Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad Recipe – Easy & Delicious

Last Updated on February 17, 2025 by Simon

If you’re looking for a salad that’s crunchy, creamy, and packed with flavor, this broccoli and cauliflower salad recipe is the perfect choice! With fresh vegetables, a rich and tangy dressing, and crunchy toppings, this dish is both healthy and satisfying. Whether you’re preparing it for a summer barbecue, a holiday gathering, or just a quick weeknight meal, this salad will impress with its vibrant colors and refreshing taste.

This broccoli and cauliflower salad recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy raw veggies in a delicious way. The combination of fresh broccoli and cauliflower florets with a creamy dressing and crunchy elements like bacon and nuts creates a perfect balance of textures. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can customize the ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs.

What makes this salad stand out is its blend of flavors and textures. The crispiness of raw broccoli and cauliflower contrasts beautifully with the creamy dressing, while add-ins like nuts, cheese, and dried fruit provide extra bursts of flavor. It’s a perfect side dish for grilled meats, a potluck favorite, or even a light meal on its own.

If you’ve never tried a broccoli and cauliflower salad recipe, you’re in for a treat! Keep reading to learn why this dish works so well and how you can make it perfectly every time.

Why This Recipe Works

One of the best things about this broccoli and cauliflower salad recipe is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s crunchy yet creamy, tangy yet slightly sweet, making it a salad that everyone will love. But what really makes it special? Let’s break it down.

1. Fresh and Nutrient-Packed

Broccoli and cauliflower are both superfoods, rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Eating them raw preserves their nutritional benefits, giving your body a healthy dose of essential nutrients. Unlike many salads that wilt quickly, this one stays fresh and crisp for hours, making it ideal for meal prep or parties.

2. Creamy, Tangy, and Slightly Sweet Dressing

The dressing in this broccoli and cauliflower salad recipe is a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors. It’s typically made with mayonnaise, sour cream, a touch of vinegar, and a hint of sugar or honey. The vinegar adds brightness, the mayonnaise makes it creamy, and the sugar rounds everything out. You can also use Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative!

3. Crunch Factor

The key to a great broccoli and cauliflower salad is crunch! The raw veggies provide a natural crispness, but we take it up a notch with bacon, nuts, and seeds. These elements not only add texture but also enhance the overall flavor of the salad.

4. Customizable and Versatile

This salad can be adjusted in so many ways to fit different dietary needs:

• For a low-carb option: Skip the sugar and use a keto-friendly sweetener.
• For a vegetarian version: Leave out the bacon and add roasted chickpeas or sunflower seeds.
• For a dairy-free version: Use a dairy-free mayo and skip the cheese.

5. Make-Ahead Friendly

Unlike many leafy salads that get soggy quickly, this broccoli and cauliflower salad recipe actually tastes better the longer it sits. The flavors meld together beautifully after a few hours in the fridge, making it a fantastic make-ahead dish.

Ingredients Breakdown

To make this broccoli and cauliflower salad recipe, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully.

For the Salad:

• 2 cups broccoli florets – Fresh, raw, and chopped into bite-sized pieces.
• 2 cups cauliflower florets – Crisp and slightly sweet, perfect for balance.
• ½ cup red onion, finely chopped – Adds a mild sharpness and color contrast.
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese – Gives a rich, savory depth to the salad.
• ½ cup crispy bacon bits – For a smoky crunch (optional but highly recommended).
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds – Adds a nutty crunch.
• ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins – Brings a touch of natural sweetness.

For the Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise – The creamy base of the dressing.
• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt – Lightens the dressing and adds tang.
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – Enhances the tangy flavor.
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar – Balances out the acidity.
• Salt and black pepper to taste – Adjust according to preference.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1: Prepare the Vegetables (5 minutes)

• Rinse and dry the broccoli and cauliflower.
• Chop them into small, bite-sized florets. Keeping them small helps absorb the dressing better.
• Dice the red onion finely so it blends well into the salad without overpowering.

2: Cook the Bacon (10 minutes, if using)

• In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy.
• Drain excess fat on paper towels, then chop it into small pieces.
• If you’re short on time, store-bought bacon bits work too.

3: Make the Dressing (5 minutes)

• In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, honey (or sugar), salt, and pepper.
• Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

4: Assemble the Salad (5 minutes)

• In a large bowl, combine broccoli, cauliflower, red onion, cheddar cheese, bacon, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries.
• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well coated.

5: Chill and Serve (30 minutes recommended)

• Let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
• Serve chilled and enjoy!

The Best Pro Tips for Success

To make sure your broccoli and cauliflower salad recipe turns out perfect every time, keep these expert tips in mind:

1. Use Fresh and Crisp Vegetables

Fresh broccoli and cauliflower should be bright and firm. If they feel soft, they might be old and won’t give the crunchy texture this salad is known for.

2. Chop the Vegetables Small

The key to even flavor distribution is chopping your broccoli and cauliflower into small, bite-sized pieces. If the chunks are too large, they won’t absorb the dressing as well.

3. Balance the Dressing

If you like a tangier salad, add more apple cider vinegar. If you prefer it sweeter, increase the honey or sugar slightly.

4. Let It Sit Before Serving

This salad tastes better after resting for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. The flavors meld together, making every bite even more delicious.

