Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate Cauliflower Broccoli Salad—a crunchy, creamy, flavor-packed dish that’s equal parts comfort food and fresh, vibrant veggie celebration! This salad brings together crisp-tender florets, savory bacon, sharp cheddar, and just the right hint of sweetness for a bowlful of color and texture that’s as perfect for a summer picnic as it is for your weeknight dinner table. Whether you’re a seasoned salad enthusiast or simply looking for a new way to enjoy your veggies, this classic is sure to become a go-to favorite.

Cauliflower Broccoli Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this Cauliflower Broccoli Salad is how each ingredient shines and adds its own magic to the mix. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh produce, you’ll create a dish that’s bursting with flavor, crunch, and a rainbow of colors.

Cauliflower florets: These bring a satisfying crunch and mild, nutty flavor that soaks up the creamy dressing beautifully.
Broccoli florets: Vibrant green and chock-full of nutrients, broccoli adds a fresh bite and gorgeous color contrast.
Red onion: Finely diced for a gentle zing and subtle sweetness that lifts the entire salad.
Shredded cheddar cheese: A sprinkle of sharp cheddar melts slightly into the dressing, offering richness and depth.
Cooked and crumbled bacon: Smoky, salty bacon bits add irresistible flavor and a pop of savoriness in every bite.
Sunflower seeds or chopped almonds: These bring extra crunch and a toasty nutty note—choose your favorite or mix both!
Mayonnaise: The creamy backbone of the dressing, binding all the flavors together luxuriously.
Apple cider vinegar: A splash of tangy acidity brightens the salad and balances the richness of the mayo and cheese.
Honey: Just a touch for subtle sweetness—it ties all the flavors together without being overpowering.
Salt: Enhances every ingredient and ensures the flavors pop.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of warmth and complexity to the dressing.

How to Make Cauliflower Broccoli Salad

Step 1: Chop and Prep the Vegetables

Start by chopping the cauliflower and broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. The smaller you chop, the easier it is for the dressing to coat every nook and cranny, and the more balanced each forkful will taste. Dice the red onion finely so it blends seamlessly into the salad without overwhelming any bite.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients

Grab your biggest mixing bowl and toss in the cauliflower, broccoli, red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and sunflower seeds or almonds. This is where the magic begins—all those colors and textures coming together!

Step 3: Whisk the Creamy Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper. You want a smooth, glossy dressing that’s neither too thick nor too runny—the perfect consistency to cling to every piece of veggie.

Step 4: Dress and Toss the Salad

Pour the dressing over your bowl of veggies, cheese, and bacon. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently toss everything together, making sure the dressing coats every floret and crumb. Take your time here—this step is all about ensuring every ingredient gets its fair share of flavor.

Step 5: Chill and Let the Flavors Meld

Cover the salad and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This little rest gives the flavors time to mingle and develop, so the final result is even tastier. If you can wait a bit longer, even better—the salad gets more delicious as it sits!

How to Serve Cauliflower Broccoli Salad

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, try scattering a few extra sunflower seeds, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives, or even a handful of crispy bacon bits right before serving. These simple garnishes not only make the Cauliflower Broccoli Salad look extra inviting, but also add a delightful crunch and pop of color.

Side Dishes

Cauliflower Broccoli Salad is a superstar at picnics and potlucks, pairing beautifully with grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, or a juicy burger. It also holds its own alongside roasted turkey or ham at holiday gatherings. For a lighter meal, serve it with a bowl of soup or a simple sandwich.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the bowl! Spoon your Cauliflower Broccoli Salad into lettuce cups for a fun, handheld appetizer, or pile it high on a baked potato for a hearty lunch. If you’re entertaining, layer the salad in a trifle dish or glass bowl to show off those gorgeous colors and textures.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cauliflower Broccoli Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

Because the salad is mayo-based and full of fresh veggies, freezing is not recommended. The texture of the cauliflower and broccoli may become watery and lose their signature crunch, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge—no reheating required! If you’d like to take the chill off, just let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Cauliflower Broccoli Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a few hours—or even a day—in advance allows the flavors to meld and intensify. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing?

Swap in plain Greek yogurt or a half-and-half mix of yogurt and mayo for a lighter, tangier version. You’ll still get all the creaminess with less fat and a boost of protein.

Are there other mix-ins I can try?

Definitely! Diced apples, dried cranberries, or raisins add a lovely touch of sweetness, while chopped bell peppers, carrots, or even hard-boiled eggs can boost the color and nutrition.

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Of course! Just leave out the bacon or swap in a vegetarian bacon alternative or some smoked almonds for a similar savory crunch.

How can I make the Cauliflower Broccoli Salad dairy-free?

Skip the cheddar cheese or use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative. Double-check your mayo to ensure it’s dairy-free as well, and you’ll have a salad everyone can enjoy!

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Cauliflower Broccoli Salad! It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, disappears quickly at every gathering, and never fails to impress. Grab your freshest veggies and give it a whirl—you just might find your new signature salad.

Cauliflower Broccoli Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cauliflower Broccoli Salad is a vibrant, crunchy, and creamy side dish combining fresh cauliflower, broccoli, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and sunflower seeds, all tossed in a tangy honey-apple cider vinegar mayonnaise dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a nutritious addition to any meal, this no-cook salad is easy to prepare and can be made ahead to let flavors meld beautifully.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Add-ins

2 cups cauliflower florets, chopped small
2 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/3 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
1/3 cup sunflower seeds or chopped almonds

Dressing

3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables and Add-ins: Chop the cauliflower and broccoli into small florets, finely dice the red onion, shred the cheddar cheese, cook and crumble the bacon, and measure out the sunflower seeds or chopped almonds. Place all these ingredients into a large mixing bowl.
Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Combine Salad and Dressing: Pour the dressing over the mixture of vegetables, cheese, bacon, and seeds in the large bowl. Toss everything thoroughly until all pieces are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, then refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill before serving.

Notes

This salad is great made ahead and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days without losing freshness.
For a lighter, healthier version, substitute plain Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise.
Add diced apples or raisins to introduce a sweet contrast to the savory elements.
Sunflower seeds can be swapped for chopped almonds or walnuts depending on preference or nut allergies.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American