Healthy Cranberry Broccoli Salad (with Creamy Greek Yogurt Dressing)

This Healthy Cranberry Broccoli Salad is creamy, fresh, and full of crunch — a colorful side dish that brings flavor and balance to any table.

It’s made with crisp broccoli, sweet cranberries and apples, and a creamy Greek yogurt dressing that’s light yet satisfying. Every bite is packed with protein, fiber, and bright Mediterranean-inspired flavor. Perfect for holiday gatherings or everyday meals, this salad proves that healthy eating can be both simple and festive!

🌿 Why You’ll Love This Salad

Wholesome & Satisfying: High in protein and fiber for a filling yet light side dish.
Creamy Without Mayo: Greek yogurt gives richness without the heaviness.
Fresh & Crunchy: The combination of broccoli, apples, and walnuts creates the perfect texture.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Gets even better after chilling — ideal for meal prep or busy holidays.
Festive & Colorful: Cranberries and apples add a pop of color and sweetness, making it a standout on any table.

This is one of those salads that looks beautiful, tastes amazing, and makes you feel good after eating it — fresh, balanced, and nourishing.

🥗 Ingredients You’ll Need

(Full ingredient list with quantities below in the recipe card.)

Broccoli: Fresh florets add crunch and color. You can use thawed frozen broccoli if needed — just pat dry before mixing.
Dried Cranberries: Add natural sweetness and festive flair. Try raisins or chopped apricots for variation.
Apple: Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala are best for crispness and flavor. Pears make a lovely swap.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Choose those packed in oil for depth of flavor. Drain well to keep the salad light.
Walnuts: Add crunch and healthy fats. Pecans, almonds, or pumpkin seeds also work beautifully.
Red Onion: Adds sharpness and balance. Shallots or green onions offer a milder option.

For the Dressing:

Greek Yogurt: The creamy, high-protein base that keeps this salad light.
Mayonnaise (optional): For extra richness — or skip it for a lighter version.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tang and brightness. Lemon juice or white wine vinegar work too.
Dijon Mustard: Balances the creaminess with a subtle kick.
Honey: Adds gentle sweetness — or use maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option.
Salt & Black Pepper: To bring all the flavors together.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Healthy Cranberry Broccoli Salad

Step 1 – Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise (if using), apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy, then taste — add more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tang as needed.

Step 2 – Prepare the Salad

Cut broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. Add to a large mixing bowl along with dried cranberries, diced apple, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, walnuts, and red onion.

Step 3 – Combine

Pour the creamy dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until evenly coated. Cover and chill for at least 15–20 minutes to let the flavors blend and the broccoli soften slightly.

Step 4 – Serve

Give the salad a quick toss before serving. Add a sprinkle of extra walnuts or cranberries on top for a beautiful presentation.

💡 Tips for Success

Chop the broccoli small: Bite-sized pieces make every bite balanced and easy to eat.
For softer broccoli: Blanch florets in boiling water for 30 seconds, then rinse in cold water — they’ll stay bright and crisp.
Use quality Greek yogurt: It keeps the dressing creamy and adds protein.
Drain well: Pat sun-dried tomatoes dry to keep the salad light.

Add apples and nuts just before serving: Helps them stay crisp and crunchy.
Make ahead: The salad can be made a few hours ahead and stored in the fridge — perfect for holiday prep!

🕒 Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even better the next day.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad actually improves after a few hours as the flavors meld together. Just add the walnuts and apples right before serving.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Swap Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt and use vegan mayo.

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes — thaw and pat dry first to prevent excess moisture.

How long does it last in the fridge?
It keeps well for up to 3 days in a sealed container.

What can I serve it with?
This salad pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, salmon, veggie burgers, or grain bowls.

🍽️ More Fresh and Festive Salad Recipes

Lentil Beet Salad (with Feta)

Mediterranean Bean Salad

📖 Healthy Cranberry Broccoli Salad Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Course: Side Dish, Light Lunch

Ingredients:

1 head broccoli (about 1 lb), cut into small florets
½ cup dried cranberries
1 red apple, diced

¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
½ cup walnuts, chopped
½ red onion, chopped

For the Dressing:

1 cup Greek yogurt
2 tbsp mayonnaise (optional)

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup

¾ tsp salt, plus black pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Add broccoli, cranberries, apple, sun-dried tomatoes, walnuts, and onion to a large bowl.
Pour dressing over the salad and toss until everything is coated.
Chill for 15–20 minutes before serving. Toss again before enjoying.

🌸 Final Thoughts

This Healthy Cranberry Broccoli Salad is proof that nutritious food can be just as exciting and flavorful as your favorite comfort dishes. It’s creamy yet refreshing, festive yet simple — and it always disappears first at the table.

Whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering, a light lunch, or a weekday dinner side, it’s a delicious way to eat the rainbow and feel great doing it. 💚