5. Make It Healthier

• Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream to add more protein.
• Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for a lighter option.
• Reduce the cheese and nuts for a lower-calorie version.

Variants of the Recipe

This broccoli and cauliflower salad recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for different variations based on personal preferences and dietary needs. Here are some delicious twists you can try:

1. Keto Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad

For a low-carb version, remove the sugar or honey from the dressing and skip the dried cranberries. You can also replace them with chopped olives or extra sunflower seeds for added flavor.

2. Vegetarian Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad

Simply omit the bacon and add toasted chickpeas or extra nuts for protein. A sprinkle of smoked paprika can give the dish a smoky flavor similar to bacon.

3. Dairy-Free Version

Skip the cheese and replace the mayonnaise and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives like cashew-based yogurt or vegan mayo. It still turns out creamy and delicious!

4. Spicy Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad

For a bold, spicy kick, add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.

5. Mediterranean Style

Give this salad a Mediterranean twist by adding feta cheese, kalamata olives, and cherry tomatoes, and replacing the apple cider vinegar with lemon juice.

Serving Suggestions

This broccoli and cauliflower salad recipe pairs well with a variety of dishes. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, a potluck favorite, or a light meal, here are some great ways to enjoy it:

1. As a Side Dish

This salad is the perfect complement to grilled meats like:

• Grilled chicken breast with a lemon herb marinade.
• BBQ ribs or pulled pork for a smoky contrast.
• Baked salmon with a garlic butter glaze.

2. At a Potluck or Picnic

Since it stays crisp and fresh for hours, this salad is an excellent addition to a picnic spread or potluck table. Pair it with:

• Potato salad or coleslaw for a balanced mix of textures.
• Pasta salad for a variety of flavors.
• Crackers and hummus as a light snack pairing.

3. As a Light Lunch

This salad can be turned into a complete meal by adding:

• Grilled shrimp or shredded rotisserie chicken for protein.
• Quinoa or cooked chickpeas for extra fiber.
• Avocado slices for creaminess.

4. As a Topping or Wrap Filling

Try using this salad in creative ways, such as:

• Stuffing it into a pita for a quick sandwich.
• Adding it as a topping for grain bowls.
• Serving it in lettuce cups for a low-carb option.

Storage Instructions

One of the best things about this broccoli and cauliflower salad recipe is how well it keeps in the fridge. Unlike leafy green salads, which wilt quickly, this one stays fresh for several days.

How to Store Leftovers

• Place the salad in an airtight container and refrigerate.
• It stays fresh for 3-4 days.
• If storing for meal prep, keep toppings like bacon or nuts separate to maintain crunchiness.

Can You Make It Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! In fact, this salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. If making ahead:

• Prepare the salad and dressing separately, then mix before serving.
• If adding bacon or nuts, sprinkle them in right before eating to keep them crisp.

Can You Freeze It?

Unfortunately, this salad is not freezer-friendly because the mayonnaise-based dressing can separate, and the raw veggies can become watery when thawed.

Recipe Card

Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad

Recipe by SimonCourse: SaladsDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Chill time

30

minutes

Calories

250

kcal

This broccoli and cauliflower salad recipe is the perfect mix of crunchy, creamy, and flavorful! It’s easy to make, full of fresh veggies, and tossed in a tangy homemade dressing.

Ingredients

• For the Salad

• 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped

• 2 cups cauliflower florets, chopped

• ½ cup red onion, finely chopped

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ¼ cup sunflower seeds

• ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins

• For the Dressing

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

• Prepare the vegetables – Chop broccoli and cauliflower into small, bite-sized florets. Dice the red onion finely.
• Cook the bacon (if using) – Fry until crispy, then chop into small bits.
• Make the dressing – Whisk together mayo, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
• Assemble the salad – In a large bowl, combine all salad ingredients. Pour the dressing over and toss well.
• Chill and serve – Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

• For a healthier option, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
• Add chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
• Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This broccoli and cauliflower salad recipe is the perfect balance of fresh, crunchy, creamy, and flavorful. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, meal prep, or a potluck dish, its versatility and ease of preparation make it a winning recipe. With simple ingredients and a tangy homemade dressing, it’s a delicious way to enjoy nutrient-rich vegetables in a satisfying and refreshing salad.

One of the best things about this dish is how incredibly customizable it is. For example, want to keep it low-carb? Simply skip the dried fruit. Or, if you’re looking for a dairy-free version, just swap out the cheese and use a plant-based mayo instead. No matter which way you make it, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that effortlessly fits various dietary needs.

If you’re interested in trying more healthy and delicious recipes, check out some of these great options:

• Looking for another fresh salad idea? Try this Spinach Salad with Boiled Eggs Recipe for a protein-packed alternative.
• Need a comforting side dish to pair with your salad? This Sweet Potato Brûlée Recipe brings a caramelized crunch to a classic favorite.
• Love exploring different flavor combinations? Check out this Salt-Free Salsa Seasoning Recipe to spice up your meals without added sodium.
• If you enjoy creative and unique recipes, you might also like the Sassy Rice Recipe—a bold and flavorful dish perfect for meal pairing.

This broccoli and cauliflower salad recipe is sure to become a staple in your home. Give it a try, and let us know how you customized it! Share your version in the comments or tag us on social media. Happy cooking!