Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Fresh, crunchy, and coated in a creamy, slightly sweet dressing, Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is the perfect make-ahead side dish for potlucks, BBQs, or weeknight dinners. It’s colorful, packed with texture, and balances savory, sweet, and tangy flavors in every bite.
This salad tastes even better after chilling, making it ideal for gatherings or meal prep.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
Salad:
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3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
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3 cups fresh cauliflower florets, chopped small
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½ cup red onion, finely diced
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½ cup shredded carrots
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½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
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½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup sunflower seeds (or sliced almonds)
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½ cup dried cranberries (optional, for sweetness)
Creamy Dressing:
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1 cup mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
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2–3 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
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¼ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Vegetables
Wash and thoroughly dry broccoli and cauliflower. Chop into small, bite-sized pieces for better texture.
Place in a large mixing bowl.
2️⃣ Add Mix-Ins
Stir in red onion, carrots, bacon, cheese, seeds, and dried cranberries.
3️⃣ Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4️⃣ Combine & Chill
Pour dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to blend.
💡 Tips for the Best Salad
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Chop vegetables small for better flavor distribution.
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Let it chill — the flavor improves over time.
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Toast nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
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Add dressing gradually if you prefer it lighter.
🧀 Variations
Healthier Version:
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Use Greek yogurt instead of half the mayo.
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Reduce sugar or substitute honey.
Low-Carb Version:
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Skip cranberries.
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Use a sugar substitute.
Protein-Packed:
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Add diced grilled chicken.
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Stir in chopped hard-boiled eggs.
🥶 Storage
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Keeps in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
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Stir before serving as dressing may settle.
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Not freezer-friendly.
🍽️ Perfect Pairings
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Grilled chicken
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BBQ ribs
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Burgers
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Baked ham
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Picnic sandwiches
This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is creamy, crunchy, and incredibly satisfying — the kind of classic side dish that disappears fast at gatherings.