Description

This Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad recipe is a classic side dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, and barbecues! It combines the satisfying crunch of raw broccoli and cauliflower florets with savory cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a simple yet addictive homemade tangy-sweet dressing. Unlike many salads, this one actually gets better as it sits, making it the perfect make-ahead dish for stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients

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For the Salad:

3 cups Fresh Broccoli Florets, chopped into small, bite-sized pieces
3 cups Fresh Cauliflower Florets, chopped into small, bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup Red Onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1/2 cup Cooked Bacon, crumbled (about 6 slices)
1/4 cup Sunflower Seeds or Slivered Almonds (Optional, for garnish)

For the Creamy Dressing:

1 cup Real Mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
2 tablespoons Honey or Sugar
1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground
2 teaspoons Celery Seeds (Optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Vegetables: Wash and chop the broccoli and cauliflower into small, bite-sized florets. Finely chop the red onion. (Optional Tip: To mellow sharp onion flavor, soak chopped onion in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain well).
Cook Bacon: Cook bacon until very crispy. Let cool completely on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces.
Whisk the Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey or sugar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional celery seeds. Whisk until smooth and the sugar/honey is dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess if desired.
Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cauliflower, red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon.
Dress and Toss: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss with tongs or large spoons until everything is evenly coated.
Chill for Flavor Meld: Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This step is crucial for the flavors to meld and the vegetables to slightly tenderize.
Final Toss and Serve: Just before serving, give the salad one last gentle toss. If using sunflower seeds or almonds for extra crunch, stir them in or sprinkle them over the top now. Serve chilled.

Notes

Mellow the Onion: If raw red onion is too sharp for your taste, soak the chopped pieces in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain thoroughly before adding to the salad.
Crispy Bacon is Key: Ensure your bacon is cooked until truly crisp for the best texture contrast in the creamy salad.
Chilling is Crucial: Don’t skip the minimum 1-hour chilling time! It allows the flavors to meld beautifully and slightly tenderizes the raw vegetables without losing their essential crunch.
Add Nuts/Seeds Last: To keep optional sunflower seeds or almonds crunchy, add them just before serving rather than letting them sit in the dressing during chilling.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Side Dish, Salad, Potluck
Method: Mixing, Chilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/8th of recipe)
Calories: 315 kcal
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 350 mg
Fat: 27.5 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 21.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 11 g
Fiber: 2.5 g
Protein: 7 g
Cholesterol: 25 mg