There’s something about a salad that brightens up the table. Whenever I think of family gatherings or summer picnics, I remember my aunt making her famous veggie salad, packed with colors and crunch. One salad that captures this spirit perfectly is the Broccoli Cauliflower Salad. It’s loaded with fresh vegetables, a creamy dressing, and a mix of flavors that everyone will enjoy.

why you will love this recipe

You will love this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad for many reasons. First, it’s full of vibrant, fresh ingredients that not only taste great but also provide a healthy option for any meal. The combination of broccoli, and cauliflower offers a wonderful crunch that satisfies while the creamy dressing ties everything together. Plus, the bacon and cheddar cheese add a delicious touch of savory flavor, making this salad a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue or enjoying it as a main dish, this salad is sure to be a hit.

how to make Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

Making this salad is quite simple. First, you need to wash and chop the broccoli, cauliflower into bite-sized pieces. After that, you will create a creamy dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Next, in a large bowl, combine the chopped vegetables, red onion, cheddar cheese, and cooked bacon, tossing them gently to mix. Once everything is combined, pour the dressing over the salad and mix until it’s evenly coated. It’s important to cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least two hours before serving. This allows the flavors to blend perfectly.

how to serve Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

When it comes to serving bacon Salad, there are plenty of options. This salad is versatile enough to be served as a side dish or a light lunch. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, making it great for barbecues or picnics. If you’re looking for a main dish option, simply add some grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein. Serving it chilled enhances the flavors, so scoop it into a colorful bowl and enjoy. Garnishing it with some extra bacon or cheese on top can make it visually appealing and add an extra touch.

how to store Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

To store your Broccoli Cauliflower Salad, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This salad can last for about three to four days, but be aware that the vegetables may become softer over time. If you wish to maintain the crunchiness, store the dressing separately and mix it in just before serving. Keeping the salad ingredients and dressing apart also allows for fresher flavors when you decide to enjoy your leftovers. Ensure to give it a good toss before serving again to redistribute the dressing and flavors.

tips to make Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

Here are a few tips to boost your loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Salad. First, make sure your vegetables are fresh, as they will greatly affect the overall taste of the salad. Another tip is to let the salad sit in the fridge for more time; this allows the flavors to develop even more, making each bite tastier. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise, this will still give you a creamy texture but with fewer calories. Additionally, feel free to tweak the dressing to your taste; try adding a pinch of garlic powder or some herbs for extra flavor.

variation

You can easily create variations of Broccoli Cauliflower Salad based on your preferences. If you want to make it a bit sweeter, consider adding some dried cranberries or raisins. For a crunchier texture, throw in some sunflower seeds or nuts, like almonds or walnuts. If you’d like to add more depth, try incorporating different veggies like bell peppers or carrots for a pop of color. For a lighter option, you could swap bacon for turkey bacon or even omit it altogether for a vegetarian version. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to experiment and make it your own.

FAQs

Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli and cauliflower, but make sure to thaw and pat them dry before adding them to the salad.

How long will the salad stay fresh?
The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for about three to four days, but the freshness of the veggies may decrease over time.

Can I make the salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s best to prepare the salad a few hours in advance or even the day before to allow the flavors to blend well for a tastier experience.

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 120 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Omnivore

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Description

A vibrant salad loaded with fresh vegetables, creamy dressing, and savory flavors, perfect for family gatherings or summer picnics.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups broccoli florets (cut into bite-size pieces)
3 cups cauliflower florets (cut into bite-size pieces)
2 cups curly kale (chopped, stems removed)
0.5 red onion (diced)
1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
0.5 cup bacon (cooked and chopped)
1 cup mayonnaise
1.5 tbsp white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
2 tbsp granulated sugar
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Wash and chop the broccoli, cauliflower, and kale into bite-sized pieces.
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
In a large bowl, combine the chopped vegetables, red onion, cheddar cheese, and cooked bacon.
Toss gently to mix the ingredients.
Pour the dressing over the salad and mix until evenly coated.
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 120 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a crunchier texture, consider adding sunflower seeds or nuts. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise for a lighter version.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American