Healthy Cranberry Broccoli Salad – Fresh, Creamy & Naturally Sweet

If you’ve been searching for a salad that’s crunchy, creamy, sweet, and wholesome all at once, look no further than Healthy Cranberry Broccoli Salad — a vibrant, make-ahead dish that brings color and balance to any table.

This refreshing salad combines crisp broccoli florets, chewy dried cranberries, crunchy sunflower seeds, and a light creamy dressing made with Greek yogurt and honey instead of heavy mayo. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors — a little sweet, a little tangy, and a whole lot of fresh!

Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or as a healthy side for weeknight dinners, this salad will quickly become your go-to recipe when you need something delicious, nutrient-packed, and ready in minutes.

🥦 The Beauty of Broccoli

Broccoli often gets a bad reputation as “just another vegetable,” but in this salad, it absolutely shines. Its natural crunch and slight bitterness balance beautifully with the sweetness of cranberries and the creamy tang of the dressing.

Broccoli is a powerhouse of nutrients — packed with vitamin C, fiber, calcium, and antioxidants. When left raw or lightly blanched, it retains all that crisp texture and vibrant color, making this dish as visually appealing as it is nourishing.

💚 Why You’ll Love This Healthy Cranberry Broccoli Salad

• Fresh & Flavorful: The perfect mix of creamy, tangy, and sweet.
• Healthy Twist: Made with Greek yogurt and honey instead of heavy mayo and sugar.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes — no cooking required!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Gets even better after a few hours in the fridge.
• Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins for extra crunch or protein.

🥣 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 medium heads), chopped small
• ½ small red onion, finely diced
• ¾ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup roasted sunflower seeds or slivered almonds
• ½ cup shredded carrots (optional, for color and crunch)

For the Dressing

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or substitute entirely with yogurt for lighter version)
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• Salt and black pepper to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Broccoli:
   Wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli. Chop it into small, bite-sized florets. The smaller the pieces, the better the dressing coats them.
2. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and shredded carrots (if using).
3. Make the Dressing:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
4. Toss Together:
   Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Chill & Serve:
   For best flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the dressing to soak into the broccoli and soften its texture just slightly.
6. Garnish & Enjoy:
   Before serving, top with extra cranberries and sunflower seeds for added crunch and color.

Healthy Cranberry Broccoli Salad

A refreshing, creamy, and nutritious salad made with fresh broccoli, cranberries, and a light Greek yogurt dressing — perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Healthy

Calories: 210

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Salad

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets chopped small
• 0.5 red onion finely diced
• 0.75 cup dried cranberries
• 0.5 cup roasted sunflower seeds or slivered almonds
• 0.5 cup shredded carrots optional

Dressing

• 0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise optional for creaminess
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Method

 

1. Chop broccoli into small florets and place in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add diced red onion, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and shredded carrots.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
5. Refrigerate 30 minutes before serving to blend flavors.

Notes

For extra crunch, add toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds before serving.

🌿 Tips for the Best Broccoli Salad

• Use Fresh Broccoli Only: Frozen broccoli will become mushy and waterlogged.
• Dry Well: Excess moisture will thin the dressing, so pat broccoli dry before mixing.
• Balance the Flavors: Taste your dressing — if you prefer more tang, add a touch more vinegar; for sweetness, add extra honey.
• Make It Ahead: The salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
• Add Texture: Try swapping sunflower seeds for toasted almonds, pecans, or pumpkin seeds.

🥗 Optional Add-Ins and Variations

• Bacon Lovers: Add a handful of crumbled cooked turkey bacon for smoky flavor.
• Protein Boost: Toss in grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa to make it a meal.
• Fruit Twist: Mix in diced apples or halved grapes for added juiciness.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use vegan yogurt or coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.
• Keto Version: Skip the honey and use a low-carb sweetener like monk fruit.

🧡 Why This Salad Works Every Time

This salad is a study in contrasts — crunchy and creamy, tangy and sweet, fresh and rich. The Greek yogurt dressing adds a satisfying creaminess without the guilt of traditional mayo-based versions. Meanwhile, the cranberries deliver a natural sweetness that complements broccoli’s earthy flavor.

The real secret? The resting time. When refrigerated for 30–60 minutes, the dressing slightly softens the broccoli, making it tender yet crisp — the ideal texture.

🧘‍♀️ Health Benefits of Cranberry Broccoli Salad

• Boosts Immunity: Broccoli and cranberries are loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C.
• Supports Digestion: The fiber from broccoli and seeds keeps your gut healthy.
• Heart-Healthy: Olive oil, seeds, and cranberries all support cardiovascular wellness.
• Low Calorie, High Nutrition: Each serving is around 200 calories but rich in protein and fiber.
• Naturally Gluten-Free: No grains, no gluten — just clean, fresh ingredients.

🎉 Perfect for Every Occasion

This Healthy Cranberry Broccoli Salad fits any meal or season.

• Serve it at holiday gatherings for a colorful, refreshing side dish.
• Pair it with grilled chicken or salmon for a balanced weeknight meal.
• Pack it in lunch boxes — it stays crisp and delicious even after a few hours.
• Bring it to potlucks and picnics — it travels beautifully and doesn’t wilt.

It’s also a great way to introduce broccoli to kids — the sweet cranberries and creamy dressing make it irresistible even for picky eaters.

🕒 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make the dressing in advance and store separately; combine just before serving.
• Do Not Freeze: The texture of broccoli doesn’t hold up in the freezer.

🌈 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 5g
• Fat: 10g
• Sugar: 12g
• Vitamin C: 90% DV
• Calcium: 8% DV
• Iron: 10% DV

💡 Fun Fact

Did you know broccoli and cranberries are both “superfoods”? Broccoli belongs to the cruciferous family, known for detoxifying properties, while cranberries are famous for their antioxidants that support urinary and heart health. Together, they make a powerful, tasty pair!