Fresh Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe with Creamy Dressing
Broccoli cauliflower salad recipe combines two nutritional powerhouses in one deliciously crunchy dish. This vibrant salad features crisp broccoli and cauliflower florets, complemented by sweet cranberries, savory bacon, and crunchy sunflower seeds—all tossed in a creamy homemade dressing. The recipe for broccoli and cauliflower salad offers the perfect balance of textures and flavors that will delight your taste buds while providing plenty of healthy nutrients.
Whether you’re preparing a side dish for a family dinner, contributing to a potluck, or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this broccoli and cauliflower salad recipe is versatile enough to fit any occasion. The combination of ingredients creates a satisfying dish that even veggie skeptics will enjoy!
Ingredients for Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Salad Components
- 6-8 slices of bacon
- 1 large head of broccoli, chopped into small florets
- 1 head of cauliflower, chopped into small florets
- ½ small red onion, diced (soaked in ice water for 10 minutes if strongly flavored)
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup roasted salted sunflower seeds
Creamy Dressing Ingredients
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 1½-2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, to taste
- 1½-2 tablespoons sugar, to taste
- Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon dried dill
How to Make the Perfect Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Preparing the Creamy Dressing
- Combine the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, sugar, sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, garlic powder, and dried dill in a glass jar or bowl.
- Whisk all ingredients together until smooth and well combined.
- Set the dressing aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the other components.
Assembling Your Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crispy and golden brown on both sides.
- Transfer the cooked bacon to paper towels to drain excess grease, then chop into small bits once cooled.
- In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, diced red onion, and dried cranberries.
- Pour about half of the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes to allow the flavors to develop and vegetables to slightly soften.
- Just before serving, add the sunflower seeds and bacon crumbles to the salad.
- Add more dressing if desired, toss again to incorporate all ingredients, and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations for the Best Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe
Ingredient Substitutions
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half or all of the mayonnaise in the dressing.
- Make it vegetarian by omitting the bacon or using plant-based bacon alternatives.
- Switch dried cranberries for raisins, dried cherries, or fresh grapes cut in half for different sweet notes.
- Try toasted slivered almonds or chopped walnuts instead of sunflower seeds for different crunch and flavor.
- Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for extra richness and protein.
Preparation Hacks
- Blanch the broccoli and cauliflower for 1-2 minutes in boiling water, then immediately shock in ice water for a slightly softer texture while maintaining vibrant color.
- Prepare the components up to 2 days ahead and assemble just before serving to maintain optimal freshness and crunch.
- Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the dressing for extra tang and depth of flavor.
- For a sweeter dressing, use honey instead of sugar.
- Enhance the salad with diced apple or pear for additional freshness and sweet crispness.
Salad Dressings That Pair Well With This Salad
Alternative Dressing Options
- Honey Mustard Dressing: The sweetness from honey combined with tangy mustard creates a wonderful contrast to the crunchy vegetables in this broccoli cauliflower salad recipe. Find our Best Healthy Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe for a perfect alternative.
- Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing: This slightly sweet, creamy dressing complements the broccoli and cauliflower beautifully while adding visual interest with tiny poppy seeds.
- Apple Cider Vinaigrette: For a lighter, tangy option, this vinaigrette brings out the natural flavors of the vegetables without overwhelming them.
- Creamy Yogurt Ranch: Offers the familiar herb-filled ranch flavor profile with less fat than traditional dressings, bringing creamy goodness to your broccoli and cauliflower salad.
What to Serve With This Salad
Perfect Pairings for Your Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
This versatile broccoli cauliflower salad recipe complements many main dishes, making it perfect for any meal. It pairs exceptionally well with:
- Grilled proteins: Serve alongside grilled chicken breasts, salmon fillets, or Air Fryer Lamb Chops for a complete meal.
- Comforting classics: The fresh crunch of the salad balances heartier dishes like Chicken and Stove Top Stuffing Bake or Instant Pot Chicken and Rice.
- Sandwich spread: Use this salad as a crunchy layer in wraps or sandwiches for added texture and flavor.
- Potluck contribution: Stands out on buffet tables alongside dishes like Southern Potato Salad or Oven Roasted Boneless Chicken Thighs.
Festive Meal Planning
This recipe for broccoli cauliflower salad makes an excellent addition to holiday meals, offering a fresh counterpoint to rich traditional dishes. Its vibrant colors also make it visually appealing on any table setting.
Storage Tips for Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad
Keeping Your Salad Fresh
The broccoli and cauliflower salad recipe keeps well when properly stored, making it perfect for meal prep:
- Store dressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve after a day as ingredients marinate in the dressing.
- For maximum crispness, store the dressing separately from the salad components and combine just before serving.
- If preparing in advance for an event, add the bacon and sunflower seeds just before serving to maintain their crunch.
- Give the salad a gentle toss before serving if it has been refrigerated for more than a few hours, as the dressing may settle at the bottom.
- Freezing this salad is not recommended as the vegetables will become soggy when thawed.
FAQs About Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe
Can I make this broccoli cauliflower salad recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This salad actually improves with a little time in the refrigerator. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance, but for best results, add the bacon and sunflower seeds just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Is there a way to make this broccoli and cauliflower salad recipe healthier?
Absolutely. You can substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise, reduce the sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, and consider turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. Adding more veggies like shredded carrots or bell peppers will increase the nutritional value as well.
How small should I chop the broccoli and cauliflower florets?
For the best texture in your broccoli cauliflower salad, cut the florets into bite-sized pieces—about 1-inch chunks work well. This size allows the dressing to coat each piece properly while making the salad easy to eat.
Final Thoughts on Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This broccoli cauliflower salad recipe is truly a game-changer for anyone looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet without sacrificing flavor. The combination of crunchy vegetables, sweet dried cranberries, savory bacon, and creamy dressing creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, taking it to a potluck, or enjoying it as a nutritious lunch option, this recipe for broccoli and cauliflower salad is versatile enough to fit any occasion. The balance of wholesome ingredients with indulgent touches makes it a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t compromise on nutrition.
Give this broccoli cauliflower salad recipe a try this week and discover why it’s becoming a favorite in homes across America. Your taste buds—and your body—will thank you!
Other Salads to Try
Fresh Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Creamy Dressing
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mix mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dill in a bowl to make the dressing. Set aside.
- Cook bacon until crispy, drain on paper towels, then chop into bits.
- Combine broccoli, cauliflower, onion, and cranberries in a large bowl.
- Add half of the dressing and toss to coat evenly.
- Refrigerate for 30-60 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
- Just before serving, add sunflower seeds and bacon bits, plus additional dressing if desired.
- Toss again and serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, add bacon and sunflower seeds just before serving to maintain crispness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
