Introduction

This Skinny Broccoli Salad with a Poppy Seed Dressing is a fresh and healthy twist on a classic favorite. Packed with crisp broccoli, sweet blueberries, and crunchy apples, it’s a vibrant side dish perfect for any season. The light yogurt-based dressing adds just the right amount of sweetness and tang.

The image shows a close-up of a fresh salad with creamy dressing. The salad has three main layers: bright green broccoli florets with small buds and textured surfaces, dark blue blueberries that are smooth and round, and pale yellow apple pieces cut into small chunks with specks of poppy seeds. The creamy white dressing covers parts of the broccoli, blueberries, and apples, adding a smooth and thick texture. All ingredients appear fresh with vibrant colors contrasting against each other. The background shows a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds broccoli florets
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 large apple, diced
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1/2 tablespoon poppy seeds

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and poppy seeds until well combined. Set this dressing aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets, fresh blueberries, and diced apple together.
Step 3: Pour the prepared dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Step 4: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts just before serving.
Substitute blueberries with dried cranberries or grapes for different flavors.
If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a little more honey to taste.
Lightly steam the broccoli if you want a softer texture, but keep it crisp for the best salad experience.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed chilled and can be tossed again before serving. The apples may brown slightly, but tossing with the dressing helps slow that process. If needed, add a splash of lemon juice to freshen it up.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a fresh salad that has three main layers: small bright green broccoli florets with a slightly rough texture at the base, medium-sized round blueberries with a smooth deep purple surface scattered throughout the salad, and small dice pieces of red-skinned apple with cream-colored flesh. Everything is mixed and lightly covered with creamy dressing that has tiny black poppy seeds spread evenly on top. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Fresh broccoli works best for this salad because it stays crisp. If using frozen, thaw and drain thoroughly to avoid a soggy salad.

Is this dressing suitable for a dairy-free diet?

This recipe relies on Greek yogurt for creaminess, but you can substitute with dairy-free yogurt alternatives to make it dairy-free.

Skinny Broccoli Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 84 reviews

This Skinny Broccoli Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a refreshing and healthy dish perfect for a light lunch or a nutritious side. Featuring crisp broccoli florets, sweet blueberries, and crunchy apple pieces, all tossed in a creamy, tangy poppy seed dressing made with Greek yogurt, honey, and lemon juice. It’s an easy-to-make, low-calorie salad that’s packed with flavor and perfect for meal prep or summer gatherings.

Author: Lena
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes chilling time)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds broccoli florets
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 large apple, diced

Dressing Ingredients

1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1/2 tablespoon poppy seeds

Instructions

Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, honey, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and poppy seeds until smooth and well combined. Set the dressing aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Toss the salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, fresh blueberries, and diced apples. Mix gently to distribute the fruit evenly among the broccoli.
Combine salad and dressing: Pour the prepared poppy seed dressing over the broccoli mixture. Toss thoroughly but gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
Chill the salad: Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour before serving. This allows the flavors to develop and the broccoli to soften slightly for a better texture and taste.

Notes

Use fresh, crisp broccoli for the best texture.
For added crunch, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or almonds before serving.
Substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan option, and use a non-dairy yogurt variant.
Make sure to dice the apple into small, bite-sized pieces so they blend well with the broccoli and blueberries.
This salad tastes best when served chilled and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Keywords: Broccoli Salad, Poppy Seed Dressing, Healthy Salad, Low Fat Salad, Greek Yogurt Dressing, Blueberry Salad, Apple Salad