Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe

My Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad is one of my favorites. It combines crisp broccoli and tender cauliflower with melted cheddar, accentuated by red onion and apple cider vinegar. A touch of bacon and raisins adds an unexpected twist. This make-ahead dish keeps well and serves up plenty of refreshing flavor.

I gotta say this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is one of my favorite recipes because its mix of fresh, crunchy veggies and a creamy tangy dressing brings a whole new twist to the usual lunch spread. Ive always loved how the 3 cups of chopped fresh broccoli florets and 3 cups of cauliflower create a crisp base, while the 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese adds a punch of flavor.

I also mix in 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion and even toss in a handful of raisins for a sweet touch if you’re into that vibe. Sometimes, I even sprinkle 4 strips of cooked bacon that I’ve crumbled on top.

The creamy combo of 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 1/4 cup sour cream blended with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and a tablespoon of sugar make it extra exciting. It’s a recipe that’s perfect for a crowd and you can easily make it ahead, so give it a try!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe for a few reasons. First, I like how the mix of fresh broccoli and cauliflower gives the salad a crisp and light feel even though its all coated in that tangy creamy dressing. I also love how the dressing balances the flavors by being both sweet and sour with the apple cider vinegar and sugar – it just makes every bite interesting. Another reason is the addition of bacon and even the raisins which, for me, add a nice mix of smoky and sweet tastes that really enliven the veggies. Lastly, I appreciate that it’s a make-ahead dish; I can toss everything together and let it chill in the fridge and it still tastes amazing when it’s time to eat.

Ingredients

• Broccoli gives you fibre and vitamins, its crunchy and really healthy.
• Cauliflower offers fiber and antioxidants, has a mild flavor good for balance.
• Cheddar cheese supplies protein and rich taste, but can be fatty if overused.
• Red onion adds a sharp flavor and beneficial antioxidants, it enhances overall zest.
• Raisins bring natural sweetness with a minor fiber boost; skip them if you dont like.
• Cooked bacon adds smoky flavor and protein but also extra salt and fat.
• Mayonnaise gives creaminess and a tangy bite from vinegar though its high in calories.
• Sour cream adds rich tanginess and smooth texture, complementing the salad flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 3 cups chopped fresh broccoli florets
• 3 cups chopped fresh cauliflower florets
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/3 cup raisins (you can skip these if you dont like them)
• 4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. Start by chopping your broccoli and cauliflower into bite sized florets and put them in a large bowl.

2. Add shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped red onion, raisins, and cooked crumbled bacon to the bowl.

3. In a separate small bowl, mix together mayo, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, and sugar until smooth.

4. Season the dressing with a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper then stir it well.

5. Pour the dressing over all your veggies and other mix ins in the large bowl.

6. Toss everything together until the ingredients are well coated with the creamy mixture.

7. Taste the salad and adjust the salt or pepper if needed.

8. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to let the flavors blend.

9. Give it a quick stir before serving so the dressing gets evenly distributed.

10. Serve cold and enjoy this tasty salad that makes for a perfect make ahead dish!

Equipment Needed

1. A sharp knife for chopping the broccoli and cauliflower
2. A cutting board to safely chop your veggies
3. A large mixing bowl for combining all the salad ingredients
4. A small bowl for mixing up the dressing
5. Measuring cups and spoons to get your mayo, sour cream, vinegar and sugar right
6. A mixing spoon or spatula for stirring everything together
7. Plastic wrap to cover the bowl when it goes in the fridge
8. A refrigerator to chill the salad and let the flavours blend

FAQ

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Swap out the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt if you’re looking for a lighter, tangier dip.
• Instead of cheddar cheese, try using diced Monterey Jack cheese for a mild twist.
• If you’re not a fan of red onions, chopped green onions can be a great, milder substitute.
• Replace the apple cider vinegar with lemon juice for a fresh burst of acidity.
• You can switch raisins with chopped dried cranberries if you want a little extra flavor punch.

Pro Tips

1. Try lightly steaming the broccoli and cauliflower for a few minutes before tossing them in the dressing so they keep a bit of crunch instead of being totally raw all the time.
2. When adding the bacon, don’t overcook it; letting it stay crisp really helps to mix in nice textures with the creaminess.
3. Taste your dressing as you mix it in, cause sometimes the vinegar or sugar might need a little adjustin’ to balance out all the flavors.
4. Experiment a bit by toasting the raisins in a dry pan over low heat, it gives them a subtle caramelized flavor that works pretty awesome with the rest of the salad.