Prepare Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine diced Honeycrisp apples, broccoli florets, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and red onion. The apples should be diced into bite-sized chunks, and the broccoli florets should be cut into small, bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.

Make Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. This creamy dressing balances the sweetness of the apples with a tangy kick from the vinegar.

Combine: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat evenly. Take your time with this step to ensure each piece of broccoli and apple is lightly coated with the dressing, ensuring perfect flavor in every bite.

Add Cheese: Fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. The cheese adds a creamy, tangy element that complements the freshness of the apples and broccoli.

Chill: Refrigerate salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Chilling helps the flavors develop and the texture to come together. This makes the salad even more refreshing when served cold!