This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is crunchy, creamy, and packed with bold flavor from bacon, cheese, sunflower seeds, and a tangy homemade dressing. It’s one of my favorite summer side dishes, perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or low-carb dinners. Naturally gluten-free and easily made vegetarian or dairy-free.
Why You'll Love this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad:
- Creamy & Crunchy: Broccoli, cauliflower, bacon, and sunflower seeds add crunch, all tossed with cheese and a creamy, tangy dressing.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Even better after chilling, perfect for prepping in advance.
- Perfect for Gatherings: A go-to side dish for summer BBQs, potlucks, or just a fresh, easy dinner.
Jump to:
Key Ingredients:
- Broccoli & Cauliflower: The crisp, veggie base. Chop into small florets so they soften slightly in the dressing while keeping their crunch.
- Bacon: Cooked and crumbled for smoky, savory flavor and crunch.
- Colby Jack Cheese: Shredded for a salty, creamy contrast.
- Red Onion: Adds a pop of color and subtle sharpness.
- Sunflower Seeds: For added crunch and a nutty finish.
- Creamy Dressing: A simple mix of mayonnaise, sour cream, red wine vinegar, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper. Tangy, rich, and just a little sweet.
Dietary & Allergy-Friendly Swaps:
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free, nut-free, and low carb, and can easily be adapted to be vegetarian or dairy-free with simple swaps. As always, double-check all labels when cooking for someone with food allergies.
- Vegetarian: Skip the bacon or replace it with chopped plant-based bacon.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free mayo and sour cream alternatives (VioLife makes some good options!) and omit the cheese or use a dairy-free version.
Recipe Variations:
- Add Extra Veggies: Toss in chopped celery, shredded carrots, or diced bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
- Add Dried Fruit: Add a handful of dried cranberries or golden raisins for a touch of natural sweetness.
- Swap the Cheese: Try sharp cheddar or feta for a different flavor profile.
How to Make Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Bacon and Cheese:
- Chop the veggies: Cut broccoli and cauliflower into small florets. Dice the red onion.
- Cook the bacon: Fry until crispy, then drain and crumble.
- Mix the dressing: Whisk together mayo, sour cream, vinegar, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: In a large bowl, toss the veggies, cheese, bacon, sunflower seeds, and dressing until evenly coated.
- Chill or serve; Serve immediately, or chill for 1–2 hours.
Tips for Success:
- Cutting the broccoli and cauliflower into small florets helps them soften slightly in the dressing without losing their crunch.
- Cook bacon until crispy. Crisp bacon holds up better in the creamy dressing and adds the perfect crunch.
- Feel free to tweak the dressing. Add more vinegar for tang or honey for sweetness.
- Let it chill. This salad gets even better after an hour or two in the fridge.
- If you want a slightly softer salad, steam the broccoli and cauliflower briefly, then cool before tossing.
Make Ahead & Storage:
- Make Ahead: This salad is perfect for prepping in advance. Assemble the salad (including dressing) and chill for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours, before serving. The veggies soften slightly and soak up more flavor over time. Bacon can be added right before serving to keep it crisp.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
- Not freezer-friendly.
What to Serve with Broccoli Cauliflower Salad:
This cauliflower broccoli salad makes a great side dish for summer BBQs, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, sandwiches, or lighter mains.
- Bacon Pimento Cheese Sandwich
- Easy BBQ Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Tomato & Avocado Toast with Cottage Cheese
FAQs:
Nope! This recipe uses raw broccoli and cauliflower for a fresh crunch. If you prefer a softer texture, you can steam them briefly and let them cool before adding.
You can, but it’ll change the flavor. This recipe uses a tangy, creamy homemade dressing that balances savory, sweet, and zippy notes. Coleslaw dressing will make it sweeter and less sharp.
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after it’s been chilled for a few hours. Just wait to add the bacon until right before serving so it stays crisp.
Fresh dill, parsley, chives, or even basil pair beautifully with the earthy flavor of broccoli and cauliflower. Feel free to add a sprinkle to customize your salad!
More Pot-Luck Friendly Side Dishes You Will Love:
- Dill Pickle Chicken Macaroni Salad
- Mediterranean Pasta & Kale Salad with Garlic Basil Dressing
- Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta Dressing
- Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad with Bacon & Cheddar
Recipe
Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Ingredients
Salad:
- 3 cups broccoli cut into small florets
- 2 cups cauliflower cut into small florets
- 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
- ½ cup red onion diced
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
Dressing:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, combine broccoli, cauliflower, bacon, cheese, red onion, and sunflower seeds.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, red wine vinegar, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Toss and serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately or chill.
Notes
- This salad is naturally gluten-free, nut-free, and low-carb, and can be made vegetarian or dairy-free with a few easy swaps.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Nutrition values are approximate and will vary depending on exact ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Nutrition
Tried This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad? I’d love to hear how it turned out! ⭐ Please leave a star rating and review in the recipe card below. Your feedback helps others discover this ultra-flavorful, easy dish. Enjoy, and happy cooking! Follow me on Instagram and Pinterest for more delicious recipes, Orlando travel inspiration, and behind-the-scenes content.
Must Love Garlic says
One of my favorite summer side dishes, especially when grilling meat!