Crunchy Broccoli-Apple Salad with Creamy Raspberry Poppy Seed Dressing

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year – I know that sounds like a holidays song but I’m referring to Fall! Yes, my favorite season is upon is, and although the weather in Northern California hasn’t fully reflected the season change, I’m seeing it just a little more every day. Nights are getting darker a little earlier, we’ve already had our first school cold, and Fall flavors are abound. This is the time of year that I’m the most inspired, and I have a mini arsenal of recipe ideas prepared for my favorite season. First up, this crunchy broccoli-apple salad topped with a creamy raspberry poppy seed dressing and little Ocean Spray® Craisins® Dried Cranberries jewels scattered on top. It’s still a nice, light salad for the warmer weather but also has some great Fall flavors like apples, pecans, cranberries and broccoli! Perfect for this little time of transition between seasons.

I love using Craisins® Dried Cranberries in my favorite recipes because of their taste, texture and color – it’s the “zing” that makes them unique! One of my favorite snacks is some simple yogurt topped with granola and dried cranberries, and you already know that I love to include them in my baking. But a truly simple way to enjoy these tasty little gems is by sprinkling them on top of your favorite salads. They always add a touch of color and texture, not to mention the juicy flavor.

For this crunchy broccoli-apple salad I decided to take a bit of a different turn. I mixed up some romaine lettuce with broccoli florets, topped with one of my favorite apples – Pink Lady, then sprinkled a bit of corn, carrots, blue cheese and pecans. A nice crunchy salad with some sweetness and bite, the perfect compliment to dried cranberries. I wanted to keep the sweet taste going, so I mixed up a quick creamy yogurt based dressing with raspberries, lemon, and poppy seeds. I’m hooked!

Creamy Raspberry Poppy Seed Dressing Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup lowfat Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup fresh raspberries
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Crunchy Broccoli-Apple Salad Ingredients:

• 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 head of broccoli, florets cut
• 1 Pink Lady Apple, cut into thin wedges
• juice of 1/2 a lemon
• 1/4 cup carrot strips
• 3 tablespoons corn
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
• 3 tablespoons Craisins® Dried Cranberries

Directions:

Begin by preparing the creamy raspberry poppy seed dressing. Using a standard blender or a hand immersion blender, combine the Greek yogurt, honey , lemon juice, lemon zest and salt and blend until it thins out just a bit.

Slowly add in the raspberries, ensuring they are blended well and the dressing remains smooth and creamy.

Once smooth, carefully stir in the poppy seeds and stir with a spoon or a small whisk. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Add the chopped romaine and broccoli to a large serving dish.

Once the apples are cut into thin wedges, soak them in the lemon juice to prevent from browning. Add the apples and carrots to the salad.

Sprinkle with corn.

Top with pecans, blue cheese crumbles and Craisins® Dried Cranberries.

Pour the creamy raspberry poppy seed dressing over the salad and enjoy!

What’s your favorite thing to add dried cranberries to?

Although Ocean Spray® Craisins® Dried Cranberries are no longer available at Sam’s Club locations, they are still available at a number of retailers! I picked up a bag at Walmart – they’re at a rollback price of $4.98 for a 24 oz bag! Click Here to find more great ideas, recipes and a store near you!