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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Biana
Such a perfect side dish for a summer cookout! The dressing sounds very flavorful.
Jacqueline Meldrum
Looks delicious and perfect timing for a rare sunny weekend here in Scotland.
Claudia Lamascolo
I love the additional sweetness this has and it looks so creamy and delicious a must this Sunday we have a gathering! thanks
Ann
Can I use regular vinegar if I don’t have appke cider vinegar?
Beth Pierce
I am reluctant to tell you that it will be as good. White vinegar has such a strong taste.
Amanda Livesay
One of my favorite summer side dishes! Even my picky eaters love it.
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad looks absolutely delicious! Yummy!
Jen
I loved the sliced almonds in this side dish. So fresh and delicious. Perfect all summer long!
Chris
Like to add craisins or raisins and sunflower seeds. So delicious!
Catalina
This is a salad that is perfect for our quick lunches. It looks amazing and I love how creamy it is!
Vikki
An easy, tasty salad! The whole family loved it
Jo
So healthy and tasty! Even my picky eater daughter loves it!
Amanda
Now this is my kind of salad, I need this in my life!
EMILY
My family and I loved this broccoli cauliflower salad and we will be making it for outdoor gatherings all summer long!
Sara Welch
I love the creamy flavor of the dressing and with the perfect amount of crunch! A great side dish with any summer meal!
Cate
This salad looks so fresh and delicious! What a great summer idea, thanks for sharing!
Cyndy
What a perfect salad for upcoming Summer BBQ’s with friends! Easy and delicious