
3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 medium red apple, diced (skin on)
1 medium pear, diced (skin on)
½ cup red onion, finely diced
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup roasted cashews (unsalted or lightly salted)
Creamy Dressing
½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise for a richer taste)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
Wash broccoli, apple, and pear thoroughly.
Dice apples and pears into small cubes to match the broccoli size.
Chop broccoli into bite-sized florets.
Finely dice the red onion.
Mix the Salad Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli, apple, pear, red onion, dried cranberries, and cashews.
Make the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Combine
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Chill & Serve
For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving, allowing the dressing to meld with the salad ingredients.
Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
Broccoli Texture – If you prefer softer broccoli, blanch it for 30–40 seconds in boiling water, then plunge into ice water before adding to the salad. This keeps its bright green color while slightly softening the crunch.
Prevent Apple Browning – Toss diced apples and pears with a little lemon juice right after cutting to keep them fresh-looking.
Dressing Balance – Taste the dressing before mixing; add more honey for sweetness or vinegar for extra tang.
Nut Crunch – Add cashews right before serving so they stay crunchy and don’t absorb too much dressing.
Make Ahead – You can prep the salad up to a day in advance, but store the dressing separately and mix just before serving for the freshest texture.
Serving Suggestion – This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, salmon, or falafel for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Variations
Nut Swap – Replace cashews with almonds, walnuts, or pistachios for a different flavor and crunch.
Fruit Changes – Swap the pear for grapes, or add pomegranate seeds for a festive touch.
Cheese Addition – Crumbled feta or goat cheese gives a tangy Mediterranean twist.
Herb Boost – Add fresh parsley, mint, or dill for extra freshness.
Vegan Option – Use plant-based yogurt or vegan mayo and maple syrup instead of honey.
Extra Protein – Toss in grilled chicken strips, chickpeas, or boiled eggs to make it a complete meal.
Dressing Twist – Use tahini and lemon juice instead of yogurt for a creamy, nutty alternative.
Q&A
Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli for this salad?
A: Yes, but it’s best to thaw it completely and pat it dry. Frozen broccoli will have a softer texture, so blanching isn’t necessary.
Q2: How long will this salad last in the fridge?
A: Up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container, though the apples and nuts may lose some crispness over time.
Q3: Can I make the dressing lighter?
A: Absolutely! Use low-fat Greek yogurt and reduce the olive oil to 1 tablespoon for a lighter version.
Q4: Is this salad gluten-free?
A: Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as long as all dressing ingredients are gluten-free certified.
Q5: Can I prepare this for a crowd?
A: Yes, simply double or triple the recipe. Add nuts right before serving to keep them crunchy.
Nutrition
Calories: ~210 kcal
Protein: 6 g
Carbohydrates: 26 g
Sugars: 16 g
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Fiber: 5 g
Sodium: 85 mg
(Values may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.)
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Broccoli, Apple & Cashew Salad is a refreshing, colorful, and nutrient-rich dish that balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite. It’s packed with antioxidants from fresh produce, healthy fats from nuts, and protein from yogurt, making it both delicious and wholesome. Whether served at a family dinner, a summer picnic, or as a make-ahead lunch, it’s sure to brighten the table and satisfy everyone’s taste buds.