A broccoli cauliflower salad is the perfect combo of flavor and crunch for your lunch, dinner or potluck. With hearty bites of broccoli and cauliflower, the creamy dressing pairs perfectly with any main dish creating healthful sides that are sure to please. This salad is a great option to whip up if you are grilling out, attending a family get together or even as just lunch. Not only is this beautiful to look at due to it’s great mix of colors, but also packed with nutrients.
Now let’s make the recipe — plus some variations you can try, and other tips on how to take your broccoli cauliflower salad up a notch.
Key Ingredients for Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Ingredients For Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Of course, a great broccoli cauliflower salad starts with fresh and crunchy ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets, for a sturdy — not soggy — crunch. I have used raw and lightly blanched broccoli in salads, so it’s really all about your texture preference.
- Cauliflower: Gives the salad a similar crunch of broccoli but milder flavor. This serves to even out the final texture as well.
- Bacon: Its salty, savoury crunch stands in contrast to the fresh vegetables. It can easily be replaced by turkey bacon or even a vegan alternative — if purchasing the right brand to avoid ultra processed foods.
- Red Onion: These thin slices of red onion are sharp and contrast against the creaminess of the dressing.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese for a tangy, sharp flavor. For a stronger flavour (the kids will love it too!) you can use blue cheese or feta as well.
- Sunflower Seeds: Sunflower seeds (or even almonds) add some extra texture and a little bit of nuttiness to this salad.
How to Make Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Let’s walk through the steps to make a delicious, crisp broccoli cauliflower salad.
Classic Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cups fresh cauliflower florets
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or chopped almonds (optional)
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar or honey (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method :
1. Cut your veggies: first chop broccoli and cauliflower florets BC bite-sized. Feel free to blanch the broccoli and cauliflower in boiling water for about 2 minutes, if you like your veg on the softer side, then cool them down with ice.
2. Assemble the salad: In a big bowl, add broccoli, cauliflower, crumbled bacon, red onion slivers and shredded cheddar cheese to sunflower seeds. Give it a good mix so its nice and evenly flavored.
3. To make the dressing: combine mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar and sugar in a small bowl. Sample the sauce and season with salt, pepper as needed.
4. Sprinkle on your chicken and combine the ranch: Pour dressing into salad, toss with mixed vegetables. Chill the salad in the fridge for minimum 30 minutes to get best flavour.
Variations of Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
The classic recipe is great alone; however, you can easily adjust this salad to your taste. Here are some ideas:
1. Greek Yogurt Dressing: A lighter Greek yogurt based version of the traditional dressing. This still allows for some creaminess without additional fat and instead adds extra protein.
2. Sweet dried fruit: Toss in some sweetened cranberries or raisins, it will provides a nice contrast. These pair perfectly with the salty bacon and tangy dressing.
3. Vegetarian Sub: Omit bacon (skip this or replace with smoked tempeh) skip if vegetarian salad
4. Additional Vegetables: Go ahead and make the salad even bigger by throwing in some extra veggies such as grated carrots, bell peppers or cukes for more of a fresh bite.
5. Make It Your Own Dressing Variations — sub a balsamic vinaigrette or ranch dressing,, instead of your regular mayo based
Health Benefits of Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Broccoli and cauliflower are both cruciferous vegetables, which mean they provide hi there nutritional value to your body. Not only is this salad delicious, but it scores big in the vitamin, mineral and fiber department as well ( sounds like a great way to eat healthier right?)
Nutrient Highlights:
- Broccoli: high in vitamin C and K, as well as folate; containing fiber for digestive health and fortifying the immune system.
- Cauliflower: is loaded with antioxidants, and it also a good source of fiber, vitamin C and choline (supports brain health)
- Bacon: If so, choose turkey bacon or use a plant-based option instead of the pork product (bacon with fat can add up sodium)!
- Sunflower Seeds or even nuts, such as almonds for some healthy fat and protein to _beef up_ the salad nutrients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is actually better when made ahead of time, as it allows the flavors to meld together. Prepare the salad a few hours before serving and store it in the fridge. However, if you’re planning to make it more than a day in advance, consider keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.
Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Absolutely! To make this salad dairy-free, simply omit the cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free alternative. You can also use a vegan mayo or yogurt for the dressing.
How long can I store broccoli cauliflower salad?
You can store this salad in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Just be aware that the bacon may lose its crispness over time, so if you prefer crispy bacon, it’s best to add it right before serving.
Creative Ways to Serve Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
This salad is perfect as a side dish, but there are other ways you can use this flavorful combination:
- As a Main Dish: Add grilled chicken, shrimp or tofu to the salad and it becomes a main dish.
- In a Wrap: Scoop the salad into a tortilla wrap with your favorite greens for an easy lunch.
- On a Bed of Greens: Serve with mixed greens — two servings of vegetables for the price of one.
- With Quinoa: to make it a heartier meal, stir in cooked quinoa or another whole grain for more texture and nutrition.
Final Thoughts on Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
This broccoli cauliflower salad is a refreshing, flavorful dish that offers a great balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just a quick family meal, it’s sure to be a hit. With the health benefits of broccoli and cauliflower, plus the versatility to customize the recipe, you’ll find yourself making this salad again and again.
