Crunchy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Tangy Dressing

Easy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad My GoTo Potluck Recipe

By Chef BakerSeptember 14, 2025

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4.67 (6 Ratings)

Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever get bored of the same old salads? This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is gonna be your new obsession, I swear! It’s got that perfect mix of crunchy and tangy that will keep you coming back for more.

Brief Overview

This dish has American roots, popping up at picnics and potlucks since, well, forever. It's an easy broccoli cauliflower salad recipe , taking only about 30 minutes to whip up, plus chilling time.

This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad recipe makes about 6 servings, perfect for sharing... or not!

Main Benefits

This Healthy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is packed with vitamins and fiber, so you can feel good about indulging. Serve it at your next Summer Potluck or BBQ; it's a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

What makes this recipe special? That tangy dressing and crispy bacon!

Let's Talk About the Ingredients

Right then, what you'll need for this addictive Broccoli Cauliflower Salad :

1 large head of broccoli (500g)
1 medium head of cauliflower (500g)
6 slices of bacon (170g)
1/2 cup of red onion (75g)
1 cup of dried cranberries (120g)
1/2 cup of sunflower seeds (60g)

And for that dreamy dressing:

1 cup of mayonnaise (240ml)
1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar (60ml)
2 tablespoons of granulated sugar (25g)
1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard (15ml)
1/4 teaspoon of salt (1.5g)
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper (0.5g)

Honestly, this list might seem a bit long, but don't let it scare you. Each ingredient plays a crucial part! Think of those cranberries adding a sweet little burst to every bite.

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this amazing Broccoli Cauliflower Salad . Honestly, it's pretty straightforward. Even I, who sometimes sets the smoke alarm off trying to toast bread, can manage it!

Main Players: Veggies & More

First off, you'll need 1.1 lbs (500g) of fresh broccoli florets. You know, the green trees? Same for the cauliflower, 1.

1 lbs (500g) . Make sure they're nice and firm, no soggy bits. Nobody likes a sad, soggy salad. Trust me.

Six slices of crispy bacon (about 6oz), crumbled. And then 1/2 cup (2.6 oz) of red onion (finely diced).

Don't skip the cranberries! You'll need 1 cup (4.2 oz) . Finally, 1/2 cup (2.1 oz) of sunflower seeds.

Seasoning Notes: Tang & Zing

Okay, the dressing is where the magic happens for this Crunchy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad . You'll need 1 cup (8 fl oz) of mayonnaise.

I know, some people are mayo haters. But trust me, it works. 1/4 cup (2 fl oz) of apple cider vinegar for that tang.

And 2 tablespoons (0.9 oz) of granulated sugar. A tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Salt and pepper, 1/4 teaspoon (0.

05 oz) of salt, 1/4 teaspoon (0.02 oz) of black pepper. Remember, you can always tweak the seasonings to your taste.

It's all about that Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Tangy Dressing vibe.

Gear Up: Essential Tools

You don't need fancy equipment to make this Easy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe . Just a large mixing bowl. A frying pan for the bacon. And a whisk. And knife.

That's it. This recipe is very easy and will be a perfect Picnic side dish recipe . So, grab your gear, and let's get cooking this Healthy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad !

Cooking Method: Mastering Your Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

Crunchy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Tangy Dressing presentation

Let's talk about the absolute best Broccoli Cauliflower Salad . Honestly, it's a summer staple, and everyone seems to have their own take.

But trust me, we're going to make this one special . Ever wonder about the best way to bring out the flavors and textures? It all comes down to the method.

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Matters!

Before we get started, let's get organised. Essential mise en place is crucial. Chop your broccoli and cauliflower into small, bite sized florets.

Nobody wants to wrestle with massive chunks of veg. Dice the red onion finely; we want the flavour, not overpowering onion breath! For time saving organisation, prep all the ingredients before you even think about starting to cook.

This means crumbling the bacon, measuring the dressing ingredients, etc. This makes the whole process so much smoother.

step-by-step Process: Salad Perfection

Here's the breakdown to addictive Broccoli Salad :

Cook the bacon in a frying pan until crispy . Drain on paper towels and crumble.
Wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli and cauliflower florets. This is key!
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon, salt, and pepper.
In a large bowl, combine broccoli, cauliflower, bacon, red onion, cranberries, and sunflower seeds.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes . This lets those flavors mingle.
Toss again and serve the most amazing Crunchy broccoli cauliflower salad .

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Salad Game

Don't add all the dressing at once. Add it gradually and toss. This prevents a soggy Broccoli cauliflower bacon salad .

If you're feeling fancy, you can blanch the broccoli and cauliflower for about 1- 2 minutes in boiling water.

Then, shock them in ice water for a brighter green colour. I used to skip this step, but honestly, it makes a difference.

Also, make sure you dry the vegetables properly. If you don't, your Cauliflower broccoli salad with cranberries dressing will turn into a watery mess.

I've been there, done that.

