Easy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad | Fresh Summer Recipe

When the sun shines bright and it gets hot, a cool salad is just what you need. This broccoli cauliflower salad is full of taste and good for you. It’s the perfect mix for a sunny day.

My family’s Sundays were special, thanks to my grandma’s broccoli salad. It had crunchy veggies, salty bacon, and a creamy dressing. It was always a hit. Now, I’m excited to share this recipe with you. It’s great for eating outside on a warm day or as a side with grilled food.

Why This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Is Perfect for Summer

This refreshing broccoli and cauliflower salad is perfect for summer gatherings and picnics. It has a crunchy texture and vibrant flavors. It’s a delightful way to enjoy fresh vegetables.

Health Benefits of Raw Vegetables

The broccoli and cauliflower in this salad are full of essential nutrients. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This makes them a nutritious addition to any meal.

Other crunchy veggies like celery and onions are also in the salad. They boost the overall health benefits.

Perfect Make-Ahead Party Dish

This broccoli cauliflower salad can be prepared in advance. It’s a convenient option for summer parties and gatherings. The flavors get better as it chills.

The crunchy texture holds up well, ensuring a refreshing dish for your guests.

With a 4.9 rating out of 5 from 68 reviews, this salad is a crowd-pleaser. It includes broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, apples, red onion, celery, green onions, dried cranberries, feta cheese, and roasted almonds. The creamy dressing, made with mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic, and seasoning, ties all the flavors together perfectly.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a picnic at the park, or a summer potluck, this broccoli cauliflower salad is sure to be a hit. Its fresh, crunchy texture and vibrant flavors make it a refreshing and satisfying addition to any summer spread.

Essential Ingredients and Kitchen Tools for broccoli cauliflower salad

To make the perfect broccoli cauliflower bacon salad, you need a few key things. Let’s look at what you’ll need.

The salad has broccoli, cauliflower, bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, and dried cranberries. The creamy dressing is made with mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar.

You’ll need a large bowl, a sharp knife and cutting board for chopping. Also, a cheese grater for the cheddar and a baking tray for crispy bacon.

1. Broccoli
2. Cauliflower
3. Bacon
4. Cheddar cheese
5. Red onion
6. Dried cranberries
7. Mayonnaise
8. Vinegar
9. Sugar

• Large mixing bowl
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Cheese grater
• Baking tray

With these ingredients and tools, you’re ready to make a tasty broccoli and cauliflower salad with mayonnaise. It’s sure to please your taste buds.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide to make broccoli cauliflower salad

Making the broccoli cauliflower salad is easy with this guide. Let’s get started and learn how to make this refreshing summer dish.

Chopping and Preparing Vegetables

First, wash the broccoli and cauliflower florets well. Cut them into small pieces for even texture and taste. Then, finely chop the red onion for a burst of color and a hint of sharpness.

Cooking and Crumbling Bacon

If you’re adding bacon, cook it until it’s crispy. Break the bacon into small pieces for a crunchy texture in the salad.

Making the Creamy Dressing

Next, mix the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and seasonings in a bowl. This creamy dressing will enhance the flavors of the fresh veggies.

Now, combine the prepped veggies and dressing in a big bowl. Mix everything gently until the salad is well coated. Chill it for 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.

The end result is a vibrant, tasty broccoli salad. It’s perfect for enjoying during the summer and will impress your friends!

Creating the Perfect Homemade Dressing for broccoli cauliflower salad

The secret to a great broccoli and cauliflower salad is the homemade dressing. It’s creamy and full of flavor, making the salad irresistible. The dressing starts with mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.

For a classic taste, the dressing includes:

• Mayonnaise
• Red wine vinegar
• Granulated sugar
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Dried dill

Want it sweeter? Add more sugar or try dried cranberries for a tart twist. Need it tangier? Mix in up to 1/4 cup of sour cream with the mayonnaise.

After making the dressing, toss it with the broccoli, cauliflower, and other salad ingredients. This will coat everything evenly. The outcome is a creamy, tasty broccoli and cauliflower salad recipe that will wow anyone.

Tips for Crispy Bacon and Vegetable Prep for broccoli cauliflower salad

When making the broccoli cauliflower salad, small details matter a lot. Here are some tips to get your bacon crispy and your veggies ready just right.

Bacon Cooking Methods

There are a few ways to cook the bacon for this salad. Each method has its own advantages:

• Pan-frying: Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crisp. This way, you can control how crispy it gets and get a tasty flavor from the fat.
• Baking: Put the bacon on a baking sheet and bake in a 400°F oven until it’s crisp, about 15-20 minutes. This method is easy and makes the bacon cook evenly.
• Air frying: Air fry the bacon at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping it halfway through, until it’s crispy. This method is quick and uses less oil, making it a healthier choice.

Choose any method you like, but add the crispy bacon just before serving. This keeps it crispy.

Vegetable Size Guidelines

When cutting the broccoli and cauliflower, aim for small, uniform pieces. This makes them easy to eat and ensures the flavors mix well. Also, finely dice the red onion so its flavor is balanced in every bite.

