Broccoli Cauliflower Salad – Experience the joy of a refreshing salad, with our delicious Broccoli Cauliflower Salad. This vibrant dish combines the flavors of broccoli. Cauliflower with the indulgence of bacon and cheese all brought together by a tangy dressing. It’s a balance of textures and flavors that will delight your taste buds. Packed with nutrients and bursting with taste this salad is a must-try for any enthusiast!
The first time I prepared this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad was on a sunny Sunday afternoon. I wanted something light yet satisfying for our family lunch. The kids were playing in the backyard while my husband set up the patio for our meal. Soon as I saw the broccoli and cauliflower in the fridge an idea sparked in my mind. I distinctly remember mixing all the ingredients and enjoying how beautifully their colors blended. When we finally sat down to eat that first bite was met with a chorus of ‘Mmm!’ from everyone at the table including our eaters. The kids. Since that day it has become a favorite, among our family transforming from a salad into a bowl filled with cherished memories.
What makes this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad truly unique?
What makes our Broccoli Cauliflower Salad truly unique is its combination of health benefits and delectable flavors. This salad is packed with nutrients combining the freshness of broccoli and cauliflower with the crunch of crispy bacon. It’s a dish that works well for family dinners, potlucks, or, as a healthy lunch option. It only takes 20 minutes to prepare making it perfect for those days when you crave something delicious and hassle-free. It’s more, than a salad; it’s a flavorful delight that caters to everyone’s taste preferences.
What You Need To Make This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe?
Crispy Bacon: Crispy Bacon steals the show with its crunch and rich taste transforming a dish into something extraordinary.
Fresh Broccoli: Fresh Broccoli not only boosts your health. Also adds vibrant green color and a refreshing crunch that takes the texture of the salad to the next level.
Cauliflower: Cauliflower, with its delightful flavor and satisfying crunch perfectly complements the broccoli creating a balanced salad experience.
Red Onion: Red Onion brings both a pop of color and a burst of flavor! Its sharp and tangy taste cuts through the creaminess adding a zesty kick that wakes up your taste buds.
Sunflower Seeds: Sunflower Seeds are treasures that make all the difference. They bring a nuttiness and an extra layer of texture to each bite making it truly interesting.
Cubed Cheese: Cubed Cheese scattered throughout the salad is like pockets of happiness. They slightly melt amidst the veggies adding a creaminess that’s simply irresistible.
Light Mayo: Light Mayo acts as the binding agent, in this symphony. It’s light yet indulgent gently coating each ingredient to ensure every bite bursts with flavor.
Sugar, Vinegar, and Salt: Sugar, Vinegar, and Salt work together in harmony to create an explosion of flavors. The addition of sugar imparts sweetness while the vinegar contributes acidity. Additionally, the salt intertwines these elements enhancing the flavors in a manner.
Steps To Make Broccoli Cauliflower Salad:
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Step 1: Grab a bowl. Mix together the crumbled bacon, chopped cauliflower, diced broccoli, onion, cheese, and sunflower seeds, with care and affection.
Step 2: In a bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, and salt. This is where the magic happens!
Step 3: Gently drizzle this dressing over the salad. Combine everything until the salad is thoroughly coated with the dressing. It’s like giving your salad an embrace!
Step 4: Let the chill in the refrigerator for a while before serving. This allows all those wonderful flavors to mingle and deepen creating a delightful eating experience, with every bite.
Tip:
One fantastic tip to enhance the flavors in your Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is to allow it to marinate. Once you’ve mixed the salad with the dressing give it some time to rest in the refrigerator for an hour before serving. This resting period allows all the ingredients to blend together wonderfully intensifying the flavors and improving the taste. The vegetables become slightly tender absorbing the sweet nuances of the dressing while the crispy bacon and crunchy sunflower seeds maintain their texture. This simple step takes your salad from being good, to absolutely unforgettable ensuring that every bite is a combination of flavors and textures.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Definitely! It actually enhances the taste when you allow the flavors to mingle in the refrigerator.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cheese?
Absolutely! You can opt for your dairy-free cheese alternative. Or simply omit the cheese altogether.
Can I use a different dressing?
Certainly! Feel free to explore dressings that tickle your taste buds. A honey mustard or a creamy Caesar dressing can also complement this salad beautifully.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Ingredients
- 12 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 head fresh broccoli diced
- 1 head cauliflower chopped
- 1/2 red onion diced
- 3/4 c sunflower seeds
- 1 c cubed cheese
- 3/4 c light mayo
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar or salad vinegar
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Let's get started by preparing the ingredients. Begin by cooking the bacon until it becomes crispy and then crumble it into pieces. Next dice the broccoli. Cauliflower into bite portions and also dice half of a red onion.
- Now let's combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Mix together the bacon, diced broccoli, chopped cauliflower, diced onion, sunflower seeds and cubed cheese.
- In a bowl we'll make the dressing. Whisk together some mayo, sugar, red wine vinegar and salt until they are well combined.
- Once the dressing is ready pour it over the mixture in the bowl. Toss everything together gently to ensure that every ingredient is evenly coated with the dressing.
- To enhance the flavors more refrigerate the salad for a while before serving. This will allow all the flavors to blend together perfectly.
- Now it's time to enjoy your Broccoli Cauliflower Salad! It has a crunch that you're sure to love.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
