This quick and easy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe combines fresh broccoli and cauliflower florets with sliced almonds, red onion, sharp cheddar, and bacon, all in a creamy three-ingredient mayo dressing. It is the perfect side dish with plenty of flavor and crunch for all your spring and summer grilling and barbecuing.
This deliciously creamy broccoli cauliflower salad recipe is the perfect side dish for any meal. A blend of fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing makes it a healthy and satisfying addition to your menu. I love to serve this with grilled chicken and grilled pork tenderloin. It is always a huge hit at potlucks, family reunions, and picnics.
Simple Ingredients For A Great Salad
- Mayonnaise: I prefer Duke’s
- Granulated sugar
- Apple cider vinegar: you can substitute red wine vinegar
- Broccoli: cut into florets
- Cauliflower: cut into florets
- Almonds: you can substitute pecans, walnuts, almonds, cashews, pistachios, or sunflower seeds.
- Red onion
- Cheddar Cheese: you can substitute Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack
- Bacon: crispy cooked; see here for oven-baked bacon
Recipe Tips for the Best Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
- Cut the broccoli and cauliflower florets into fine bite-size pieces, avoiding most thick stems. Cut them to a uniform size so the salad is aesthetically pleasing.
- Mix the dressing up to 2 days in advance and store it airtight in the refrigerator.
- Choose a good quality sharp cheddar and cut it into tiny cubes. You can also shred it.
- Cook the bacon until crispy so it holds up well in the salad. I like to cook mine in the oven in a single layer on an old baking sheet. Cook at 375 for about 14-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
I do not blanch the broccoli and cauliflower. I prefer the crunch and texture you get from the raw vegetables. However, I have readers blanch the veggies because they like it a little more tender.
No, you do not. It is delicious with it or without it. You will probably prefer the taste if you are accustomed to eating a low-sugar diet.
You can prepare this salad up to 24 hours in advance. However, hold the almonds and bacon. Then, toss them in right before serving.
Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
- 3 cups broccoli florets cut in bite size pieces
- 3 cups cauliflower florets cut in bite size pieces
- ⅔ cup sliced almonds
- ⅓ cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 cup finely cubed cheddar cheese
- 10 slices crispy cooked bacon coarsely chopped
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, sugar, and cider vinegar together.
- In a large bowl, combine the broccoli and cauliflower florets, sliced almonds, red onion, cheddar, and chopped bacon.
- Pour the dressing over the top and stir to coat. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Notes
Nutrition
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Martha G Jones
Just made this last night and got rave reviews from my husband. It is delicious and is a keeper. Will be making it again soon.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Martha! So glad that you and your husband enjoyed it.
Toni
Such an amazing salad! So flavorful and delicious!
Matt Taylor
You had me at bacon! Seriously I love everything in this dish, and broccoli is one of my favorite veggies. This salad is so good, love it!
Andrea Thueson
I’m drooling, looking at these photos again, and thinking about how tasty this salad is! I made a simple swap out for the sugar, and it was instantly Keto-Friendly! I am so excited to keep making this and having it on hand in my fridge.
Linda
What did you use in place of the sugar?
Toni
I loved how flavorful this is!! Will definitely make it again!
Claudia Lamascolo
This is a favorite using broccoli and cauliflower was genius! we just loved the flavors and a keeper recipe!
Katherine
What a great creamy salad full of nutritious veggies!
Gina
I switch this up with a variety of different nuts and dried fruit each time I make it, so easy and delicious!
Mindee Taylor
One of my favorite recipes! Quick, easy and always a hit!
Jackie
Made this today and it was delicious! My husband and I loved it. Thank you.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Jackie! So glad that you like it!
Denise
I have made a version of this recipe for years. It is great. One suggestion is not to put the dressing on until right before you are going to serve it or the morning of.
Elizabeth
Can I replace the sugar with Stevia? Or some other sugar substitute? Also would it be the same amount?
Beth Pierce
I am not sure I do not work with Stevia. Maybe one of the readers will know.
Sarah Baumeister
My husband LOVES broccoli salad! The cauliflower is a great addition.
Alison
Isn’t this the best every broccoli salad! I love the addition of cauliflower. Crunchy and flavorful!
Julia
Love the flavor combo! Plus, anything with bacon is a winner 🙂