Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad (Easy & Crowd-Pleasing!)

What’s the unsung hero of every potluck, picnic, and summer barbecue? It’s often that cool, creamy, crunchy salad that perfectly complements grilled meats and savory sides. Forget boring lettuce salads – we’re talking about a vibrant mix that’s bursting with texture and flavor, featuring crisp veggies, sharp cheese, salty bacon, and a tangy-sweet dressing.

This Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad recipe is exactly that dish! It’s a classic side that combines the satisfying crunch of raw broccoli and cauliflower florets with savory cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a simple yet addictive homemade dressing. Unlike many salads, this one actually gets better as it sits, making it the perfect make-ahead dish for stress-free entertaining. Get ready to bring the best salad to your next gathering!

Ingredients

This salad combines fresh, crunchy vegetables with rich, savory elements and a simple, flavorful dressing you can whip up in minutes.

For the Salad:

Ingredient	Amount/Quantity	Notes
Fresh Broccoli Florets	3 cups	Chopped into small, bite-sized pieces
Fresh Cauliflower Florets	3 cups	Chopped into small, bite-sized pieces
Red Onion, finely chopped	½ cup	Soak in cold water to mellow flavor (optional)
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese	½ cup	Or your favorite cheddar variety
Cooked Bacon, crumbled	½ cup (about 6 slices)	Cook until very crispy
Sunflower Seeds or Slivered Almonds	¼ cup	Optional, adds extra crunch

For the Creamy Dressing:

Ingredient	Amount/Quantity	Notes
Real Mayonnaise	1 cup	Full-fat recommended for creaminess
Apple Cider Vinegar	2 tablespoons	Provides tanginess
Honey or Sugar	2 tablespoons	Adjust sweetness to your preference
Garlic Powder	½ teaspoon	Adds savory depth
Kosher Salt	½ teaspoon	Or adjust to taste
Black Pepper	¼ teaspoon	Freshly ground recommended
Celery Seeds	2 teaspoons	(Optional, but adds classic flavor)

this now & bake later ❤️

Timing

This salad is incredibly quick to assemble, but the magic happens during the chilling time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus time to cook bacon)
• Chilling Time: 1 hour (minimum)
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes (plus bacon cooking time)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a vibrant, flavorful, and perfectly creamy broccoli cauliflower salad.

Step 1: Prepare Your Vegetables

Start by thoroughly washing your fresh broccoli and cauliflower. Chop the heads into small, easily manageable bite-sized florets. The goal is pieces that are easy to eat in one bite without needing a knife. Finely chop the red onion.

• Actionable Tip: If you find the flavor of raw red onion too sharp, place the chopped onion in a small bowl, cover it with cold water, and let it sit for 10 minutes. Drain it well before adding to the salad – this significantly mellows the pungent bite while retaining the color and crunch.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon Until Crispy

Cook your bacon slices until they are perfectly golden brown and crispy using your preferred method (skillet, oven, or air fryer). Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease. Let it cool completely, then crumble it into small pieces.

• Actionable Tip: Using thick-cut bacon often yields more substantial crumbles that hold their texture better in the creamy dressing. Make sure it’s truly crisp for the best crunch!

Step 3: Whisk Together the Creamy Dressing

In a medium-sized bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey or sugar, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and celery seeds (if using). Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth, creamy, and well combined, ensuring the sugar or honey has dissolved.

• Actionable Tip: Taste the dressing now! This is your chance to adjust the flavor balance. Prefer it tangier? Add a tiny splash more vinegar. Sweeter? Add a little more honey or sugar.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, finely chopped red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and the crumbled cooked bacon.

• Actionable Tip: Ensure your bowl is large enough to allow for easy tossing without spilling!

Step 5: Dress and Toss the Salad

Pour the prepared creamy dressing over the ingredients in the large bowl. Using tongs or large spoons, gently toss everything together until all the vegetables, cheese, and bacon are evenly coated with the dressing.

• Actionable Tip: If you’re adding sunflower seeds or almonds for extra crunch, wait to add them until just before serving. This prevents them from getting soft while the salad chills.

Step 6: Chill for Optimal Flavor

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

• Actionable Tip: This chilling period is crucial! It allows the flavors of the dressing to meld beautifully and slightly tenderizes the raw vegetables without losing their essential crunch. Don’t skip this step – the salad tastes significantly better after chilling.

