Growing up, I learned that the best dishes often started with the simplest ingredients. This broccoli cauliflower salad recipe takes me back to weekends at my grandmother’s kitchen table, where crunchy vegetables, creamy dressing, and laughter always came together.
Today, it’s one of my go‑to salads when I need something quick, fresh, and wholesome. With naturally sweet broccoli and cauliflower, a tangy yogurt‑based dressing, and optional bacon for smoky depth, it’s versatile enough for family dinners or big potlucks. The best part? Prepare it ahead of time and chill, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully and giving you a ready-to-serve dish when needed.
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Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe Fresh Easy Make Ahead
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Fresh, crunchy broccoli cauliflower salad with creamy yogurt dressing, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and optional bacon. Perfect make-ahead side dish.
Ingredients
- 3 cups bite-size broccoli florets
- 3 cups bite-size cauliflower florets
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ⅓ cup crumbled bacon (optional)
- ¼ cup red onion, minced
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup toasted sunflower seeds
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup light mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp honey or maple syrup
- Pinch kosher salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Rinse broccoli and cauliflower, then cut into uniform, bite-size florets.
- Optional: Steam florets briefly for 1 minute in salted water, then cool in ice water and pat dry.
- Whisk yogurt, mayonnaise, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper into a creamy dressing.
- Combine vegetables with cheddar, bacon, onion, cranberries, and sunflower seeds. Toss with dressing until coated.
- Chill covered for at least 20 minutes before serving. Stir before serving.
Notes
- Optional: Replace bacon with toasted almonds or keep it fully vegetarian.
- Chill for at least an hour for deeper flavor.
- Make it dairy-free by using vegan yogurt and cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook / Blanching
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
This broccoli cauliflower salad recipe is more than a side dish, it’s a refreshing, nutrient-packed option you can rely on for any occasion. Its crisp broccoli and cauliflower deliver fiber and antioxidants, while the creamy yogurt-based dressing adds a tangy smoothness without being heavy. A handful of dried cranberries balances the flavors with natural sweetness, and optional bacon brings a savory crunch. It’s also incredibly versatile, keep it vegetarian, swap in nuts for sunflower seeds, or go dairy-free.
Ingredients for Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Broccoli florets | 3 cups (bite-size) |
| Cauliflower florets | 3 cups (bite-size) |
| Sharp cheddar (shredded) | ½ cup |
| Bacon (optional, crumbled) | ⅓ cup |
| Red onion (minced) | ¼ cup |
| Dried cranberries | ¼ cup |
| Toasted sunflower seeds | ¼ cup |
| Plain Greek yogurt | ½ cup |
| Light mayonnaise | ¼ cup |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 Tbsp |
| Honey or maple syrup | 1 Tbsp |
| Kosher salt & black pepper | Pinch |
Need another nutrient-rich side dish idea? Try this heirloom tomato flight recipe for a burst of fresh garden flavor.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
This broccoli cauliflower salad recipe comes together fast with simple steps for crisp veggies and a creamy, flavorful dressing.
- Prepare the vegetables (5 minutes)
Rinse broccoli and cauliflower thoroughly. Shake off any excess moisture, then cut them into small, uniform florets for consistent texture and easy bites.
- Optional softening (3 minutes)
Prefer a gentler crunch? For a softer bite, briefly steam the florets in lightly salted water, just a minute is enough, then plunge them into ice water to preserve their crunch and vibrant color before drying them well.
- Make the dressing (2 minutes)
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Taste and tweak the balance, add a touch more honey for sweetness or an extra splash of vinegar for a sharper tang.
- Combine ingredients (3 minutes)
Combine the chopped broccoli and cauliflower with shredded cheddar, crisp bacon bits, finely diced red onion, dried cranberries, and crunchy sunflower seeds in a generous mixing bowl for perfect distribution. Pour in the dressing and toss lightly until all florets are coated evenly.
