Fresh, crisp, and bursting with flavor, this Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad is ready in 20 minutes, making it the ideal side dish for any meal that needs a little extra zing.
If you haven’t tried this broccoli salad yet, you’re in for a treat. It’s the perfect mix of crisp, crunchy, tangy, and creamy. What I love most is how every forkful offers something a little different. Plus, it’s a hit with the kids—they love the little surprises in each bite, from the sweet cranberries to the crispy bacon.
I appreciate salads that go beyond the usual lettuce, expanding the horizons of what a salad can be. If you enjoy this, you might also like my other recipes, Mango Salad, Korean Cucumber Salad, and 10 Minute Tomato and Walnut Salad!
Table of Contents
Reasons to Love This Broccoli Salad
- Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- We love this recipe because the crisp texture of broccoli mixed with other fresh ingredients brings a satisfying crunch.
- The blend of fresh veggies, raisins, craisins, bacon, almond slivers, and a slightly sweet dressing is irresistibly tasty and gives a delightful mix of flavors.
- This easy broccoli salad is a healthy meal that is simple and quick to prepare, ready in just 20 minutes.
Recipe Ingredients
- Broccoli Florets: Adds a fresh, earthy flavor and a crunchy texture, forming the nutritious base of the salad.
- Cauliflower Florets: Complements broccoli with its mild, slightly nutty taste.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon pieces infuse a savory, smoky flavor, creating a rich contrast to the fresh vegetables.
- Dressing (Mayonnaise, White Vinegar, Granulated Sugar): Binds the ingredients with its creamy texture, while the sweetness and acidity balance the flavors.
For a full list of ingredients and amounts, see the recipe card below.
Variations
- Dietary Variation: Swap the mayo for Greek yogurt to lighten it up a bit while keeping that creamy goodness. For a dairy-free option, you can use a vegan mayo or a dairy-free yogurt. Turkey bacon is a great alternative if you want to cut back on fat, and for a vegetarian version, just skip the bacon altogether—it’s still packed with flavor and crunch!
- Nut Alternatives: Try using various nuts like walnuts or pecans to bring out a richer flavor and delightful crunch.
- Garnish Options: Freshly chopped parsley or dill brightens up the flavors, while a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan brings a savory touch. And for a bit more crunch, try tossing on some toasted sunflower seeds or extra almond slices.
How to Make Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad
Step #1: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, white vinegar, and granulated sugar for the dressing.
Step #2: Next, in a large salad bowl, mix together all the salad ingredients.
Step #3: Then, pour the dressing onto the salad and mix well.
Step #4: Chill in the fridge for 1 hour before serving, allowing the dressing to infuse the salad with flavor.
Step #5: Finally, serve and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Broccoli and Cauliflower Preparation: Cut the broccoli and cauliflower florets into bite-sized pieces for easier eating and better dressing coverage.
- Bacon Cooking: Cook bacon until it’s crispy to add a rich, smoky flavor and crunchy texture.
- Toasting Almonds: Toast whole or sliced almonds lightly to bring out their natural oils and enhance their nutty flavor.
- Dressing Mixture: Mix the dressing ingredients thoroughly until well combined, ensuring that the sugar is completely dissolved to ensure a consistent, smooth texture and flavor.
- Chilling Time: Allow the salad to chill sufficiently to let the flavors meld together.
FAQs
Yes, just store the dressing and each ingredient separately in the refrigerator and then 1 hour before serving, mix it all together and store it in the fridge.
Any type of bacon works, but I find that using thick-cut, smoked bacon provides a richer, more robust flavor. Just remember to drain the bacon on paper towels before crumbling it to keep the salad from becoming too greasy.
No, unfortunately, you must use fresh broccoli in this recipe to maintain a crunchy texture and vibrant color. Frozen broccoli will not work.
Storage info
Store broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days for freshness. It’s best to avoid freezing, as it can make the broccoli and other ingredients mushy and lose their crisp texture upon thawing.
More Delicious Recipes That You Will Love
Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad Recipe
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cups fresh cauliflower florets
- 6 strips of bacon - cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup red onion - finely diced
- 1/8 cup golden raisins
- ⅛ cup craisins - (also known as dried cranberries)
- 1/8 cup almond slices or whole almonds - toasted
For the Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp white vinegar
- 4 Tbsp granulated sugar
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, white vinegar, and granulated sugar for the dressing.
- Next, in a large salad bowl, mix together all the salad ingredients.
- Then, pour the dressing onto the salad and mix well.
- Chill in the fridge for 1 hour before serving, allowing the dressing to infuse the salad with flavor.
- Finally, serve and enjoy!
VIDEO
NOTES
Nutrition
