Name: Cauliflower Broccoli Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cauliflower florets (about 1 small head); 2 cups broccoli florets (about 1 small head); 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup raisins (or cranberries); 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional); 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (optional); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar); 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup; Salt and pepper, to taste

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If you’ve been craving something light, crunchy, and totally satisfying, then this Cauliflower Broccoli Salad is the answer. Picture fresh, crisp veggies tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing that has just the right balance of flavors. The beauty of this salad is how simple it is to make, yet it’s bursting with flavor and texture. Every bite is a little crunch from the cauliflower and broccoli, mixed with the savory goodness of bacon and a hint of sweetness from the raisins. Trust me, this salad is about to become your new go-to for picnics, barbecues, or even just as a quick and refreshing side dish!

Why You’ll Love Cauliflower Broccoli Salad

This salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a total crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for almost any occasion. Here’s why you’re going to love it:

Healthy & Fresh: Packed with veggies like cauliflower and broccoli, this salad is a guilt-free way to enjoy something light and crunchy.

Perfect for Meal Prep: You can make it ahead of time, and it only gets better as the flavors mingle and marinate. It’s a great dish to prepare for the week.
Crispy & Creamy: With the creamy dressing and crunchy veggies, each bite is a delightful mix of textures.
Customizable: Want to make it extra special? Add in some sunflower seeds, chopped nuts, or swap out the raisins for dried cranberries. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious salad:

Broccoli: Fresh and chopped into bite-sized florets. It gives a nice, crunchy texture to the salad.
Cauliflower: Cut into small florets, providing a mild flavor and an added crunch.

Bacon: Crumbled, for that smoky, savory flavor that takes the salad to the next level.
Raisins: For a little bit of sweetness to balance out the savory flavors.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a bit of sharpness and color.

Cheddar Cheese: Shredded, for that creamy, cheesy goodness.
Sunflower Seeds (optional): For an extra crunch and a bit of nuttiness.
Mayonnaise: The base of the creamy dressing.

Greek Yogurt: For creaminess with a tangy twist.
Apple Cider Vinegar: To add a little zing to the dressing.
Sugar: Just a touch to balance the acidity of the vinegar.

Salt and Pepper: To taste, for the perfect seasoning.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Making this Cauliflower Broccoli Salad is as easy as tossing everything together—here’s how:

Prepare the Veggies

Start by chopping your broccoli and cauliflower into small, bite-sized florets. You want them small enough to make every bite deliciously crunchy but not too large that they’re difficult to eat.

Cook the Bacon

In a skillet over medium heat, cook your bacon until it’s crispy. Once it’s done, remove it from the pan, and crumble it into small pieces. Set it aside to cool.

Make the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. You can adjust the amount of vinegar or sugar depending on how tangy or sweet you want the dressing.

Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, cauliflower, crumbled bacon, raisins, shredded cheddar cheese, and red onion. Pour the dressing over the veggies and toss until everything is evenly coated.

Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl and let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. If you have time, the salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a day.

Serve it cold and enjoy that crunchy, creamy, and tangy goodness in every bite!

Nutrition Facts

Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition for one serving of Cauliflower Broccoli Salad (about 1 cup):

Servings: 6 (1 cup per serving)
Calories per serving: 250 calories

Total Fat: 20g (31% DV)
Saturated Fat: 4g (20% DV)
Cholesterol: 20mg (7% DV)

Sodium: 300mg (13% DV)
Total Carbohydrates: 14g (5% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 3g (12% DV)

Sugars: 6g
Protein: 7g
Vitamin A: 10% DV

Vitamin C: 100% DV
Calcium: 10% DV
Iron: 4% DV

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Cauliflower Broccoli Salad

This salad is incredibly versatile, so you can pair it with many different dishes to round out your meal. Here are a few ideas:

Grilled Meats: Serve this salad alongside grilled chicken, steak, or burgers for a complete and satisfying meal.
Sandwiches: It makes a great side dish to complement a hearty sandwich, like a turkey club or BLT.

BBQ: This salad is perfect for summer cookouts and BBQs. It pairs wonderfully with grilled hot dogs, ribs, or pulled pork.
As a Snack: You can even enjoy it on its own as a refreshing, satisfying snack!

Additional Tips

Add Nuts: Want more crunch? Try adding some toasted sunflower seeds or chopped almonds for an extra pop of texture.

Make It Vegan: Swap out the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for a vegan mayo and plant-based yogurt to make this salad vegan-friendly. You can also skip the bacon and try a smoky flavor from smoked paprika.
Add Extra Veggies: If you love more veggies, feel free to throw in some chopped carrots or cucumber for added freshness and color.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen cauliflower and broccoli?

A1: It’s best to use fresh cauliflower and broccoli for the best texture, but if you only have frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them before using.

Q2: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

A2: Yes! In fact, this salad tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. The flavors have time to meld together.

Q3: Can I leave out the bacon?

A3: Yes! If you’re vegetarian or just prefer a bacon-free version, you can skip the bacon and still have a delicious salad. You can even add in some smoked almonds for a bit of smoky flavor.

Q4: How long will leftovers keep?

A4: Leftover cauliflower broccoli salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The veggies might soften a bit, but the flavor will still be great!

Q5: Can I substitute the raisins?

A5: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of raisins, you can substitute them with dried cranberries or chopped apples for a fruity twist.

Q6: Can I make the dressing lighter?

A6: Yes! You can reduce the calories by using a lighter mayo or swapping the Greek yogurt for a low-fat version. You can also use honey instead of sugar for a more natural sweetness.

Q7: Can I make this salad without cheese?

A7: Yes, you can omit the cheese to make the salad dairy-free. It will still taste delicious with the creamy dressing and crunchy veggies.

Q8: Can I add other veggies to this salad?

A8: Definitely! Feel free to throw in some chopped carrots, cucumbers, or even peppers for added crunch and color.

Q9: How can I make this salad spicier?

A9: If you like a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing or sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the salad.

Q10: Can I use a different vinegar in the dressing?

A10: Yes! If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can use white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.

Conclusion

This Cauliflower Broccoli Salad is the perfect side dish for any occasion. It’s light, crunchy, creamy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a BBQ, or just as a healthy snack, this salad is sure to be a hit. Enjoy it fresh, and let the vibrant flavors brighten your meal!