Chickpea Apple Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing Recipe

Introduction

This Chickpea Apple Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing is a vibrant, healthy dish that combines crunchy broccoli, sweet apples, and protein-packed chickpeas. The honey dijon dressing adds a tangy-sweet flavor that ties everything together perfectly. It’s quick to prepare and makes a refreshing meal or side for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 head broccoli, very finely chopped
• 1 (15 ounce) can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups diced honeycrisp apples (from about 2 medium honeycrisp apples)
• 1 cup shredded carrots (or 1 cup matchstick cut carrots)
• ⅓ cup diced green onion
• ⅓ cup dried cherries
• ⅓ cup chopped pecans
• ½ cup chopped flat leaf parsley

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• ½ tablespoon honey
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste

• Extra cherries and pecans, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli, chickpeas, diced apples, shredded carrots, diced green onion, dried cherries, chopped pecans, and chopped parsley. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Step 3: Immediately drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
4. Step 4: Taste the salad and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with extra dried cherries and pecans before serving. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Tips & Variations

• Use honeycrisp apples for the best balance of sweetness and crispness, or try tart apples like Granny Smith for a sharper flavor.
• Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different nutty texture.
• For extra creaminess, stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise into the dressing.
• Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries in place of dried cherries for a variation in sweetness.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors develop nicely over time, but for best texture, consume within 2-3 days. If the salad becomes too dry, toss in a little extra olive oil or a splash of apple cider vinegar before serving. Serve cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, this salad is naturally vegan as long as you use pure honey-free sweeteners like maple syrup or agave instead of honey in the dressing.

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the salad a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Add the dressing just before serving to keep the broccoli crisp, or toss everything together and expect a softer texture as it rests.