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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Sizzle bacon until crisp, then transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease and cool completely.
- Breakdown broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring uniform pieces for consistent texture.
- Mince red onion into delicate, thin slices for balanced flavor distribution.
- Whisk together creamy mayonnaise, granulated sugar, and tangy vinegar in a separate mixing bowl until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Combine prepared florets, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, crunchy sunflower seeds, tart dried cranberries, and finely chopped onion in a spacious mixing vessel.
- Drizzle prepared dressing over vegetable mixture, gently folding ingredients to ensure even coating and thorough integration of flavors.
- For optimal taste and texture, chill salad for 30 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to marinate and flavors to meld together.
- 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