Description
This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is a crisp and creamy cold vegetable salad packed with fresh broccoli, cauliflower, cheddar cheese, and a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect as a refreshing summer side or a healthy snack, it combines crunchy textures with a deliciously creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Enhanced with bacon and sunflower seeds for extra flavor and crunch, this salad is quick to prepare and ideal for make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Toppings
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cups fresh cauliflower florets
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds or chopped almonds
Dressing
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the fresh broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped red onion, crumbled bacon, and sunflower seeds. Toss gently to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the mixed salad ingredients. Toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the salad to chill.
- Serve: Before serving, stir the salad once more to redistribute the dressing and flavors. Serve chilled for best taste and texture.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- This salad can be made up to 1 day in advance, making it perfect for meal prepping.
- Add raisins or dried cranberries for a touch of natural sweetness if desired.
