Broccoli cauliflower salad is a refreshing and crunchy side dish that combines fresh vegetables with a tangy dressing. The mix of raw broccoli, cauliflower, crispy bacon, and a creamy, slightly sweet dressing creates a salad that is both satisfying and healthy. This salad is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or as a light lunch, and it’s a great way to get in your daily veggies with a ton of flavor.

What makes this salad stand out is its balance of textures—crunchy raw vegetables, creamy dressing, and crispy bacon come together to create a crowd-pleasing dish. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

This salad has many benefits beyond its delicious flavor:

• Nutrient-packed: Loaded with broccoli and cauliflower, this salad is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
• Versatile: You can customize it by adding different ingredients like dried fruit, nuts, or cheese.
• Make-ahead: It holds up well in the fridge, so it’s perfect for prepping ahead of time.
• Crunchy and refreshing: The raw vegetables give the salad a satisfying crunch, while the dressing adds creaminess and tang.

Ingredients for Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

To make this easy and delicious salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups cauliflower florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• ½ red onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup shredded carrots (optional)
• ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 4–5 slices)
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds or chopped nuts (optional for crunch)

For the Dressing:

• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 2 tablespoons sugar or honey (for sweetness)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins:

• Dried cranberries or raisins for sweetness
• Feta or blue cheese for extra flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions for Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Begin by washing the broccoli and cauliflower. Cut the florets into small, bite-sized pieces. If you prefer a finer texture, you can chop them more finely. Next, chop the red onion into small pieces. If you’re adding carrots, either shred them or cut them into matchsticks.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Cook the bacon until crispy, either in a skillet or in the oven. Once cooked, let it cool slightly, then crumble it into small pieces. If you want to make this recipe vegetarian, simply skip the bacon or replace it with a plant-based alternative.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar (or honey). Adjust the sweetness based on your preference. The sugar helps balance the acidity of the vinegar, creating a creamy and tangy dressing that complements the vegetables. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cauliflower, red onion, and any other vegetables or add-ins you’re using, like carrots, cheese, or sunflower seeds. Add the crumbled bacon.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated. The dressing should lightly cover the vegetables without being too heavy.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the vegetables to absorb the flavors of the dressing. You can make this salad a day in advance—it will stay fresh and crunchy for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

When ready to serve, give the salad a quick toss and add extra toppings like sunflower seeds or cheese if desired.

Tips for the Best Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

1. Use Fresh Vegetables

For the best texture and flavor, use fresh, crisp broccoli and cauliflower. If your vegetables are starting to wilt, they won’t give you that perfect crunch that makes this salad so satisfying.

2. Customize the Ingredients

This salad is easy to customize! Add-ins like shredded cheese, nuts, or dried fruit can add even more flavor and texture. Try swapping the bacon for turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon to make it lighter or vegetarian.

3. Let It Chill

Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving allows the dressing to blend with the vegetables, making the flavors more cohesive. This is especially important if you make the salad ahead of time.

4. Adjust the Sweetness and Tanginess

Depending on your taste, you can adjust the amount of sugar or honey in the dressing. Some prefer a sweeter dressing, while others like it tangier. Feel free to experiment with the balance of flavors until it’s just right for you.

Variations of Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

This broccoli cauliflower salad is incredibly versatile, and there are many ways to change it up depending on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to try:

1. Greek Yogurt Dressing

For a lighter version of this salad, swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt adds creaminess but with less fat and calories. You can also mix half Greek yogurt and half mayonnaise to keep the flavor rich but a bit lighter.

2. Vegan Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

To make this salad vegan, substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayo and omit the bacon. You can add plant-based bacon or tempeh bacon for that smoky flavor. You can also sprinkle in toasted chickpeas or pumpkin seeds for crunch.

3. Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Cranberries

For a sweeter, fruitier twist, add a handful of dried cranberries or raisins to the salad. The sweetness from the fruit contrasts beautifully with the tangy dressing and savory bacon.

4. Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

If you’re a cheese lover, don’t be shy about adding more cheese! Cheddar, feta, or blue cheese all pair wonderfully with the salad. You can even mix in shredded Parmesan for extra savory flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make broccoli cauliflower salad ahead of time?

Yes! Broccoli cauliflower salad is perfect for making ahead of time. It actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours, as the dressing has time to meld with the vegetables. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

2. How should I store leftovers?

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to eat it over several days, you may want to keep the dressing separate and toss it with the salad just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.

3. Can I use frozen broccoli and cauliflower?

While fresh broccoli and cauliflower give the best texture, you can use frozen vegetables if necessary. Be sure to thaw and pat them dry before using to avoid excess moisture in the salad, which can make it soggy.

4. Is broccoli cauliflower salad keto-friendly?

Yes, broccoli cauliflower salad can easily be made keto-friendly! Simply use a sugar-free sweetener like Stevia or monk fruit in the dressing instead of sugar, and make sure to avoid any sugary add-ins like dried cranberries.

5. Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Absolutely! To make the salad dairy-free, omit the cheese and use a dairy-free mayo for the dressing. You can also add extra vegetables or a crunchy topping like toasted almonds to replace the cheese.

Conclusion

Broccoli cauliflower salad is a delicious and refreshing way to enjoy raw vegetables with a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s packed with texture and flavor, making it the perfect side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.

Whether you make it with classic ingredients like bacon and cheese or add your own twist with dried fruit and nuts, this salad is incredibly versatile and easy to customize. Best of all, it’s quick to prepare and can be made ahead, so you can have a tasty, healthy salad ready whenever you need it.

Give this broccoli cauliflower salad recipe a try for your next gathering, and watch it disappear from the table!