Step 7: Final Toss and Serve

Just before serving, give the Broccoli Cauliflower Salad one last gentle toss to redistribute the dressing. If using, sprinkle the sunflower seeds or almonds over the top now. Serve chilled.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional information is an estimate per serving (assuming about 8 servings per recipe) and can vary based on specific ingredients (like full-fat vs. light mayo, sugar vs. honey).

• Calories: Approx. 280-350 kcal
• Protein: 6-8 g
• Carbohydrates: 10-12 g
• Fat: 25-30 g
• Saturated Fat: 5-7 g
• Fiber: 2-3 g
• Sugar: 6-8 g

Notable Benefits: This salad is packed with fiber and vitamins (especially Vitamin C and K) from the raw broccoli and cauliflower.

Healthier Alternatives

Love the flavor but looking for a lighter option? Try these swaps:

• Lighten the Dressing: Replace half or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. This significantly cuts fat and adds protein. You may need to adjust the sweetness (add a bit more honey/sugar) or tanginess to compensate. Using light mayonnaise is another option.
• Turkey Bacon: Substitute regular pork bacon with turkey bacon for a lower-fat alternative. Cook it until very crisp.
• Reduce Sugar/Honey: Cut the amount of sweetener in the dressing in half, or use a sugar substitute suitable for cold preparations.
• Cheese Choice: Use a reduced-fat cheddar cheese.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile salad is a welcome addition to almost any meal or gathering!

• BBQ & Potluck Staple: This is the quintessential side dish for grilled chicken, burgers, hot dogs, ribs, or pulled pork. It travels well (keep it chilled!) and is always a crowd favorite.
• Holiday Side: Its vibrant colors and refreshing crunch make it a great addition to holiday buffets, offering a cool contrast to richer dishes.
• Simple Lunch: Enjoy a scoop alongside a sandwich or wrap for a quick and satisfying lunch.
• Add Protein: Toss in some diced cooked chicken or chickpeas to turn it into a light main course salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

For the best texture and flavor, avoid these common salad slip-ups:

• Serving Immediately: The salad tastes much better after the flavors have melded during chilling. Solution: Always chill for at least one hour before serving.
• Large Vegetable Pieces: Florets that are too big can be awkward to eat and don’t get coated as well. Solution: Chop the broccoli and cauliflower into small, uniform bite-sized pieces.
• Watery Salad: Can happen if vegetables aren’t dried thoroughly after washing or if stored for too many days. Solution: Pat veggies dry before chopping. Aim to eat the salad within 2-3 days for the best texture.
• Soggy Nuts/Seeds: Adding crunchy toppings too early makes them soft. Solution: Toss in nuts or seeds just before serving.

Storing Tips

Proper storage keeps your salad fresh and delicious (though best enjoyed within a couple of days).

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Broccoli Cauliflower Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Optimal Freshness: It’s best consumed within 2-3 days. After that, the vegetables may start to lose some of their crispness and release more water.
• Freezing: Due to the mayonnaise-based dressing and raw vegetables, freezing this salad is not recommended. The texture will become very watery and unpleasant upon thawing.

Conclusion

This Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is a true classic for good reason. It’s incredibly easy to make, packed with satisfying textures and flavors – crisp veggies, savory bacon, sharp cheddar, and a tangy-sweet dressing – and it holds up beautifully for make-ahead convenience. Perfect for any gathering or just a delicious side dish at home, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit!

Ready to whip up this crowd-pleasing salad? Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below! Did you add any fun variations? Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe for more easy and delicious side dish ideas!

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad is ideal for making ahead. Prepare it as directed and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best made up to 24 hours in advance. Just remember to add any optional nuts or seeds right before serving.

Q2: Do I have to use bacon?

No, if you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon. The salad will still be delicious! You could add some smoked paprika to the dressing for a hint of smoky flavor, or add other savory elements like feta cheese crumbles.

Q3: Can I blanch the broccoli and cauliflower first?

While this recipe calls for raw vegetables for maximum crunch, you can briefly blanch the florets if you prefer a slightly more tender texture. Drop them into boiling water for just 1 minute, then immediately plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking. Drain them very thoroughly and pat dry before adding to the salad.

Q4: What other additions work well in this salad?

Feel free to get creative! Some popular additions include dried cranberries or raisins for sweetness,

Print