Honestly, this easy broccoli cauliflower salad recipe is a game changer. It's the perfect picnic side dish recipe , a tasty and healthy broccoli cauliflower salad and it's always a hit.

Plus, that Broccoli cauliflower salad with tangy dressing ? Chef's kiss!

Alright, let's dive into some recipe notes for this amazing Broccoli Cauliflower Salad . Honestly, this is where the magic happens. It's all about making it your own.

Recipe Tweaks and Serving Ideas

Plating and Presentation

Okay, so presentation matters. This Crunchy broccoli cauliflower salad looks fab in a glass bowl. Garnish with extra cranberries and sunflower seeds. Serve this Picnic side dish recipe chilled for maximum impact.

Serving Suggestions

This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is cracking with grilled chicken or ribs. It's the star of any Summer Potluck , mate! A crisp white wine pairs beautifully.

Think Pinot Grigio, you know? It won't overpower the tangy dressing .

Keeping it Fresh

Storage Tips

Right then, let's talk storage. Keep the salad in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. It'll last up to 3 days.

I wouldn't freeze it, the mayo doesn't like it. Honestly, it goes a bit weird.

Reheating Instructions

You don't reheat this addictive broccoli salad ! It's best served cold. Seriously, trust me on this one. It is fantastic the next day..

Remixing the recipe: Alternatives and Swaps

Variations

Want a lighter version? Use Greek yogurt instead of some mayo. It adds a nice tang.

Dietary Adaptations

Make a veggie version! Ditch the bacon and add toasted nuts. Cauliflower Broccoli Salad with Cranberries is a delight for all.

Consider adding nuts, like: pecans or walnuts for a vegetarian Broccoli cauliflower bacon salad

Nutrition Basics

Simplified Nutrition Information

This healthy broccoli cauliflower salad is packed with vitamins! Broccoli and cauliflower are superfoods. They're good for you, honest! It's a good source of fibre and vitamins. But, watch the mayo, yeah?

Key Health Benefits

It's full of antioxidants. These help fight off the bad stuff. Plus, the fibre keeps things moving. You know? Good for the gut!

So there you have it! This Easy broccoli cauliflower salad recipe is super versatile. Don't be afraid to experiment! This is your chance to create Broccoli Cauliflower Salad magic.

Go on, get cooking!

Broccoli Cauliflower Bacon Salad The ULTIMATE Summer Side Dish

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Broccoli Cauliflower Salad ahead of time? Like, the day before?

Absolutely! In fact, this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad tastes even better after it's had some time to sit in the fridge. The flavors meld together beautifully, and the vegetables stay surprisingly crisp. Just be aware that the bacon might lose some of its initial crunch over time.

Make sure to store in an airtight container to keep it fresh as possible!

How long does Broccoli Cauliflower Salad last in the fridge? I don't want to waste any!

Properly stored in an airtight container, your Broccoli Cauliflower Salad should last for 3-5 days in the refrigerator. Keep in mind, though, that the vegetables might start to soften a bit after a few days, and the dressing could separate slightly.

Give it a good stir before serving, and use your best judgement regarding freshness when in doubt, throw it out, as they say on "The Great British Baking Show!"

I'm trying to cut down on calories. Are there any lighter substitutions I can make in this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad recipe?

Definitely! You can lighten up this salad quite a bit. Try using light mayonnaise or substituting half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. You could also reduce the amount of sugar in the dressing or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

Reducing the amount of bacon, or using turkey bacon, will also make a noticeable difference. Remember, it's all about balance a bit of what you fancy does you good!

My kids are picky eaters. Any tips for getting them to try this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad?

Ah, the eternal struggle! Try cutting the broccoli and cauliflower florets into very small pieces. You could also add a touch more sweetener to the dressing. Another sneaky trick is to let them help you prepare the salad kids are often more willing to try something they've helped make.

And of course, bacon usually helps! It also can’t hurt to cut them into fun shapes using cookie cutters or pairing them with other foods they enjoy, like cheese or chicken.

Can I add anything else to my Broccoli Cauliflower Salad to jazz it up a bit?

Absolutely! This salad is a great base for adding your own creative flair. Some popular additions include shredded cheddar cheese, toasted slivered almonds, chopped celery, or even grapes.

For a bit of spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing, like a culinary Mary Berry adding her signature touch! The possibilities are endless, so feel free to experiment and find your perfect combination. Also consider adding small amounts of fruit such as apples or mandarin oranges.

What's the best way to keep my Broccoli Cauliflower Salad from getting soggy?

The key to preventing a soggy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is to ensure your vegetables are thoroughly dry before you add the dressing. You can even pat them dry with paper towels. Also, don't overdress the salad! Add the dressing gradually, tossing to coat evenly, rather than dumping it all in at once.

If you're making it ahead of time, consider storing the dressing separately and adding it just before serving, this helps maintain the texture of the dish until it’s time to enjoy!