This easy broccoli cauliflower salad recipe is a my gold-standard for family gatherings. It’s loaded with crunchy veggies, crispy bacon, and a creamy dressing that brings it all together. It’s the perfect side dish for picnics, potlucks, and holiday meals. It’s also a dream as leftovers. I adore the tangy and sweet flavor of this side!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy broccoli cauliflower salad recipe is made with simple ingredients and comes together fast.
The sweet and tangy dressing pairs beautifully with the raw veggies, cheddar cheese, and bacon bits. The best part is that it tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
- Fresh broccoli: Crisp and flavorful, it adds structure to the salad.
- Cauliflower florets: Raw cauliflower gives extra crunch and holds up well to the creamy dressing.
- Red onion: Adds a little sharpness and color. You could swap in white onion if that’s what you have.
- Sharp cheddar: Shredded cheddar cheese gives a savory bite that balances the sweetness in the dressing.
- Dried cranberries: Bring a touch of sweetness and chewy texture that balances the dressing.
- Crispy bacon: Adds salty, smoky flavor throughout. You can cook your own bacon or use bacon bits for convenience.
- Walnuts: Add texture and depth. For extra crunch, try crunchy sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
- Mayonnaise: Creates the base for a creamy salad dressing. For a lighter version, you can mix in sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- White vinegar: Brings tangy flavor. Feel free to use red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar to change things up.
- White Sugar: Balances the acid and enhances the sweet broccoli cauliflower salad flavor. A sugar substitute or a drizzle of maple syrup works too.
How to Make Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
This tasty salad starts with fresh vegetables tossed in a large bowl. It’s a great recipe to make ahead because the flavors get better as it chills.
- Step one: In a large bowl combine the cups broccoli, cups cauliflower florets, crispy bacon, red onion, dried cranberries, cheddar cheese, and walnuts. Raw cauliflower and fresh broccoli give this salad plenty of crunch.
- Step two: In a small bowl stir together the mayonnaise, white vinegar, and sugar. This creates a creamy dressing with just the right amount of tangy flavor. You could use apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or even a splash of lemon juice for a different twist.
- Step three: Pour the dressing over the salad and stir gently to coat everything evenly. Chill the salad bowl in the refrigerator for at least one hour so the flavors can blend.
The full list of ingredients and instructions can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions and Variations
- Mix in sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch. You can also swap in different nuts. I really enjoy pecans or slivered almonds in this dish.
- Swap part of the mayo for Greek yogurt or sour cream to lighten up the dressing.
- Use your favorite acid such as red wine, white wine, or apple cider for a different tangy dressing flavor.
- Add green onions on top before serving for a fresh finish.
- Don’t have dried cranberries? Raisins are a great choice.
- Leave out the bacon for a meatless option, or cook your own bacon for a richer taste.
- Want to add some protein? Toss in some chicken to make a complete meal that even the kids will love.
Crissy’s Best Tips
- Chill the salad for at least an hour before serving. The flavors develop as it sits, making it even better the next day.
- Cut the fresh broccoli and cauliflower into bite-size pieces so the dressing coats evenly.
- If you want to prep this broccoli cauliflower salad ahead, mix the dressing separately and stir it in just before serving to keep the raw veggies crisp.
- Shred your own sharp cheddar for the best flavor and texture. Pre-shredded cheese can be a little dry.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle crunchy sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds on top right before serving.
- If you prefer less sugar, swap it for a sugar substitute or a touch of maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness.
- A drizzle of olive oil in the dressing gives it a silky texture and adds depth.
More Salads You’ll Love
If you love this kind of crunchy veggie salad, be sure to check out my Broccoli Salad and Macaroni Salad.
These are all family favorites and perfect additions to picnics, cookouts, or holiday spreads.
How to Store Cauliflower Broccoli Salad
Store any leftover cauliflower broccoli salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
The creamy salad dressing softens the veggies over time, but the flavor remains delicious. Stir before serving again to freshen it up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make broccoli cauliflower salad ahead of time?
Yes. This salad is a huge hit when made the day before. The flavors blend beautifully overnight.
Can I use frozen broccoli or cauliflower?
Fresh vegetables are best for this salad. Frozen veggies don’t keep their crunch once thawed.
Is this salad good for a low-calorie diet?
Well, broccoli and cauliflower are some of the healthiest, low-calorie foods you can choose! You can lighten-up the dressing by by using Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a mix of the two in place of some of the mayo, and by using a sugar substitute.
Can I add other ingredients?
Absolutely. Chopped green onions, extra crunchy seeds, peppers, or even a splash of lemon juice in the dressing can make this broccoli cauliflower salad extra special!
Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 cups cauliflower florets cut into bite-size pieces
- 6 slices bacon cooked, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion diced small
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup walnuts chopped
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl mix together the cauliflower, broccoli, crumbled bacon, onion, cranberries, cheese and the walnuts.
- In a small bowl stir together the mayonnaise, vinegar and the sugar. Add to the broccoli mixture and gently stir. Chill at least 1 hour and serve.
Save This Recipe?
Enter your email and we’ll send it straight to you + get all our latest recipes.
Nutrition
Did you make this?
I would love to hear from you! Make sure to leave your review below and follow on Pinterest for more!
