Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

Broccoli and cauliflower salad might sound simple, but wait until you try it tossed in a creamy tangy dressing with crispy bacon, crunchy walnuts, and sharp cheddar. It's fresh, crunchy, and surprisingly healthy.

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It's a must-make.

If you're looking for a broccoli and cauliflower salad that's easy, crunchy, and guaranteed to be the first bowl scraped clean at a gathering, this one delivers.

• It's the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy. Crisp raw broccoli, cauliflower, bacon, walnuts, and cheddar give every bite serious texture.
• It's great as a make ahead salad. A little chill time lets the tangy dressing soak in and makes the flavors even better.
• It's a healthy side dish. Packed with fresh vegetables and protein-rich ingredients like greek yogurt and nuts, it feels nourishing without being heavy.
• It's always a potluck favorite. This broccoli cauliflower salad for potluck gatherings, picnics, and BBQ meals travels beautifully and feeds a crowd.

Let's talk texture and flavor.

Every bite delivers that satisfying contrast of creamy and crunchy. Raw broccoli and cauliflower bring a crisp garden-fresh bite, while the creamy dressing adds sweet tangy flavor that coats every little nook. Smoky bacon adds savory depth, cheddar cheese melts slightly into the dressing, and toasted walnuts bring a rich nutty crunch.

What you'll need.

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Here's what your going to need to make broccoli and cauliflower salad.

• Mayonnaise: Creates the rich creamy base for the dressing and helps coat every bite of the salad.
• Greek yogurt: Lightens the dressing while adding a little tang and extra protein.
• Sugar or sugar substitute: Balances the tangy dressing with a touch of sweetness.
• Apple cider vinegar: Adds bright acidity that gives the dressing its signature tang.
• Fresh broccoli florets: Raw broccoli brings fresh flavor and the signature crunch to this raw vegetable salad.
• Fresh cauliflower florets: Mild and crisp, cauliflower pairs perfectly with broccoli in this cold broccoli cauliflower salad recipe.
• Carrot: Adds natural sweetness and a pop of color.
• Sweet onion: Brings gentle onion flavor that balances the creamy dressing.
• Cooked and crumbled bacon: Smoky, savory bites that make this a classic broccoli cauliflower bacon salad.
• Chopped toasted walnuts: Nutty flavor and extra crunch that make the salad more satisfying.
• Cubed cheddar cheese: Sharp creamy pockets of flavor throughout the salad.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that ties everything together.

Customize it your way.

A few small swaps or add-ins can give this broccoli and cauliflower salad a whole new personality.

• Use regular sugar or swap in your favorite sugar substitute to adjust the sweetness of the dressing.
• Add dried cranberries, raisins, or cherries for a little pop of sweetness throughout the salad.
• Replace the walnuts with toasted slivered almonds, roasted pepitas, sunflower seeds, or even peanuts for a different kind of crunch.
• Swap sweet onion for red onion if you prefer a sharper onion bite.
• Lemon juice or red wine vinegar can be used in place of apple cider vinegar for a slightly different tang.
• Prefer one veggie over the other? Go all broccoli or all cauliflower if that's what you have in the fridge or like.
• A sprinkle of extra bacon or cheese can make the salad even more indulgent if you're serving it for a BBQ or potluck.

Flexible dietary swaps.

Adjusting broccoli and cauliflower salad for different dietary needs is easy with a few simple tweaks.

• Low carb: Replace the sugar with a sweetener such as allulose or another sugar substitute.
• Lightened-up: Use light mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, or a combination of the two to create a lighter creamy dressing.
• Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add chickpeas for protein and texture.
• Gluten free: The salad is naturally gluten free, but always double-check packaged ingredients like bacon.

How to make this recipe.

Making this broccoli and cauliflower salad recipe is simple - just mix, toss, chill, and serve.

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and creamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine broccoli, cauliflower, carrot, sweet onion, bacon, walnuts, and cheddar cheese.
3. Pour the tangy dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
4. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours so the flavors meld together, then season with salt and pepper before serving.

How to serve it.

Broccoli and cauliflower salad is at its best when served chilled, after the dressing has had time to soak into all those crunchy vegetables. The creamy, tangy flavor really shines once everything has mingled in the fridge for a bit.

• Start by sprinkling a little extra bacon or toasted walnuts over the top right before serving for added crunch and visual appeal.
• Pair it with grilled favorites like chicken, burgers, ribs, or sausages - it's the perfect broccoli cauliflower salad for BBQ meals.
• Add it to a potluck spread alongside classic summer dishes like baked beans, pasta salad, or corn on the cob.
• Pack it up for a picnic or outdoor gathering since it travels well and tastes even better after chilling.
• Serve it as a refreshing summer side dish with sandwiches, wraps, or grilled fish for an easy warm-weather meal.

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