Broccoli cauliflower salad is a colorful, crunchy, and nutritious side dish that’s perfect for everything from summer barbecues to weekday lunches. This refreshing salad combines two nutrient-packed vegetables—broccoli and cauliflower—along with a creamy dressing and tasty mix-ins like crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and sunflower seeds. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing potluck addition or a make-ahead salad for meal prep, this recipe is one you’ll turn to again and again.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Super Crunchy Texture: With raw broccoli, cauliflower, and sunflower seeds, every bite delivers a satisfying crunch.
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Easy to Make: No cooking is required—just chop, mix, and chill.
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Flavor-Packed Dressing: The creamy, slightly tangy dressing balances the natural sweetness of the veggies.
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Customizable: You can add in different nuts, cheeses, or even swap the dressing for a lighter version.
Ingredients List
Vegetables:
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3 cups broccoli florets (chopped small)
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3 cups cauliflower florets (chopped small)
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1/4 cup red onion (finely diced)
Dressing:
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3/4 cup mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons sour cream
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
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1 tablespoon sugar or honey
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Mix-ins:
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/3 cup cooked bacon (crumbled)
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1/4 cup sunflower seeds or sliced almonds
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Optional: 1/4 cup dried cranberries for a hint of sweetness
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
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Total Time: 45 minutes
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Servings: 6 servings
Step-by-Step Instructions for Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and dry the broccoli and cauliflower. Cut them into small, bite-sized florets. Finely dice the red onion.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, and sugar until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Combine the Salad
In a large bowl, add the chopped broccoli, cauliflower, and red onion. Toss in the cheese, bacon, and sunflower seeds.
Step 4: Mix It All Together
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is well coated.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving (Optional)
For the best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Benefits of Broccoli and Cauliflower
Both broccoli and cauliflower are cruciferous vegetables loaded with fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants. They support digestion, heart health, and immune function. Eating them raw, as in this salad, helps preserve their nutrients.
Variations to Try
Vegetarian Version
Omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon bits or roasted chickpeas.
Lighter Dressing
Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream or mayo for a healthier, tangy alternative.
Add More Crunch
Toss in chopped celery, red bell pepper, or shredded carrots.
Add Fresh Herbs
Try chopped parsley, dill, or chives for extra flavor and freshness.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare the salad up to 1 day in advance. To prevent sogginess, store the dressing separately and mix just before serving. If already dressed, it keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What to Serve with Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
This salad pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or light main courses. It’s an ideal complement to:
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BBQ chicken or ribs
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Grilled burgers or veggie patties
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Baked salmon or roasted tofu
How to Store Leftovers
Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, as the dressing may settle at the bottom.
Can You Freeze It?
No, this salad doesn’t freeze well. Raw vegetables lose their crunch, and the dressing can separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge short-term.
Tips for Best Results
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Chop veggies uniformly for even texture.
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Don’t overdress—start with less dressing and add more as needed.
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Let it chill to allow flavors to meld.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using large florets that are hard to eat raw.
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Overdressing and making the salad too heavy.
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Skipping the chill time, which improves flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I cook the vegetables first?
You can briefly blanch them for 1 minute if you prefer a softer texture, but traditional versions are served raw for crunch.
Is there a vegan option?
Yes. Use vegan mayo and skip the cheese and bacon or replace with vegan alternatives.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Fresh is highly recommended. Frozen broccoli and cauliflower tend to be too soft and watery for this raw salad.
What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar adds flavor, but you can use mozzarella, gouda, or even feta for a twist.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check the labels on bacon and other packaged items.
Conclusion
Broccoli cauliflower salad is the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making on repeat. It’s vibrant, healthy, and easily adaptable to your taste or dietary needs. With its creamy dressing and variety of textures, it’s a perfect side dish for any season. Try it for your next potluck, picnic, or weeknight dinner—and watch it disappear fast!