What dressing do you put in broccoli 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.

Is raw broccoli and cauliflower good for you?

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.

What is the healthiest way to eat broccoli and cauliflower?

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.

Can I put raw cauliflower in a salad?

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.

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe Fresh Easy Make Ahead

Name: Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe Fresh Easy Make Ahead
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
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

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

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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