Zesty Cauliflower Broccoli Salad Recipe for Fresh Gatherings

Crafting a delightful cauliflower broccoli salad brings unexpected joy to your meal planning adventure.

Green and white florets dance together in a crisp, refreshing medley.

Nutrition meets flavor in this simple yet elegant dish.

Chopped vegetables create a vibrant canvas of textures and colors.

Crunchy almonds and a zesty dressing elevate each delectable bite.

Seasonal ingredients make this recipe a perfect companion for lunch or dinner gatherings.

How to Prepare Cauliflower Broccoli Salad

Step 1: Sizzle and Crisp Bacon

Fry bacon until it turns golden and crispy. Transfer the pieces onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease and cool down completely.

Step 2: Chop Vegetables with Precision

Break down broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized florets using a sharp knife. Mince the red onion into tiny, uniform pieces for even distribution.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Dressing

In a mixing bowl, blend mayonnaise, white sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and well-incorporated. The dressing should have a tangy and sweet profile.

Step 4: Combine Salad Ingredients

• Broccoli florets
• Cauliflower florets
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Roasted sunflower seeds
• Dried cranberries
• Crispy bacon pieces
• Chopped red onion

Step 5: Dress and Toss

Pour the homemade dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently fold and mix everything together, ensuring each component is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.

Step 6: Chill or Serve

You can serve the salad immediately or cover and refrigerate for later. The flavors will meld and intensify if allowed to sit for a short time before serving.

Tips for Perfect Cauliflower Broccoli Salad

• Drain bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease and ensure a perfect crunchy texture for your salad.
• Cut broccoli and cauliflower into uniform, bite-sized florets for even distribution and easy eating.
• Whisk the mayo, sugar, and vinegar thoroughly to create a smooth, well-integrated dressing that coats all ingredients evenly.
• Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and develop a more complex taste profile.
• Toast sunflower seeds lightly to intensify their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the salad.

Variations on Cauliflower Broccoli Salad

• Green Power Boost: Replace cranberries with chopped kale and add pumpkin seeds for extra nutrients.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Swap bacon for crumbled feta cheese, add kalamata olives, and use olive oil instead of mayo.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Include diced jalapeños, replace sunflower seeds with roasted corn kernels, and mix in chipotle mayo.
• Protein-Packed Version: Add grilled chicken chunks, use Greek yogurt instead of mayo, and sprinkle hemp seeds for additional protein.

Pairings to Enjoy with Cauliflower Broccoli Salad

• Pair Tangy Bacon Crunch with Crisp White Wine: A zesty Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the salad's richness, complementing the smoky bacon and creamy dressing with its bright, acidic notes.
• Elevate with Sparkling Rosé Refreshment: A chilled rosé champagne brings playful bubbles that contrast the salad's dense textures, while its light fruity undertones match the cranberries perfectly.
• Serve Alongside Herbal Craft Beer: A hoppy pale ale with herbal hints balances the salad's creamy and salty elements, creating a robust flavor experience that enhances every bite.

Proper Storage for Cauliflower Broccoli Salad

Transfer leftover salad to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the bacon crispy by storing it separately and adding just before serving.

Avoid freezing this salad as the vegetables will become watery and lose their crisp texture. Mayonnaise-based dressings tend to separate when frozen.

Drain any excess liquid before serving. Sprinkle fresh sunflower seeds and crisp bacon bits to restore the original crunch and texture.

Let the salad sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance flavors and soften the cold vegetables slightly.

FAQs

• What makes the dressing unique?

The dressing combines mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar for a creamy, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the fresh vegetables and crispy bacon.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad in advance and refrigerate it. The flavors will blend together, making it even more delicious when served later.

• Is this salad considered healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with nutritious vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, and includes protein from bacon and seeds, making it a balanced and nutritious side dish.

• How can I add more protein to the salad?

You can easily increase the protein content by adding grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or additional nuts and seeds to the existing recipe.

Cauliflower Broccoli Salad with Crunch and Flavor

• Craft a Crowd-Pleasing Side Dish: This salad brings together a perfect mix of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds at potlucks and family gatherings.
• Boost Nutrition with Minimal Effort: Packed with fresh vegetables and protein-rich ingredients, this recipe delivers a powerful nutritional punch without complicated cooking techniques.
• Customize to Your Taste Buds: Easily swap ingredients like seeds, cheese, or dried fruits to match your preferences or what's available in your kitchen.
• Quick Assembly Magic: Prepare this vibrant salad in just a few simple steps, making it an ideal option for busy home cooks who want a delicious and impressive dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Cauliflower Broccoli Salad

• Cauliflower: A versatile vegetable that adds a crisp texture and mild flavor to the salad.
• Broccoli: Provides a vibrant green color and nutritious crunch to the dish.
• Bacon: Brings a smoky and savory element that enhances the overall taste of the salad.

• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp and creamy component to complement the vegetables.
• Sunflower Seeds: Introduces a nutty crunch and additional protein to the salad.

• Mayonnaise, Sugar, Vinegar: Creates a creamy and tangy dressing that binds the salad ingredients together.
• Red Onion: Provides a sharp and slightly pungent flavor that cuts through the richness of the other ingredients.
• Cranberries: Offers a sweet and tart burst of flavor that balances the savory elements of the salad.

Cauliflower Broccoli Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Crisp cauliflower broccoli salad dances with zesty herb dressing, promising a refreshing crunch in every delightful bite. Packed with nutrients and flavor, this colorful dish delivers a perfect balance of freshness that will spark joy on your plate.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables:

• 3 cups raw cauliflower, small florets
• 3 cups raw broccoli, small florets
• 1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped

Proteins and Cheese:

• 1/2 pack bacon (8 ounces), chopped & cooked
• 1 cup mild cheddar, grated

Garnish and Add-ins:

• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/3 cup craisins (dried cranberries)

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Instructions

1. Sizzle bacon until crisp, then transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease and cool completely.
2. Breakdown broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring uniform pieces for consistent texture.
3. Mince red onion into delicate, thin slices for balanced flavor distribution.
4. Whisk together creamy mayonnaise, granulated sugar, and tangy vinegar in a separate mixing bowl until smooth and well-incorporated.
5. Combine prepared florets, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, crunchy sunflower seeds, tart dried cranberries, and finely chopped onion in a spacious mixing vessel.
6. Drizzle prepared dressing over vegetable mixture, gently folding ingredients to ensure even coating and thorough integration of flavors.
7. For optimal taste and texture, chill salad for 30 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to marinate and flavors to meld together.
8. Serve cold as a refreshing side dish, garnishing with additional sunflower seeds or bacon bits if desired.

Notes

• Opt for thick-cut bacon to maximize crispiness and add more robust flavor to the salad.
• Blanch broccoli and cauliflower briefly in boiling water for a slightly softer texture while maintaining their vibrant color and nutritional value.
• Swap mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich dressing that reduces overall calories without compromising taste.
• Toast sunflower seeds beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a more complex crunch to the salad.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 293 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 390 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 13 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg