Welcome to a delightful journey of flavors and textures with our Broccoli Cauliflower Salad recipe. This salad is not just a side dish; it’s a celebration of freshness, crunchiness, and savory goodness. Packed with nutritious cauliflower, vibrant broccoli, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and wholesome sunflower seeds, this salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a refreshing side at any meal. Let’s dive into how you can create this wholesome dish in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Broccoli Cauliflower Salad:
- 1 head Cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3 small heads Broccoli, cut into florets (about 4 cups)
- 12 slices Bacon, diced and cooked until crispy
- 1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Sunflower Seeds
- 1/2 small Red Onion, diced
Instructions
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients
- Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
- Prepare Vegetables: Cut cauliflower and broccoli into bite-sized florets. Dice the red onion.
2. Assemble the Salad
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine cauliflower florets, broccoli florets, cooked bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, sunflower seeds, and diced red onion.
3. Make the Dressing
- Prepare Dressing: Choose one of the following dressings for your salad:
- Classic Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Lighter Option: Combine 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 clove minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
4. Toss and Chill
- Mix Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill: Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, give the salad a final toss. Garnish with additional sunflower seeds and chopped parsley if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy the crisp, refreshing flavors of this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad.
Cook’s Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: This salad can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite ingredients like dried cranberries, toasted almonds, or a different type of cheese.
Variations
Vegan Version
- Replace Bacon: Omit bacon and substitute with smoked tofu or tempeh bacon for a vegan option.
- Cheese Substitute: Use dairy-free cheese or omit cheese altogether.
Keto and Low Carb Versions
Low Carb
- Reduce Onion: Use less red onion or replace with green onions to lower carb count.
- Sunflower Seeds: Adjust quantity to fit low-carb goals.
Keto
- Dressing Adjustment: Increase fat content in dressing with more mayonnaise or use avocado oil-based dressings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli and cauliflower for this salad?
A: Fresh is best for this recipe to maintain crunch and texture. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before assembling.
Q: How do I prevent the salad from getting watery?
A: Ensure vegetables are well-drained after washing and pat dry. Refrigerate the salad after mixing to help maintain crispness.
Q: Is it necessary to cook the bacon separately?
A: Yes, cooking the bacon separately ensures it’s crispy and adds a delicious crunch to the salad.
Enjoy the vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients of our Broccoli Cauliflower Salad. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious side dish or a light meal on its own, this salad offers versatility and freshness in every bite. Experiment with different dressings and toppings to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Make it ahead for gatherings or enjoy it as a quick and satisfying weekday meal. Embrace the simplicity and goodness of this salad, perfect for any occasion!