Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is a crunchy, creamy, and utterly satisfying dish that brings together fresh vegetables, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and a tangy-sweet dressing. It’s the perfect side dish when you want something that feels hearty but still fresh. Unlike leafy salads that wilt over time, this one holds up beautifully—making it ideal for potlucks, holiday dinners, or meal prep. The mix of raw broccoli and cauliflower gives the salad plenty of texture, while the almonds, red onion, and cheddar add layers of flavor and crunch. Toss it all with a quick three-ingredient dressing, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s as easy to make as it is to love.
One of the best things about this salad is its versatility. You can make it ahead of time, and it just gets better as it chills in the fridge. The dressing, made from mayo, sugar, and vinegar, hits that perfect balance of creamy and tangy, enhancing the natural sweetness of the cauliflower and mellowing the bite of raw broccoli. Add the smoky crunch of bacon and the richness of cheddar, and every bite delivers contrast and flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a summer BBQ, packing it in a lunchbox, or rounding out a holiday spread, Broccoli Cauliflower Salad fits the occasion beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• No cooking required for the veggies
• Crunchy, creamy, and full of flavor
• Perfect for make-ahead meals or gatherings
• Easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins
Ingredients
Dressing
1 cup mayonnaise
1½ tablespoons granulated sugar
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
3 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-size pieces
3 cups cauliflower florets, cut into bite-size pieces
⅔ cup sliced almonds
⅓ cup finely chopped red onion
1 cup finely cubed cheddar cheese
10 slices crispy cooked bacon, coarsely chopped
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity if needed—add a bit more vinegar for tang, or sugar for extra sweetness.
Set aside while you prep the rest of the salad.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bite-size broccoli and cauliflower florets.
Add in the sliced almonds, chopped red onion, cubed cheddar cheese, and chopped crispy bacon.
Toss the ingredients gently to distribute everything evenly.
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Pour the prepared dressing over the broccoli-cauliflower mixture.
Toss everything well until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld and slightly softens the vegetables for better texture.
Just before serving, give the salad a gentle toss again. Garnish with extra almonds or bacon bits if desired.
Tips for Success
• Chop vegetables evenly: Bite-size pieces make the salad easier to eat and allow the dressing to coat everything more thoroughly.
• Use sharp cheddar: The stronger the cheese, the better the flavor. Mild cheddar can get lost among the other bold ingredients.
• Cook bacon until crispy: This adds the best texture contrast. Soft bacon can become chewy in the dressing.
• Toast the almonds: While optional, lightly toasting the almonds enhances their flavor and adds a deeper crunch.
• Let it rest: Don’t skip the chilling step—it improves both the texture and taste of the salad.
Storage Options
Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is an excellent make-ahead dish and keeps well for several days.
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The vegetables will remain crunchy, and the flavors will deepen over time.
• Avoid freezing: The mayonnaise-based dressing and fresh vegetables don’t freeze well, as the texture will change dramatically upon thawing.
• Make-ahead tip: You can chop all the ingredients and make the dressing a day in advance. Store them separately and combine shortly before serving for maximum freshness.
Whether you’re looking to jazz up your weekly meal prep or bring a standout dish to your next get-together, this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad delivers flavor, crunch, and convenience. It’s simple, satisfying, and incredibly versatile—exactly what you want in a no-fuss, craveable salad.
