If you’re craving a fresh, crunchy side dish that’s bursting with color, flavor, and irresistible creaminess, this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe will absolutely steal the show. You get pops of savory bacon, cheddar, and a hint of sweetness nestled among crisp vegetables, all tossed in a tangy homemade dressing. Whether it’s for a potluck, picnic, or a weeknight dinner, this is one of those salads that everyone will ask for—and you’ll want to make again and again.

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather a handful of simple ingredients, each one chosen for the vibrant texture and flavor it brings to this dish. Every element here is essential—crunchy, creamy, salty, sweet—coming together to create salad magic.

Broccoli florets: Chopped small for maximum crunch and a beautiful green base that holds up in the salad.
Cauliflower florets: Their mellow flavor and snowy color pair perfectly with the broccoli, adding crunch and contrast.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, sharp, and utterly satisfying—just what you need for a touch of creamy richness.
Red onion: Finely chopped for a pop of color and a zingy, aromatic bite.
Cooked and crumbled bacon: Smoky and savory, bacon provides little flavor explosions in every forkful.
Sunflower seeds or chopped almonds (optional): These add delightful crunch and a nutty note—use whichever you prefer or have on hand.
Mayonnaise: The creaminess that carries the dressing and keeps everything rich without being heavy.
Plain Greek yogurt: Adds a bit of tang and lightens up the dressing beautifully—plus a protein boost!
Apple cider vinegar: For just the right amount of zing and brightness to cut through the creamy dressing.
Honey: Balances the acidity and enhances the natural flavors with a soft sweetness.
Salt and black pepper: To taste, crucial for bringing every flavor into perfect harmony.

How to Make Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe

Step 1: Chop and Prep the Veggies

Start with your broccoli and cauliflower florets—break them down into small, bite-sized pieces so they scoop up the dressing and mingle easily with other mix-ins. The smaller the pieces, the better the texture in your Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe. Don’t forget to finely dice that red onion for even distribution!

Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add your chopped broccoli, chopped cauliflower, shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped red onion, crumbled bacon, and, if you’re in the mood for more crunch, toss in those sunflower seeds or almonds. Stir gently to mix everything evenly, making sure every spoonful will get that perfect bite.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, and a nice pinch of salt and black pepper until smooth. This velvety dressing will coat all your veggies and tie them together in the most irresistible way!

Step 4: Dress and Toss the Salad

Pour that creamy dressing over the vegetable mixture. Using a large spoon or spatula, toss the salad thoroughly so every piece is evenly coated. The Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe really comes alive at this point, but hold off on digging in just yet.

Step 5: Chill and Let the Flavors Marry

Cover the bowl and refrigerate your salad for at least 30 minutes—this step allows the flavors to blend and the veggies to soak up all that creamy goodness. Trust me, the short wait is worth it!

How to Serve Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra crispy bacon bits, a pinch of chopped fresh chives, or a few sunflower seeds scattered on top just before serving will elevate this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe to restaurant-level appeal. Don’t hesitate to add a little extra shredded cheese for that eye-catching finish!

Side Dishes

This salad loves to share the table with classic backyard BBQ favorites like grilled chicken, smoky ribs, or juicy burgers. It’s just as wonderful alongside anything from sandwiches to roast meats, adding freshness and richness without overpowering the main.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the salad in a crisp lettuce cup for individual appetizers at your next gathering, or spoon it over a bed of mixed greens to create a heartier meal. Mini mason jars make charming, portable options for picnics or parties as well.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days—the flavors deepen and meld, making leftovers extra delicious!

Freezing

It’s best to enjoy this salad fresh. Freezing isn’t recommended, as the creamy dressing tends to separate upon thawing and the veggies lose their crispness, altering the signature texture.

Reheating

This is a no-cook, cold salad, so there’s no need to reheat. Simply give it a gentle stir before serving in case any dressing has settled, and it’s ready to enjoy straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I make the Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a few hours or even a day in advance gives the flavors a chance to mingle and deepen. Just wait to add any extra crunchy toppings (like sunflower seeds or nuts) until just before serving for the best texture.

What other mix-ins can I use?

Feel free to get creative—dried cranberries, chopped bell peppers, or even cooked chicken for a protein boost make excellent additions. The base is flexible, allowing you to tailor the Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe to your taste or what you have on hand.

Is there a dairy-free version of the dressing?

You can easily swap in your favorite dairy-free mayonnaise and yogurt alternatives. The salad will still be creamy and delicious, just be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

This salad is gluten-free, right?

Yes! The Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic choice for anyone avoiding gluten. Just double-check your bacon and mayonnaise labels to be sure.

How do I keep the salad crunchy if making it ahead?

Chop your vegetables small but not too fine, and be sure to refrigerate the salad promptly after making it. If you like ultra-crisp textures, keep toppings like bacon and nuts separate and mix them in just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Give this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe a try and watch it become a staple in your menu rotation. It’s the kind of dish that sparks smiles around the table and proves just how irresistible fresh veggies can be. Enjoy every crunchy, creamy bite!

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is a delightful blend of fresh vegetables, cheese, bacon, and a creamy dressing. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad:

2 cups fresh broccoli florets (chopped small)
2 cups fresh cauliflower florets (chopped small)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
1/3 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
1/2 cup sunflower seeds or chopped almonds (optional)

Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and black pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cauliflower, cheddar cheese, red onion, bacon, and sunflower seeds or almonds if using.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Combine and Chill: Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.