If you’re looking for a vibrant and satisfying side that ticks all the boxes—fresh, crunchy, flavorful, and easy to prepare—this Cauliflower Broccoli Salad Recipe is a must-try. It combines crisp cauliflower and broccoli florets with sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and a touch of sweetness in the dressing, making each bite a delightful contrast of textures and tastes. Whether you’re planning a summer BBQ or a wholesome lunch, this salad brings a wonderful balance of wholesome ingredients that feel both comforting and refreshingly bright.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to this recipe’s success. Each component plays a special role, from the crunchy vegetables to the creamy, tangy dressing, to create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
- 2 cups cauliflower florets: Bite-sized pieces offer a mild crunch and a subtle, nutty flavor that anchors the salad.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Bright green florets add vibrant color and a satisfying texture contrast.
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced: Adds a sharp, slightly sweet bite that brightens the salad.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings a creamy, savory depth that pairs beautifully with the veggies.
- 1/3 cup cooked and crumbled bacon: Provides smoky, salty richness for a flavor punch.
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds or chopped almonds (optional): Adds a lovely nutty crunch and extra texture.
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt: Creates a creamy, tangy base for the dressing, customizable to your preference.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Adds acidity that brightens and balances the richness.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: Introduces a gentle sweetness that rounds out the dressing perfectly.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors in the salad.
How to Make Cauliflower Broccoli Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Veggies and Mix the Salad
Start by chopping the cauliflower and broccoli into bite-sized florets. Toss them in a large bowl along with the finely diced red onion, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, and nuts if you’re using them. This raw combination sets the base for the salad’s delightful crunch and flavor.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well-emulsified. This creamy dressing balances tanginess, sweetness, and savoriness to complement all the salad ingredients perfectly.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss well to make sure every bit is coated beautifully. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This rest time lets all the flavors meld and the veggies soak up the dressing’s richness, making each bite taste even better.
Step 4: Final Stir and Serve
Before serving, give the salad a good stir to refresh the ingredients. At this point, you can add extra bacon or cheddar cheese on top for an inviting garnish that hints at the delicious flavors inside.
How to Serve Cauliflower Broccoli Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra crumbled bacon, a handful of sunflower seeds, or a little finely chopped fresh parsley on top to make the presentation pop. These small touches add color and texture, inviting everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted meats, or even hearty sandwiches. It’s a fresh, crunchy counterpoint to richer main dishes, making it perfect for casual dinners and festive get-togethers alike.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this salad in hollowed-out bell peppers or on a bed of crisp lettuce leaves for an eye-catching and portable option. You can also portion it into individual mason jars for picnics or packed lunches—chill and enjoy on the go!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cauliflower Broccoli Salad Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, but the veggies maintain their crunch, making it ideal for meal prep or enjoying the next day.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated; freezing is not recommended because the texture of the fresh vegetables will change and become mushy once thawed.
Reheating
No reheating needed here! This salad is delicious cold or at room temperature, which makes it an effortless, no-cook option anytime you want a quick, healthy bite.
FAQs
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise in the dressing?
Absolutely! Mixing Greek yogurt with mayonnaise is a great way to lighten the dressing while retaining creamy richness. It also adds a nice tangy flavor to the salad.
Is this salad suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, the Cauliflower Broccoli Salad Recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates, thanks to the fresh veggies and wholesome ingredients, making it a perfect option for low-carb and keto diets.
Can I add other veggies to this salad?
Of course. Feel free to toss in diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or shredded carrots to customize the salad with your favorite flavors and extra nutrition.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld beautifully, but you can refrigerate it for up to a few hours before serving if you want an even more harmonious taste.
What can I use instead of bacon for a vegetarian version?
Try crispy roasted chickpeas or smoked tempeh bacon as tasty vegetarian alternatives. They add a similar crunch and smoky flavor without the meat.
Final Thoughts
I truly can’t recommend the Cauliflower Broccoli Salad Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a little celebration in every forkful. Fresh, flavorful, and so easy to make, it’s perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying yourself any day of the week. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a new favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Cauliflower Broccoli Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus at least 30 minutes chilling)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and crunchy cauliflower broccoli salad packed with fresh vegetables, savory bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey. This no-cook salad is perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish to your favorite BBQ meals.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cauliflower florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds or chopped almonds (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the chopped cauliflower, broccoli, finely diced red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and sunflower seeds or almonds if using. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed for a balanced salad.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined, creating a creamy and tangy flavor base for the salad.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture, and toss thoroughly to coat every piece of vegetable and bacon with the dressing. This ensures every bite is flavorful and moist.
- Chill to Meld Flavors: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step allows the flavors to combine and the salad to become refreshing.
- Serve: Before serving, give the salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing. Optionally, garnish with extra bacon or shredded cheese for added texture and taste. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Use a combination of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise for a lighter, tangier dressing.
- The salad holds up well in the refrigerator, making it ideal for meal prepping ahead of time.
- Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or as a healthy side dish during warm weather.
- Sunflower seeds can be substituted with chopped almonds or walnuts for added crunch.
- Adjust the sweetness in the dressing by varying the amount of honey or using maple syrup instead.
