Salads don’t have to be boring. If your idea of salad involves only lettuce and tomato, it’s time to meet your new favorite: Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad. Packed with fresh veggies, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and tossed in a rich, tangy dressing, this salad is both comforting and refreshing. It’s one of those recipes that surprises you with its flavor—and then you keep coming back for more.
Think of it like a party in a bowl—crunchy, creamy, salty, and slightly sweet, all balanced perfectly. Whether you’re prepping for a summer barbecue, a holiday dinner, or just looking for a way to sneak in some veggies, this dish has your back.
1. Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s start with what you need to bring this Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad to life:
For the Salad:
3 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
3 cups cauliflower florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
½ cup red onion, finely chopped
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6 slices)
¼ cup sunflower seeds or slivered almonds (optional, for crunch)
For the Dressing:
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons honey or sugar
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2. Why This Salad Works So Well
You know how some dishes just click? This is one of them. It has the satisfying crunch of raw veggies, the savory depth of bacon, the sharpness of cheddar, and a creamy, tangy dressing that ties it all together. The combo is magic.
Plus, unlike leafy salads that wilt quickly, this one stays crisp even after sitting in the fridge. That means it’s a great make-ahead option.
3. Preparing Your Vegetables
Freshness matters. Wash your broccoli and cauliflower thoroughly. Chop them into small, bite-sized florets—think “one bite and no mess.” This makes the salad easier to eat and helps the dressing coat every crevice.
Finely chop the red onion. Don’t like it too sharp? Soak it in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain—it’ll mellow out the flavor while keeping that beautiful color.
4. Cooking the Perfect Bacon
Ah, bacon. It’s the crunchy, salty crown of this salad.
Cook your bacon until it’s golden and crispy, either on a skillet, in the oven, or air fryer. Once cooked, place it on paper towels to absorb excess grease. Crumble it when cool. Tip: Thick-cut bacon holds up best.
5. Crafting the Creamy Dressing
Here’s where the magic happens. In a bowl, whisk together:
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp honey or sugar
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
You’ll end up with a creamy, slightly tangy, mildly sweet dressing. It complements the raw veggies and balances the saltiness of the bacon beautifully.
6. Assembling the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Red onion
Shredded cheddar
Crumbled bacon
Pour the dressing over everything and toss until every bite is coated. If using sunflower seeds or slivered almonds, sprinkle them on top right before serving so they stay crunchy.
7. The Importance of Chilling
This isn’t a salad to serve immediately. Let it chill for at least an hour before serving. This gives time for the flavors to meld, and the veggies to slightly soften without losing crunch.
Think of it as letting all the ingredients get to know each other better—it’s like a pre-party hangout before the real thing.
8. Optional Add-ins and Variations
Want to switch things up? Try these:
Dried cranberries or raisins for a sweet chew
Chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein
Diced apples for a sweet, crisp twist
Greek yogurt in place of some mayo for a lighter touch
Hot sauce or mustard for a spicier dressing
The core salad is a canvas—paint it your way.
9. How to Store Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for 3-4 days.
Avoid freezing—it changes the texture of the veggies and makes the dressing watery.
10. Can You Make It Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! That’s one of its superpowers.
Make it up to a day in advance, but hold off on adding the sunflower seeds or almonds until just before serving for the best texture.
11. Nutritional Insights
Here’s a general idea (per serving, assuming 6 servings):
Calories: ~320
Fat: 28g
Protein: 7g
Carbs: 10g
Fiber: 3g
It’s low in carbs, gluten-free, and keto-friendly with the right sweetener. Want it lighter? Use low-fat mayo or plain Greek yogurt.
12. Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad works with so many dishes:
Grilled chicken or steak
Baked fish
Burgers or sliders
BBQ ribs or pulled pork
It’s hearty enough to be a lunch on its own or a standout side dish.
13. Pairing This Salad With Meals
Think contrast. Pair it with warm, tender proteins or rich, grilled mains. It’s also amazing alongside spicy foods—cooling and creamy in the best way.
Summer picnic? Tailgate party? Thanksgiving dinner? This salad fits in everywhere.
14. Kid-Friendly Tips
Got picky eaters? Try these:
Chop veggies super small
Use shredded cheese they already love
Let them help mix the dressing
Call it “cheesy veggie salad” to make it sound fun
Kids love helping—and they’re more likely to eat what they make.
15. Final Thoughts
The Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is more than just a side—it’s a flavorful, satisfying dish that’ll win over even the veggie skeptics. It’s easy to make, lasts in the fridge, and brings a lot of joy to the table.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just getting started in the kitchen, this salad is a no-fail favorite worth adding to your rotation.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen broccoli and cauliflower for this salad?
It’s best to use fresh for the crunch, but if you must use frozen, make sure to thaw and pat dry thoroughly to avoid sogginess.
2. How long can Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad sit out?
If left out at room temperature, aim to serve it within 2 hours. For outdoor events, keep it chilled in a cooler.
3. Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the bacon or replace it with smoky tempeh or coconut bacon for that salty crunch.
4. What’s a good mayo substitute for the dressing?
You can use plain Greek yogurt, sour cream, or even a mix of the two for a tangier, lighter version.
5. Can I add pasta to this salad?
Sure! Adding cooked, cooled pasta like rotini or macaroni makes it a heartier meal—just increase the dressing to coat everything.
