If you love having broccoli salad at your family gatherings, you will enjoy this winter version!  This crunchy and sweet is a satisfying salad that will be loved by both adults and children. 

Here in the Midwest we love our broccoli salad at family get-togethers and potlucks.  Instead of the traditional bacon, cheddar cheese and mayo based broccoli salad dressing, I created a winter version that you can serve to your friends and family at your winter holiday celebrations!

This salad is so vibrant that it will take away your winter blues. Winter foods are usually creamy, warm, and full of carbs.  However, I also find comfort in dishes filled with bright colors and that contain fresh ingredients.  This is such a great winter salad. The instructions are super easy to follow.  You can quickly bring the elements to your relative’s house and throw the salad together in an instant!

Ingredients Needed:

8 cups chopped broccoli florets- cut from a broccoli head or broccoli stalks fom from the produce department of the grocery store.

1 green apple, diced

1/2 cup pomegranate arils

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup green onion, finely sliced

1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted if desired

4 mozzarella cheese sticks, chopped

Zest of 1 orange or lemon (optional, for a hint of citrus)

Poppyseed Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon of olive oil

1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

2 tbsp honey or maple syrup

1 tbsp poppy seeds

Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe note: You can also choose to use your favorite store bought poppyseed dressing in this recipe.

Optional Ingredients- chopped kale, sunflower seeds, toasted nuts, red onion.

Equipment

Large Bowl or Salad Dish

Tongs

Mini bowl of mixing up the poppyseed dressing

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, green apple, pomegranate arils, dried cranberries, green onion, slivered almonds, mozzarella cheese, and orange zest if using.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss well to coat.
4. Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled, and enjoy!

Nutritional Benefits of Broccoli– Broccoli is high in fiber and contains vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, antioxidants, and protein.  

If you like this broccoli salad recipe you should also try:

Oven Roasted Broccoli salad tossed with pine nuts and goat cheese 

Southwestern Broccoli Salad 

Blueberry Lemon Broccoli Salad 

BlT lettuce wraps

Print

Winter Broccoli Salad

Prep Time 20 minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

• 8 cups broccoli, chopped
• 1/4 cup diced green onion
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1 green apple, cored and chopped
• 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
• 1/4 cup almonds
• 4 mozzarella cheese sticks, chopped
• 1/3 cup poppyseed salad dressing

poppyseed dressiing

• 1/2 cup 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp poppy seeds
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. place chopped broccoli in a large bowl.  Add all of the ingredients together and mix.  Drizzle poppyseed dressing on top and toss.  Serve

This salad is a sweet-tart, creamy, and crunchy salad with a blend of freshness from the fruits and depth from the broccoli and poppyseed dressing. It’s both light and satisfying with a holiday-worthy appeal!

Did you enjoy this Winter broccoli salad recipe?  I would love to hear how it tuned out for you!  Please comment below this blog post or tag me on social media and let me know how you liked it!  You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Pinterest.