If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavor-packed side that makes veggies downright irresistible, this Cauliflower Broccoli Salad will be your new go-to! A cool crunch from the freshest florets, sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, zippy red onion, and a creamy-sweet dressing come together in a seriously crowd-pleasing combo. Whether you’re prepping lunch for the week or planning for a potluck, this hearty, no-cook salad is guaranteed to brighten your menu and vanish from the bowl.

Cauliflower Broccoli Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cauliflower Broccoli Salad comes together with a handful of fresh, staple ingredients, each one bringing its own punch of flavor and texture. You’ll love how these basics transform into a truly unforgettable dish thanks to their bold contrasts and perfect balance.

Broccoli florets: Crisp, vibrant, and earthy, broccoli brings color and crunch that are essential to the salad’s base.
Cauliflower florets: Mild and tender, cauliflower pairs perfectly with broccoli and easily soaks up the tangy dressing.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the dish a creamy richness and bold flavor pop in every bite.
Red onion, finely chopped: The onion’s bite adds intensity and a hint of color, waking up all the flavors.
Cooked and crumbled bacon: Smoky, salty, and decadently crispy—bacon adds the wow factor everyone loves!
Sunflower seeds: For a nutty crunch that keeps things exciting, these little seeds bring surprising depth and texture.
Mayonnaise: Delivers the classic creamy body that binds all the ingredients together seamlessly.
Sour cream: Lends a gentle tang and makes the dressing feel lighter and silkier on the palate.
Apple cider vinegar: A splash of this adds brightness that balances out all the creamy and salty notes in the salad.
Honey: Just a touch of sweetness mellows the savory elements and enhances the overall harmony.
Salt: Brings out all the natural flavors in each ingredient.
Black pepper: For a gentle heat and depth that rounds off every forkful.

How to Make Cauliflower Broccoli Salad

Step 1: Prep Your Salad Ingredients

Start by rinsing your broccoli and cauliflower florets thoroughly. Pat them dry and chop into bite-sized pieces, making sure they’re roughly uniform so every bite has that perfect, even crunch. Crumble your bacon and finely chop the red onion—these little prep details make each ingredient shine in the finished salad!

Step 2: Toss Together the Veggies, Cheese, Bacon, and Seeds

In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, cauliflower, shredded cheddar cheese, red onion, bacon, and sunflower seeds. Give it all a gentle toss to distribute the flavors, colors, and textures evenly—if there’s ever a party happening in a bowl, this is it!

Step 3: Whisk Up Your Creamy Dressing

In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until completely smooth. This luscious dressing brings both tang and richness and ties everything together in a way that’s so crave-worthy.

Step 4: Dress and Combine

Pour the creamy dressing over the combined salad ingredients. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently toss and mix until every piece is thoroughly coated. Don’t rush—gentle tossing ensures nothing gets mushy and all that crunchy magic stays intact.

Step 5: Chill and Let the Flavors Mingle

Cover the bowl and refrigerate your Cauliflower Broccoli Salad for at least 30 minutes. This little pause gives the flavors time to meld and the veggies a chance to soak up all that luscious dressing. Trust me, the wait is worth it!

How to Serve Cauliflower Broccoli Salad

Garnishes

Just before serving, shower the top with a handful of extra sunflower seeds or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar for color and extra crunch. A touch of chopped fresh parsley or chives lends a burst of freshness and a splash of green that looks and tastes amazing.

Side Dishes

Cauliflower Broccoli Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, pulled pork, burgers, or even as a colorful companion to soups and sandwiches. It’s sturdy enough for backyard barbecues, but also holds its own as a make-ahead lunch with a soup or wrap.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Cauliflower Broccoli Salad in individual mason jars or lettuce cups for backyard parties, or arrange it on a bed of leafy greens for a dramatic, eye-catching side. For more elegant occasions, pile it high on a platter, garnish with microgreens, and let those vivid colors steal the show!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Simply cover and refrigerate your Cauliflower Broccoli Salad in an airtight container. It actually tastes even better the next day as the veggies absorb even more of the delicious dressing. Plan to eat it within three days for the best texture and freshness.

Freezing

This isn’t a great candidate for the freezer, unfortunately; the creamy dressing doesn’t hold up well and the veggies can lose their crunch once thawed. For that perfect crisp texture, enjoy your salad fresh from the fridge instead!

Reheating

This salad is meant to be served chilled for maximum crunch and creamy flavor, so there’s no need to reheat. If you’re looking to quickly refresh it, just give it a good toss and add an extra spoonful of dressing if needed.

FAQs

Can I make Cauliflower Broccoli Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, assembled a few hours in advance or even the night before, the flavors only deepen and become more delicious. Just wait until right before serving to add extra garnishes for the freshest look and crunch.

What can I use instead of bacon?

If you’d like a vegetarian version, swap the bacon for roasted chickpeas, smoked almonds, or even crispy fried shallots. You’ll still get that wonderful crunch and a little extra flavor!

How can I make this salad lighter?

For a lighter take, substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the sour cream, use light mayonnaise, or increase the amount of veggies. You’ll still have tons of creamy flavor with less fat and calories.

Can I use frozen broccoli or cauliflower?

Fresh florets definitely give the best crunch and texture, but in a pinch, you can use thawed, well-drained frozen veggies. Just make sure to pat them very dry so the dressing doesn’t get watered down.

Does Cauliflower Broccoli Salad work for special diets?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free and low carb, and you can easily tailor it for keto or vegetarian diets using the suggested swaps. With its veggie power and protein boost from bacon and cheese, it fits into lots of healthy lifestyles.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the mood to shake up your salad routine, you just have to try Cauliflower Broccoli Salad! It’s crisp, creamy, satisfying, and so full of color that it turns every meal into a celebration. Give it a spot at your next gathering and let it work its magic—your taste buds and your friends will thank you!

Cauliflower Broccoli Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cauliflower Broccoli Salad is a delicious and satisfying cold veggie salad that combines the goodness of broccoli and cauliflower with cheddar cheese, bacon, and a creamy dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad:

2 cups broccoli florets
2 cups cauliflower florets

Additional Ingredients:

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
1/3 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli, cauliflower, cheddar cheese, red onion, bacon, and sunflower seeds.
Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until evenly coated.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled.