Easy and Healthy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe

Are you looking for an easy and tasty salad recipe? This broccoli cauliflower salad is perfect for any occasion. It combines crisp veggies with a tangy dressing, making it a healthy and tasty dish. You can make it in just 20 minutes with simple ingredients.

This salad is great for any event, from potlucks to family dinners. It’s full of good things for you, like Vitamins A, C, and E calcium, and fiber. Each serving has 314 calories, with a good balance of carbs, protein, and fats.

The recipe makes 6 servings, perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers. It stays good for up to 4 days in the fridge With hundreds of five-star reviews, this salad is a favorite among many home cooks.

Key Takeaways

• Quick and easy salad recipe, ready in just 20 minutes
• a meal that can be changed to suit your tastes
• Nutritious option, providing essential vitamins and minerals
• Perfect for meal prep, with leftovers lasting up to 4 days in the fridge
• Crowd-pleaser with hundreds of five-star reviews

Ingredients for the Best Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe

Making the perfect broccoli cauliflower salad starts with picking the best ingredients. It combines fresh broccoli and cauliflower, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and crunchy sunflower seeds. This mix of flavors and textures will make your taste buds happy.

Primary Ingredients

The main stars of this salad are broccoli and cauliflower. Choose fresh ones for the best taste and texture. You’ll need 4 cups each of broccoli and cauliflower florets. Other key parts include:

• 6 slices of crispy cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 cup of cashew pieces for added crunch
• Diced red onion for a subtle kick
• Shredded cheddar cheese for a sharp, savory note

Optional Add-Ins

You can make your salad even better by adding some extras. Try adding dried cranberries or raisins for sweetness. Or, add sliced almonds or pecans for more crunch and nutty flavor.

Fresh vs. Frozen Broccoli and Cauliflower

While fresh broccoli and cauliflower are best, frozen works too if fresh is hard to find. Just thaw and drain them well to avoid too much water in your salad.

Tips for Choosing Ingredients

Choose your ingredients wisely for the best salad. Look for bright, firm broccoli and cauliflower. Pick thick-cut bacon and sharp cheddar cheese for great taste and texture.

By picking the right ingredients and adding your favorites, you’ll make a broccoli cauliflower salad everyone will love. It’s perfect for any event.

How to Make Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe

Making a tasty broccoli cauliflower salad is simple. You’ll enjoy the mix of flavors and textures. It’s great for any event, from lunch to dinner.

Step-by-Step Instructions

To start, prepare the ingredients:

1. Cook the bacon until it’s crispy, then chop it into small pieces.
2. Cut the broccoli and cauliflower into small florets.
3. In a big bowl, mix the broccoli, cauliflower, bacon, apples, cashews, cranberries, raisins, and spinach.

Then, make the dressing. Whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and honey in a small bowl. Pour it over the salad and toss well. Chill the salad for an hour to blend the flavors.

Tips for Chopping Broccoli and Cauliflower

For the right size, follow these tips:

• Cut the broccoli and cauliflower into florets about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
• Remove tough stems from the broccoli and cauliflower.
• If the florets are too big, cut them in half or quarters.

Preparing the Bacon and Other Ingredients

For the best taste and texture, prepare the bacon and ingredients well:

• Once the bacon is crispy, drain it and chop it into small pieces.
• Core and dice the apples to match the size of the broccoli and cauliflower.
• If using raw cashews, roast them until fragrant and lightly golden, stirring often.

The key to a great broccoli cauliflower salad is to have all the ingredients chopped into similar-sized pieces, so you get a perfect blend of flavors and textures in every bite.

Making the Salad Dressing

All the tastes go well with the creamy sauce. Whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and honey in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

With these easy steps and tips, you’ll make a delicious broccoli cauliflower salad. It’s perfect for lunch, a side dish, or a potluck.

Tips for the Perfect Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe

Making the perfect broccoli cauliflower salad is about mixing flavors and textures right. With a few easy tips, your salad will be a hit. Here are some key practices to follow:

Ensuring a Well-Blended Salad

For a balanced salad, chop broccoli and cauliflower into the same size pieces. You’ll need 4 cups each of these. Mix the salad well with the dressing to cover every piece.The sauce is made of olive oil,mayo, lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, tarragon, and Spike Seasoning.

Adjusting Flavor Balance

Make your salad your own by adding sweet and savory touches. This recipe includes 1/2 red onion for a savory flavor and 1 cup of Feta cheese for creaminess. Try adding dried cranberries or raisins for sweetness that pairs well with the tangy dressing.

Alternative Dressing Options

While mayo dressing is loved by many, you can try other options. A Greek yogurt dressing is lighter and healthier. For a dairy-free choice, mix olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey. Adjust the amounts to your liking.

Using Frozen Broccoli and Cauliflower

If fresh veggies are hard to find, frozen ones work great. After defrosting, simply add them to the salad. This keeps the dressing from getting too watery and keeps the salad’s texture just right.

By using these tips, you’ll make a broccoli cauliflower salad that’s just right. It’s full of flavor, has 274 calories, 6g of fiber, and 8g of protein. It’s both tasty and good for you.

Variations and Add-Ons for Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Ricepe

Want to make your sweet broccoli cauliflower salad even better? This recipe is super flexible, letting you add your favorite touches. You can make it healthier or add sweet elements. There are many choices to pick from.

Sweet and Savory Additions

For a sweet twist, add honey or dried cranberries to the dressing. These will enhance the salad’s natural sweetness. For a savory taste, add grated carrots, pumpkin seeds, or sliced almonds. They add crunch and extra nutrients.

Ingredient Swaps for Dietary Needs

This salad can be tailored for different diets. Use light or vegan mayonnaise for less fat. Vegetarians and vegans can skip the bacon or use plant-based options. Lactose-intolerant folks can avoid cheese or choose dairy-free alternatives.

Nutritional Information

This salad is quick to make, with prep time at 15 minutes and cooking time around 5 minutes. It’s great for busy days or unexpected gatherings. Plus, it keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, perfect for meal prep.

Whether you want a sweet broccoli cauliflower salad recipe or a healthier version, this recipe is a must-have.Try out a few different approaches until you discover one that suits you best!

Storing and Serving Tips

This broccoli cauliflower salad is great as a side dish. It goes well with many main courses. It’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks, thanks to its vibrant colors and tasty flavors.

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container to extend their shelf life for 3-4 days. Don’t mix the dressing until just before serving. This keeps the salad crisp and flavorful, even when made ahead.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is perfect for any meal, or as a light lunch. It’s great for potlucks, picnics, and family events. Serve it with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a full meal.

Make-Ahead Tips

Make this salad up to 24 hours in advance. Store the ingredients and dressing separately in the fridge. Mix them together just before serving. This keeps the veggies crisp and the flavors fresh.

Refreshing the Salad

If your salad seems dry after being in the fridge, don’t worry. Just add a bit more dressing before serving. This will bring back the flavors, making your salad taste fresh again.

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe

This broccoli cauliflower salad recipe is a hit at any meal or event. It’s loved for its mix of flavors and textures. The broccoli and cauliflower add crunch, while the bacon and dressing add smokiness and tanginess. Sunflower seeds add a nice crunch too.

Making this salad is a breeze. You just need broccoli, cauliflower, red onion, dried cranberries, and cheddar cheese. It’s ready in 30 minutes and makes 12 cups. This is great for big groups or for enjoying later in the week.

This salad is also super flexible. Any items you like can be added, or it for different diets.For a more nutritious alternative to mayonnaise, try utilising Greek yoghurt.version. Or skip the bacon and cheese for a vegan option. The best part? It tastes even better the next day.

Perfect combination of flavors and textures

Easy to make with simple ingredients

Delicious and adaptable dish that you can make just how you want it

A crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion

FAQ

Is it okay to use broccoli and cauliflower that are frozen in place of new?

Frozen broccoli and cauliflower will work just well.Simply defrost and rinse them thoroughly before including them in the salad. This prevents the salad from getting soggy.

How far in advance can I make this broccoli cauliflower salad?

This salad is best made at least 24 hours in advance.Just before serving, drizzle on the dressing to maintain the veggies crisp. If it seems dry, add a bit more dressing.

Can I customize this salad with other ingredients?

Absolutely! You can add dried cranberries, raisins, sliced almonds, or pecans. You can also change the flavor by adding honey or extra bacon or sharp cheddar.

How long will leftover broccoli cauliflower salad last in the fridge?

Any salad that you don’t eat all at once can be preserved for up to 3-5 days. If it’s dry add a bit more dressing before serving.

Can I make this salad healthier?

Yes, you can make it healthier. Add grated carrots, pumpkin seeds, or sliced almonds. Use turkey bacon, vegan mayo, or skip the cheese for dietary reasons.

Is this salad suitable for potlucks and family gatherings?

Definitely! This broccoli cauliflower salad is great for gatherings. It’s easy to make ahead and tastes even better the next day.

broccoli cauliflower salad recipe​

Discover this creamy broccoli cauliflower salad recipe perfect for potlucks and family gatherings. Loaded with crisp vegetables and a tangy dressing, ready in 20 minutes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Chilling Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 6 people

Calories 314 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl (required)
• Whisk (for dressing)
• Knife (for chopping vegetables)
• Cutting Board (for preparing ingredients)
• Measuring Cups and Spoons (for accurate measurements)

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups Broccoli florets
• 4 cups Cauliflower florets
• 6 slices Bacon (cooked and crumbled)
• 1 cup Cashew pieces
• 1/2 cup Red onion (diced)
• 1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded)

Dressing Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice
• 1 tbsp Honey
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins

• 1/4 cup Dried cranberries (for sweetness)
• 1/4 cup Sliced almonds or pecans (for crunch)

Instructions

 

Cook the Bacon

• In a pan, cook the bacon until it's crispy. Drain and crumble it into small pieces.

Prepare the Vegetables

• Chop the broccoli and cauliflower into small, bite-sized florets. Dice the red onion and measure out the cashews.

Mix the Salad Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, cauliflower, bacon, cashews, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.

Make the Dressing

• In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine Salad and Dressing

• Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.

Chill the Salad

• Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend.

Serve and Enjoy

• Stir the salad before serving. Enjoy it as a side dish or a light meal!

Keyword Broccoli Cauliflower Salad, Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe