Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
This broccoli cauliflower salad is a fantastic crunchy dish perfect for summer! It’s loaded with fresh, crisp broccoli and cauliflower florets, boosted with savory cheese, crunchy sunflower seeds, and sweet cranberries. The homemade dressing pulls everything together beautifully.
Broccoli is always a winner for BBQ side salads. We’re big fans of classic broccoli bacon salad, and swapping in cauliflower adds a fresh twist that really steps it up!
Why You’ll Love This Salad
This broccoli cauliflower salad is a winner for any summer gathering because you can make it in advance. It’s quick, easy, and a real crowd-pleaser. Pair it with grilled chicken or ribs for an effortless and tasty BBQ side that everyone will love. It also pairs nicely with creamy mushroom chicken for a simple one-pan dinner.
Ingredients and Swaps
- 1/2 pack bacon, chopped & cooked (8 oz)
- 3 cups raw cauliflower, small florets
- 3 cups raw broccoli, small florets
- 1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup mild cheddar, grated
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/3 cup craisins (dried cranberries)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Cook chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then drain on paper towels to cool.
- Cut broccoli and cauliflower into small bite-sized florets and finely chop the red onion.
- Combine broccoli, cauliflower, onion, grated cheddar, sunflower seeds, craisins (dried cranberries), and cooled bacon in a large salad bowl.
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Whisk together mayonnaise, granulated sugar, and distilled white vinegar in a small bowl until smooth.
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Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Expert Tips and Serving Ideas
- Here’s the best part: broccoli stays crisp even after sitting in the dressing, so you can totally meal prep this salad ahead of time without worrying it will get soggy!
- Summer BBQ: This salad pairs beautifully with a classic pulled pork sandwich — you’ve got yourself the perfect summer meal. For a cozy weeknight alternative, serve it alongside creamy chicken mushroom pasta.
- Fourth of July: Don’t forget this side at your next July 4th party! It’s fantastic alongside grilled chicken, veggie kabobs, and a classic baked potato.
Mix-Ins and Flavor Variations
- Change the dressing: Want to switch things up? Try a Greek dressing or a homemade poppyseed dressing for a fresh twist. Play around with flavors and make it your own!
- Add protein: Toss in grilled chicken for a more filling, standalone meal.
- Add pasta: Love pasta salad? Add cooked pasta—small shapes like orzo (see Tasty Orzo with Mushrooms for cooking guidance)—to this broccoli cauliflower mix for a hearty, satisfying dish all in one bowl.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: Keep any leftovers stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh and crisp for up to three days.
- Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing this salad since the texture and flavor can suffer. Best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
If you’ve tried this broccoli cauliflower salad recipe or any other recipe here, please leave a star rating and share your experience in the comments below— I’d love to hear how it went!
Notes
- This broccoli and cauliflower salad keeps well, making it an awesome meal prep option for a quick, fresh lunch during busy weeks.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy within 3 days for best flavor.
Answers to Common Questions
Do I Need to Cook Broccoli or Cauliflower?
No cooking needed here! This salad uses fresh, raw broccoli and cauliflower. The creamy dressing soaks into the veggies just enough to soften them slightly while keeping a crisp, fresh texture.
Can I Substitute the Ingredients?
Absolutely! Swap craisins for raisins or dried cherries if you prefer. You can swap sunflower seeds with sliced almonds or other nuts. Not a fan of cheese? Feel free to leave it out or cube mild cheddar instead of grating it for a different texture.
What dressing goes on broccoli salad?
We use a creamy mayo-based dressing made with mayo, sugar, and white vinegar for this broccoli salad, giving it that perfect sweet and tangy bite.
How to make broccoli salad in advance?
For best crunch, prep the salad and keep the dressing on the side. Store both in the fridge separately, then toss them together just before serving.
A crunchy and fresh summer salad combining broccoli and cauliflower florets with cheddar cheese, bacon, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries, tossed in a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
Ingredients
- 8 oz bacon, chopped and cooked (1/2 pack)
- 3 cups raw cauliflower florets (small bite-sized)
- 3 cups raw broccoli florets (small bite-sized)
- 1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/3 cup craisins (dried cranberries)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
Instructions
- Cook chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then drain on paper towels and allow to cool.
- Cut broccoli and cauliflower into small bite-sized florets and finely chop the red onion.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the broccoli, cauliflower, chopped red onion, grated cheddar cheese, sunflower seeds, craisins, and cooled bacon.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, granulated sugar, and distilled white vinegar until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Notes
Broccoli remains crisp even after sitting in the dressing, allowing for advance preparation without sogginess., Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 3 days for best flavor and freshness., Freezing is not recommended as it negatively affects texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup per serving
- Calories: Approx. 250 kcal per serving
- Fat: Approx. 20g per serving
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 8g per serving
- Protein: Approx. 12g per serving