By following these tips, you’ll make a vibrant and tasty salad. It’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

Customization Options and Variations for broccoli cauliflower salad

This broccoli and cauliflower salad is super versatile. You can make it your own by changing it up to fit your taste or diet. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Swap the sunflower seeds for crunchy pecans for a nuttier flavor.
• Increase the amount of bacon for a more savory and smoky taste.
• Adjust the quantity of cheese and dried cranberries to your liking.
• For a vegetarian version, use vegetarian “bacon bits” instead of traditional bacon.

The Easy Broccoli Salad lets you get creative with ingredients. Feel free to try different combinations to find your favorite.

Creating a tasty salad with broccoli and cauliflower is all about balance. Whether you like creamy or tangy dressings, experimenting can lead to a dish you’ll love.

Storage Tips and Make-Ahead Instructions for broccoli cauliflower salad

This broccoli cauliflower salad recipe is perfect for summer gatherings. It can be made ahead of time. Follow these tips to keep it fresh and tasty.

Proper Storage Methods

Put the salad in an airtight container and chill it. This lets the flavors mix and keeps the veggies crunchy. Add the bacon just before serving to keep it crispy.

How Long It Lasts

• The salad stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• It makes 6 servings, so you can prep it a day or two early.
• The salad tastes even better with time, as the lemon dressing enhances the flavors.

This salad is great for summer because it’s easy to make ahead. Enjoy its fresh, delicious taste all week.

Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations for broccoli cauliflower salad

The broccoli cauliflower bacon salad is full of nutrients and can fit many diets. It’s great for those who follow different eating plans. Let’s look at what makes this salad so good for you.

One serving, about 1 cup or 100 grams, has 200 calories. It has 12 grams of carbs, 6 grams of protein, and 15 grams of fat. Plus, it has 4 grams of fiber.

Broccoli and cauliflower are the stars of the salad. They’re full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Cauliflower alone gives you 57% of your daily vitamin C and 14% of vitamin K.

If you’re on a low-carb or keto diet, this salad is a good choice. It has low carbs. You can also make it dairy-free or plant-based by skipping the cheese and changing the dressing.

This salad is good all year. It’s perfect for a light summer meal or a hearty winter dish. It’s a nutritious and tasty option for any time.

The broccoli cauliflower bacon salad is a great choice for anyone who cares about their health. It’s full of nutrients and tastes amazing.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	200
Carbohydrates	12g
Protein	6g
Fat	15g
Fiber	4g

The broccoli and cauliflower in this salad are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They help keep you healthy and feeling good.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This vibrant broccoli and cauliflower salad with mayonnaise is perfect for summer grilling. It goes great with juicy burgers, tender ribs, or BBQ chicken. It’s sure to please everyone.

Pair it with a honey-glazed tenderloin or other main dishes for a full meal. The creamy dressing and crunchy veggies complement many proteins well.

Want a light lunch? Enjoy this salad on its own. It’s a satisfying and nutritious choice. The mix of fresh broccoli, cauliflower, and tangy dressing is delightful.

This broccoli and cauliflower salad with mayonnaise is a hit at summer gatherings. It’s versatile and flavorful, perfect with grilled, barbecued, or simple main dishes.

Serve this refreshing salad alongside heartier main dishes like our Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, or pair it with Smoked Chicken Thighs for a complete meal.

Recommended Pairings

• Grilled Ribs
• Burgers
• BBQ Chicken
• Honey-Glazed Tenderloin

Conclusion

This broccoli cauliflower salad is a hit for any occasion. It’s great for family dinners or big gatherings. The mix of crunchy veggies, crispy bacon, and creamy dressing makes it a crowd-pleaser.

It’s also good for those watching their carbs, with only about 5g per serving. You can keep leftovers for up to 5 or 6 days. This makes it easy to prep meals ahead of time.

Try the classic recipe or add your own twist with ingredients like artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes. This broccoli cauliflower cheese bacon salad will delight your taste buds. Serve it with grilled meats or crispy chicken for a full and tasty meal.

FAQ

What are the key ingredients in this broccoli cauliflower salad?

The main ingredients are broccoli, cauliflower, bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, and dried cranberries.

How long does it take to prepare this salad?

You can make this easy salad in just 25 minutes.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe serves 8 people.

What type of dressing is used in this salad?

The homemade dressing has mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried dill.

Can this salad be made in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the salad up to 1-3 days in advance. Add the bacon just before serving for best taste.

Is this salad suitable for any dietary restrictions?

Yes, it’s gluten-free and grain-free. For a dairy-free option, skip the cheddar cheese.

What are some ways to customize this broccoli cauliflower salad?

You can add pecans instead of sunflower seeds. You can also increase the bacon, or adjust the cheese and cranberries.

How long will the salad last in the refrigerator?

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-3 days.

What are the nutritional benefits of this salad?

It’s full of raw veggies, offering essential nutrients and fiber. One serving has about 314-350 calories, 22-31g fat, 15-23g carbs, and 8-10g protein.

What type of main dishes or meals can this salad be paired with?

It goes well with grilled meats, burgers, or sandwiches. Enjoy it as a light lunch or a side dish at summer barbecues and potlucks.