- Chill and serve (20+ minutes)
Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 20 minutes to let flavors meld. Stir again before serving, adding a spoonful of yogurt or vinegar if the dressing thickens.
For another colorful side dish idea, try our refreshing strawberry mango lemonade recipe, a perfect match for warm-weather meals.
Expert Tips & Variations
1. Keep it vegetarian or vegan
Skip the bacon for a lighter vegetarian dish, or swap the cheddar and yogurt for dairy-free alternatives to make it vegan-friendly.
2. Add your crunch
Sunflower seeds are classic, but almonds or walnuts can also add a satisfying crunch and nutty depth.
3. Sweetness swap
Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly sweetness or try agave nectar for a milder flavor.
4. Texture control
Raw florets keep the salad crisp, but if you prefer softer vegetables, blanch them briefly before mixing.
5. Make ahead
Chill the salad for at least an hour before serving to deepen the flavors, perfect for meal prep or potlucks.
FAQs for Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Most broccoli salads, including this one, use a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise for richness and a hint of sweetness from honey or maple syrup. Here, creamy Greek yogurt joins the dressing to add a smooth texture and a refreshing, tangy kick. This blend coats the vegetables perfectly without overpowering their natural flavor.
Yes, raw broccoli and cauliflower are excellent sources of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Eating them raw helps preserve their nutrients since no cooking heat is involved. This salad keeps them crisp and fresh, providing a satisfying crunch while boosting your overall nutrient intake.
For optimal nutrition, eat these vegetables raw or gently blanched; both methods help preserve their valuable vitamins and powerful antioxidants. Pairing them with a yogurt-based dressing adds probiotics and protein, making it both nourishing and flavorful.
Absolutely! Uncooked cauliflower delivers a crisp bite and mild flavor, boosting salad texture without overshadowing other components. When paired with a creamy, slightly sweet dressing like in this recipe, it absorbs flavors beautifully while keeping its satisfying crunch intact.
Serving & Pairing Ideas
This broccoli cauliflower salad recipe complements a wide range of dishes, from light proteins to hearty pastas. It’s perfect alongside grilled chicken, baked fish, or even a hearty pasta dish. For summer barbecues, serve it as a refreshing alternative to heavier potato or pasta salads. For a colorful holiday table, add pomegranate seeds or diced apples for seasonal flair.
To keep the flavors balanced, pair it with a light drink like sparkling water, iced tea, or fruity beverages. Looking for another unique pairing option? Try our tram sauce recipe for a tangy, flavorful drizzle on grilled meats.
Storage & Conclusion
Storage Tips
Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge, where they stay fresh for up to four days. For best results, keep crunchy toppings like sunflower seeds separate until ready to serve, so they retain their texture. Avoid freezing, as the creamy dressing can separate when thawed.
Conclusion
This broccoli cauliflower salad recipe offers a healthy, make-ahead option that is easy to adapt to any diet. Its crunchy vegetables, sweet dried cranberries, and creamy yogurt dressing deliver flavor in every bite. Whether you’re prepping for a weeknight dinner or hosting a backyard gathering, this salad adds color and nutrition to your table.
For more hearty yet fresh meal ideas, check out our Costco stuffed peppers recipe, another make-ahead favorite.
Perfect Complements for Fresh Salads
- Heirloom Tomato Flight Recipe – Another light and refreshing salad to pair with this dish.
- Blue Cheese History, Types and Culinary Uses – Explore adding blue cheese crumbles for extra flavor.
- Strawberry Mango Lemonade Recipe – Refreshing drink pairing for a summer salad.
- Tram Sauce Recipe – Perfect dressing option for those wanting more flavor variety.
- Pink Salt Weight Loss Recipe – Discover healthy seasoning alternatives for salads.
- The Pink Salt Trick Recipe – Learn essential seasoning techniques.
External Resources on Nutrition and Food Safety
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: Essential Guide to Vegetables and Fruits
- Mayo Clinic: Guide to Achieving Optimal Nutrition on a Vegetarian Diet
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