Description
This refreshing Broccoli Cauliflower Salad combines crisp, raw cauliflower and broccoli florets with savory bacon, cheddar cheese, sunflower seeds, and a tangy, creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, sugar, and kosher salt. It’s a perfect cold salad side dish that is easy to prepare and ideal for potlucks, BBQs, or light lunches.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3 small heads of broccoli, cut into florets (about 4 cups)
- 1/2 small red onion, diced
Other Ingredients
- 12 slices of bacon, diced and cooked until crispy
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise (light mayonnaise can be used)
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Cut the cauliflower and broccoli into bite-sized florets. Dice the red onion finely. Place all these fresh vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
- Cook the Bacon: Dice the bacon into small pieces and cook in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels and allow to cool to become bacon crumbles.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the cooked bacon crumbles, shredded cheddar cheese, and sunflower seeds to the bowl with the raw vegetables. Gently mix to combine all these ingredients evenly.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, sugar, and kosher salt until the dressing is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the bowl of combined salad ingredients and toss gently until all pieces are evenly coated with the creamy dressing. The dressing will slightly soften the raw broccoli and cauliflower, enhancing their texture and flavor.
- Serve or Store: Serve immediately or refrigerate for a few hours to let flavors meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Notes
- This salad is best enjoyed chilled and can be made a few hours ahead of time to allow flavors to blend.
- You can substitute light mayonnaise for a lower-calorie option without sacrificing much creaminess.
- For a nut-free version, omit sunflower seeds or substitute with pumpkin seeds.
- Bacon can be cooked in the oven or microwave for easier cleanup.
- Adjust sugar quantity to your taste if you prefer a less sweet dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Broccoli Cauliflower Salad, Bacon Salad, Raw Vegetable Salad, Summer Salad, Easy Side Dish
