This healthy broccoli apple salad comes together in minutes! It's made with raw broccoli, carrots, sweet apples, red onion, toasted pecans and dried cranberries. Maple dressing adds a touch of natural sweetness. This recipe is written for 2. Double or triple to make for a large group.
To make the maple balsamic dressing, combine all the dressing ingredients in a small jar with a lid. Give it a good shake and set aside to allow the flavours to blend.
1 tablespoon shallot,, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ¼ cup olive oil,, sea salt and pepper,
Toast the pecans in a small skillet over medium heat, just until they barely begin to brown and become fragrant. Remove the skillet from the heat and let cool, then chop coarsely.
Wash and cut the broccoli into very small bite-sized florets. Peel the tough outer layer of the stalks, then dice these finely.
Grate, julienne or slice the carrot.
Finely dice the red onion.
Remove the core from the apple but don't peel it. Slice thinly into bite-sized pieces.
Combine the vegetables and fruit in a large bowl, sprinkle with dried cranberries and pecans and toss with the maple balsamic dressing.
Notes
While toasting pecans or walnuts will add another 3 -4 minutes to your prep time, it's worth it! Toasting nuts brings out their flavour.
If you're not planning to serve this salad right away, you could toss the apple slices in a teaspoon or two of lemon juice to prevent browning.
If your red onion is very strong, soak the slices in water for 10 - 15 minutes, then drain and use them. Soaking will help to take the "bite" out of them.
Don't skimp on the dressing! Dress the salad generously to help soften and flavour the veggies.