Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a fresh, vibrant, and thoroughly satisfying dish, look no further than this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe. It’s a crunchy, colorful medley of crisp veggies, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and a creamy dressing that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re prepping for a sunny picnic, searching for a quick make-ahead lunch, or simply craving a new twist on your veggie routine, this salad is about to become your go-to!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe comes together with a handful of straightforward ingredients, each one bringing something delicious to the table. From the savory crunch of sunflower seeds to the tangy zip of apple cider vinegar, every component truly matters here, making each bite irresistible.
- Broccoli florets: Chopped small for maximum crunch and even distribution of flavor.
- Cauliflower florets: Adds subtle nuttiness and pairs beautifully with the broccoli.
- Cooked and crumbled bacon: Provides delicious smokiness and a savory punch—try smoked almonds for a vegetarian twist!
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts slightly after being tossed with the warm dressing, giving great flavor and richness.
- Red onion: Finely diced for just the right amount of sharpness and color.
- Sunflower seeds: Offers a salty crunch that keeps each bite interesting and nutty.
- Mayonnaise: Lends creaminess and classic depth to the dressing.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess, protein, and lightens up the dressing beautifully.
- Apple cider vinegar: Brings the perfect hint of acid to balance the creaminess.
- Honey: Rounds out the dressing with a gentle touch of sweetness.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper: Finishes with a gentle bit of heat—adjust to taste!
How to Make Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe
Step 1: Chop and Prep Your Veggies
Start by washing your broccoli and cauliflower, then chop them into small, bite-sized florets. The smaller the pieces, the easier it is for the dressing to coat every nook and cranny, giving you more flavor in every forkful. If you love extra crunch, you can keep the florets on the chunkier side!
Step 2: Prepare the Mix-Ins
Cook the bacon until crisp, let it cool, and crumble it into little bits. Shred your cheddar cheese, finely dice your red onion, and measure out those sunflower seeds. Layering these textures and flavors is the key to why this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe stands out from the crowd.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper. Mix until silky smooth. The balance between tangy, creamy, and lightly sweet is what ties this whole salad together and keeps it light on the palate.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
In a large mixing bowl, add your broccoli, cauliflower, bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, and sunflower seeds. Pour the luscious dressing over the top, and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Make sure to scrape along the sides and bottom so every morsel is dressed perfectly.
Step 5: Chill for Best Flavor
Transfer the salad to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes. This step is key because it allows all the flavors to meld and the veggies to soak up that creamy goodness. When you’re ready, give it a quick stir, then serve it up cold and crisp!
How to Serve Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe with a sprinkle of extra sunflower seeds, a scatter of freshly cracked black pepper, or even a dusting of chives or parsley for color and freshness. If you want to make it extra special, add a drizzle of honey or a shaving of sharp cheese right before serving.
Side Dishes
This salad shines next to just about anything off the grill: barbecued chicken, burgers, steak, or fish. It also pairs wonderfully with lighter lunches or sandwiches, or as a hearty side at weekend brunches and potlucks.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe into individual mason jars for picnic perfection or fill lettuce cups for an elegant starter. If you’re feeding a crowd, mound it up in a big, clear glass bowl so everyone can admire the vibrant layers before digging in!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe will happily keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The crunchy vegetables hold their texture and the flavors only get better as they mingle—making it a terrific option for meal prep or make-ahead entertaining.
Freezing
While this salad is deliciously durable, freezing is not recommended as the creamy dressing and fresh veggies can become watery or mushy when thawed. For best results, simply refrigerate and enjoy within a few days.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it less chilly, simply let it sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it will soften the veggies and alter the dressing’s texture.
FAQs
Can I make Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just leave out the bacon or swap in smoked almonds or crunchy chickpeas for a delicious plant-based crunch and a hint of smokiness.
How far in advance can I make this salad?
You can prepare the Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe up to 24 hours in advance. This actually improves the flavor as the dressing has more time to infuse the veggies.
What can I substitute for sunflower seeds?
Pepitas, slivered almonds, or even chopped pecans add just as much crunch and nutty flavor if you don’t have sunflower seeds on hand.
Is there a way to lighten up the dressing?
Yes! You can use all Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing or swap in a light mayo if you prefer. The honey and vinegar keep the flavor balanced either way.
Will this salad work for gluten-free diets?
Definitely—this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect addition to a wide array of diets. Always check your labels on add-ins like bacon and sunflower seeds for extra peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe is one of those crowd-pleasing dishes you’ll find yourself craving week after week. It’s bursting with fresh flavor, endlessly adaptable, and just plain fun to eat. Give it a try and prepare to fall in love with every vibrant, creamy, crunchy bite!
Print
Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is a delightful combination of fresh vegetables, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a creamy dressing. It’s perfect for a side dish or a light meal, and it’s easy to customize to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 3 cups broccoli florets (chopped)
- 3 cups cauliflower florets (chopped)
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely diced)
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Mix Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, cauliflower, bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, and sunflower seeds.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
- Serve: Serve chilled.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or replace it with smoked almonds.
- You can also use all mayo or all Greek yogurt depending on your preference.
- This salad holds up well in the fridge and is great for meal prep or potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
