Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe

Name: Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Broccoli florets (small florets); 1 cup Cauliflower florets (small florets); 0.5 cup Red onion (thinly sliced); 0.25 cup Dried cranberries; 0.25 cup Sunflower seeds

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Okay, picture this: summer barbecue, sunshine, burger sizzling… What are some of the best bowls of food?What is a good Broccoli Cauliflower Salad recipe?Is this the best salad you’ve ever tasted? This one is bursting with fresh flavors, crunchy textures, and a tangy-sweet dressing that will have you swooning for hours. Why are people coming back for seconds and thirds? Is it a little bit like coleslaw but way more interesting – and, dare I say, more delicious? Honestly, I get requests for this every day, and it’s a total hit at potlucks. I always make extra, because it disappears *fast*.

What is Broccoli Cauliflower Salad?

So, what exactly *is* a What is a good broccoli cauliflower Salad Recipe?? Think of it as a celebration of all things crunchy and fresh. It’s essentially a salad built around, you guessed it, broccoli and cauliflower florets, but then we load it up with other goodies – crispy bacon, sweet cranberries, sunflower seeds for extra crunch, and a creamy, tangy dressing to tie it all together. It’s the kind of salad that even people who think they don’t like vegetables will devour. My husband used to turn his nose up at anything green, and now he’s the one sneaking bites straight from the bowl! It’s a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and crunchy – a flavor bomb in every bite.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Why is there so many reasons for this.broccoli cauliflower Salad Recipe is a winner, but let me narrow it down to the essentials. First, the flavor is just incredible. The slight bitterness of the broccoli and cauliflower is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the cranberries and the saltiness of the bacon. Then, you have the creamy, tangy dressing that pulls everything together. It’s a flavor explosion! Secondly, it’s surprisingly easy to make. Seriously, anyone can whip this up. It’s a lifesaver when you need a quick and impressive side dish for a party or a simple lunch on a busy weekday. What I love most about this is that it’s totally customizable. You can add different nuts, cheeses, or even dried fruits to make it your own. Plus, it’s relatively budget-friendly. Broccoli and cauliflower are usually pretty affordable, and you can often find bacon on sale. We love this even more than a classic potato salad when grilling! It just adds something fresh and unexpected to the meal.

How do I make a Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad?

Quick Overview

Making this What is a good broccoli cauliflower Salad Recipe? is a breeze! You’ll start by prepping your veggies – chopping the broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized pieces. Then, you’ll cook your bacon until crispy and crumble it up. Next, you’ll whisk together the creamy, tangy dressing. Finally, you’ll toss everything together and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Trust me, the chilling time is crucial – it really makes a difference! It’s super simple, and the results are absolutely delicious. The biggest advantage is how easily you can adjust it to your tastes – more cranberries, less bacon, whatever you prefer!

Ingredients

For the Salad:
* 1 large head of broccoli, cut into small florets
* 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into small florets
* 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 8-10 slices) – I always cook extra because someone always “tests” it!
* 1 cup dried cranberries – I prefer the sweetened ones, but you can use unsweetened too.
* 1/2 cup sunflower seeds – adds a great crunch!
* 1/4 cup chopped red onion (optional) – I find it adds a nice sharpness, but some people don’t like it.

For the Dressing:
* 1 cup mayonnaise – Don’t skimp on the good stuff! Full fat mayo makes a difference. * 1/4 cup APPLE CIDER vinegar – Adds the perfect tang! * 1/4 cup granulated sugar – Balances the tanginess of the vinegar. * 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – Adds a little depth of flavor. * Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t be afraid to season it well!

What is the step by

Step 1: Prep the Broccoli and Cauliflower

Start by washing your broccoli and cauliflower thoroughly. With a sharp knife, cut them into small, bite-sized florets. How do I cook chicken breasts the same size? I always remove the thick stems because they can be a bit tough. You can save them for soup though!

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Cook bacon until crispy. How do you do this in the microwave? I prefer cooking it in the oven because it’s less messy, but the skillet works just fine too. Once it’s cooked, drain off the excess grease and crumble it into small pieces. Let it cool before adding it to the salad.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Set aside. Make sure everything is well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. I sometimes add a little extra sugar if I want it sweeter, or I like to use hot sauce for some flavor.

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large bowl, combine broccoli, cauliflower, bacon, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and red onion. Set aside. How do I use onion? What is the best dressing for dressing? Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the broccoli and cauliflower mushy. I use a big spoon to fold everything together.

Step 5: Chill

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. How do you mix broccoli and cauliflower? What are some of the best foods to eat the next day?

Step 6: Serve

Give the salad a good stir before serving. Can you serve it as a side dish with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as an easy lunch? Is it good for potlucks and picnics? What is the best way to serve cranberries and sunflower seeds?

