Description

This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is a crunchy, creamy, and flavorful side dish perfect for summer gatherings and meal prep. Combining fresh broccoli and cauliflower florets with sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a tangy, slightly sweet dressing, this salad offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes. It’s easy to prepare, requires no cooking, and is best served chilled to enhance the flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Mix-ins

3 cups broccoli florets (chopped small)
3 cups cauliflower florets (chopped small)
1/2 cup red onion (finely diced)
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup sunflower seeds or chopped almonds (optional)

Dressing

3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar or honey
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare Vegetables and Mix-ins: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, finely diced red onion, cooked and crumbled bacon, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and sunflower seeds or chopped almonds if using. Toss gently to mix all ingredients evenly.
Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar or honey, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
Combine Salad and Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetable and mix-in mixture. Toss everything together until the salad ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to absorb the dressing.
Serve: Before serving, give the salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing. Serve chilled as a refreshing and satisfying side dish.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or replace part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Add dried cranberries or raisins for a touch of natural sweetness and extra texture.
This salad is excellent for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing its flavor or texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 280
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 420 mg
Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 9 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 7 g
Cholesterol: 25 mg