Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is crunchy, creamy, and packed with bacon, cheese, sunflower seeds, and a tangy 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.
• Even better after chilling, perfect for meal-prep.
• Perfect for Gatherings. A go-to side dish for summer BBQs, potlucks, or just a fresh, easy dinner.

Key Ingredients:

• Broccoli & Cauliflower: The crisp, veggie base. Chop into bite sized pieces.
• Bacon: Cooked and crumbled.
• Colby Jack Cheese: Shredded for a salty, creamy contrast.
• Sunflower Seeds: For even more crunch.
• Creamy Dressing: A simple mix of mayonnaise, sour cream, red wine vinegar, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper. Tangy, rich, and just a little bit sweet.

Dietary Swaps:

• This recipe is naturally gluten-free, nut-free, and low carb. 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 (such as Daiya).

Recipe Variations:

• Add Extra Veggies: Toss in chopped celery, shredded carrots, or diced bell peppers are all good options.
• Add Dried Fruit: Add a handful of dried cranberries or raisins for a touch of natural sweetness.
• Swap the Cheese: Try a different cheese such as pepper jack or crumbled goat cheese for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Bacon and Cheese:

1. Chop the veggies: Cut broccoli and cauliflower into small florets. Dice the red onion.
2. Cook the bacon: Fry until crispy, then drain and crumble.
3. Mix the dressing: Whisk together mayo, sour cream, vinegar, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine: In a large bowl, toss the veggies, cheese, bacon, sunflower seeds, and dressing until evenly coated.
5. 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.
• 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.

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 salad 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:

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

This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is creamy, crunchy, and full of bold flavor from crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, or low-carb dinners.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Salad, Side Dish

Servings 6

Calories 213 kcal

Ingredients

  

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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

Calories: 213kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 8gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 320mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g

Keyword broccoli cauliflower salad

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