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Cauliflower and Broccoli Salad
This Cauliflower and Broccoli Salad is a fresh, crunchy side dish loaded with crispy bacon, cheese, sunflower seeds, and a creamy, sweet-and-tangy dressing. It’s one of those easy recipes that works for everything from summer BBQs and potlucks to weeknight dinners and holiday gatherings. The combination of crisp vegetables, savory bacon, and creamy dressing makes this salad a longtime favorite for parties because it can be made ahead and served chilled.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make
- Perfect for potlucks and cookouts
- Loaded with crunchy texture and flavor
- Can be made ahead of time
- Great low-carb side dish option
Cauliflower and Broccoli Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped cauliflower florets
- 4 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 1 cup cubed cheese
- 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 medium sweet onion, chopped
- 1 cup sunflower seeds
Dressing
- 1¾ cups mayonnaise
- ⅔ cup sugar
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar
How to Make Cauliflower and Broccoli Salad
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, and white wine vinegar until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower, broccoli, cheese, onion, bacon, and sunflower seeds.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- For the best flavor and texture, serve within 30 minutes to 1 hour after adding the dressing. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.
Tips for the Best Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
- Cut the broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized pieces for easier serving.
- Cook the bacon until crispy so it stays crunchy in the salad.
- Let the salad chill for 20–30 minutes before serving to help the flavors blend together.
- If you prefer a less sweet dressing, reduce the sugar slightly to taste.
- Freshly shredded cheese will work in place of cubes
Variations and Add-Ins
This salad is easy to customize depending on what you have on hand. Popular additions include:
- Dried cranberries or raisins for sweetness
- Chopped pecans or cashews instead of sunflower seeds
- Red onion instead of sweet onion
- Chopped apples or grapes
- A splash of apple cider vinegar for extra tang
What to Serve With Cauliflower and Broccoli Salad
This salad pairs well with:
- Grilled chicken
- Burgers and hot dogs
- BBQ ribs
- Pulled pork sandwiches
- Fried chicken
- Picnic and potluck meals
It’s a versatile cold side dish that works year-round but is especially popular during spring and summer gatherings.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Since the dressing softens the vegetables over time, this salad is best enjoyed within the first couple of days for maximum crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make broccoli cauliflower salad ahead of time?
Yes. You can prep all the ingredients ahead of time and store the dressing separately. Toss everything together shortly before serving for the freshest texture.
Do I need to cook the broccoli or cauliflower first?
No. This recipe uses raw broccoli and cauliflower for a crisp texture. The only thing that requires cooking in this salad is the bacon. While chopping the vegetables and cheese, I have my bacon in the oven, where I don’t have to worry about constantly watching it. Oven-baked bacon is so easy to make.
Can I use a different dressing?
Absolutely. While the creamy mayonnaise dressing is classic, you can substitute part of the mayo with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Is this salad keto-friendly?
It can be. To lower the carbs, replace the sugar with your favorite low-carb sweetener. Many keto-friendly versions use this substitution successfully.
Cauliflower and Broccoli Salad
Servings: 12
Calories: 453kcal
Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped cauliflower florets
- 4 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 1 cup cubed cheese
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 medium sweet onion, chopped
- 1 cup sunflower seeds
- 1¾ cups mayonnaise
- ⅔ cup sugar
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine cauliflower, broccoli, cheese, onion, bacon, and sunflower seeds.
- Pour dressing over the top of the vegetables and stir until evenly coated. Serve within 30 minutes to 1 hour after adding dressing for best results.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 453kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 385mg | Potassium: 326mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 316IU | Vitamin C: 44mg | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 1mg
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