What is the best way to serve it?

This What is a good broccoli cauliflower salad recipe?Is incredibly versatile and goes well with so many things!

For Breakfast:What are some good side dishes to serve for breakfast? Breakfast casserole or quiche. I love it with a strong cup of coffee – the contrasting flavors are surprisingly good!

For Brunch:What’s a good salad for brunch? What are some good pairings with scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, and a glass of sparkling wine? What do you think of the colors on a brunch buffet?

As Dessert:Is this a dessert? What is good after a savory dish like lasagna or pot roast?

For Cozy Snacks:Honestly, I often find myself grabbing a bowl of this as supper in the afternoon. Is this a healthier option than chips or cookies? Is this a good food? What is a good snack to serve with crackers and cheese?

Growing up, we always had this salad alongside grilled chicken at our summer barbecues. I can’t imagine a summer without it. We also love to bring it to picnics – it’s easy to transport and doesn’t require any heating.

How do you make a good broccoli cauliflower salad?

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks for making the perfect.What is the best broccoli cauliflower salad recipe?What’s your best advice?

Broccoli & Cauliflower PrepMake sure to cut the broccoli and cauliflower into small, uniform pieces. Is it safe to eat a potato? I also like to blanch them briefly in boiling water for a minute or two to soften them slightly. This is totally optional, but I find that it makes them a bit more tender.

Bacon Perfection:What are some good side dishes to serve with bacon? I recommend using thick-cut bacon for the best flavor and texture. Cook it until it’s nice and crispy, but not burnt. Can I use bacon bits if I have short time?

Dressing ConsistencyThe dressing should be creamy and tangy, but not too thick. If it’s too thick, you can thin it out with a little water or milk. If it’s too thin, you can add a little mayonnaise. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. I like to let the dressing sit for a few minutes before adding it to the salad to allow the flavors to develop. How do you meld together?

Ingredient Swaps:Feel free to experiment with different ingredients. You can add different nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or different dried fruits, like raisins or figs. Can you add shredded cheese? For a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon and add some chickpeas or kidney beans.

Chilling Time: Don’t rush the chilling time! This salad tastes best when it’s been chilled for at least 30 minutes, or even better, a few hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and the broccoli and cauliflower to soften slightly. I often make it the day before and let it sit in the fridge overnight.

Baking Tips: If you are cooking your bacon in the oven, I find the perfect temp is 400F for about 15-20 minutes, checking for crispness every 5 minutes after the first 10. It depends on your oven, but keep an eye on it – burnt bacon is a sad thing!

Glaze Variations: While this recipe doesn’t have a glaze, you could easily add a sprinkle of brown sugar over the top before serving for an extra touch of sweetness. Or, try drizzling a little balsamic glaze over the salad for a tangy twist.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This broccoli cauliflower salad recipe is best served cold, so you’ll want to store it properly to keep it fresh. Here’s how:

Room Temperature: I don’t recommend leaving this salad at room temperature for more than a couple of hours, especially if it’s a warm day. The mayonnaise can spoil quickly, which can make the salad unsafe to eat.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. After that, the broccoli and cauliflower may start to get a bit soggy. I always use a container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent the salad from drying out.

Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing this salad. The mayonnaise will separate when it thaws, which will make the salad watery and unappetizing. The broccoli and cauliflower will also lose their crispness.

Glaze Timing Advice: Since this doesn’t have a glaze, there is no worry about when to glaze it for storing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just make sure that your bacon is gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten as an ingredient.

Can I use pre-cut broccoli and cauliflower?

Absolutely! This can save you a lot of time. Just make sure to wash it thoroughly before using it.

Can I use a different type of dressing?

Of course! If you don’t like mayonnaise, you can use plain Greek yogurt or sour cream. You can also use a store-bought creamy dressing, such as ranch or blue cheese. I’ve even made it with a vinaigrette, and it’s still delicious!

How can I make this vegetarian?

Simply omit the bacon! You can add some chickpeas or kidney beans for extra protein. You can also add some crumbled feta cheese for a salty kick.

Can I add cheese to this salad?

Yes, you can! Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or crumbled feta cheese all work well. I like to add about 1/2 cup of shredded cheese to the salad.

Final Thoughts

I hope you love this broccoli cauliflower salad recipe as much as my family does! It’s a simple, delicious, and versatile side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of crunchy textures, fresh flavors, and creamy dressing is simply irresistible. If you’re looking for more easy and delicious salad recipes, be sure to check out my other recipes. I have everything from classic pasta salad to refreshing fruit salad. Happy cooking, and can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. I also love to see your creations, so tag me in your photos on social media. Happy cooking!

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