If you’re craving a vibrant, crunchy salad that bursts with fresh flavors and a hint of savory indulgence, this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. Packed with crisp broccoli and cauliflower florets, sweet red bell pepper, and smoky bacon bits all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing, this dish balances textures and tastes beautifully. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch, planning a potluck, or just want a nutritious side with personality, this salad sits perfectly at the crossroads of simple and sensational.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe just right starts with a handful of fresh, colorful ingredients that each play a vital role. Every item adds texture, flavor, or a pop of color that makes the dish as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
- Broccoli florets (2 ½ cups): Provides a fresh crunch and vibrant green color packed with nutrients.
- Cauliflower florets (2 ½ cups): Adds a softer crunch and balances the broccoli with its mild flavor.
- Red bell pepper (1 cup, coarsely chopped): Introduces a sweet, juicy burst of red that brightens the salad visually and flavor-wise.
- Cooked bacon bits (â…“ cup): Brings a smoky, savory crunch that elevates the salad to another level.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): Creates the creamy base of the dressing, binding everything together smoothly.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps emulsify the dressing for silky texture.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Offers fresh acidity to brighten the flavors and cut through the creaminess.
- Fresh thyme leaves (1 tablespoon): Imparts fragrant herbaceous notes that complement the vegetables beautifully.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle depth of flavor without overpowering the freshness.
- Sea salt (¼ teaspoon, plus more to taste): Enhances all the flavors naturally.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Brings a gentle heat and complexity to the dressing.
How to Make Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Fresh Veggies and Bacon
Begin by placing your crisp broccoli florets, tender cauliflower florets, bright red bell pepper pieces, and smoky bacon bits in a large bowl. The key here is to ensure the florets are bite-sized and the bacon bits are evenly distributed for every single forkful to have a bit of that irresistible bacon flavor working its magic.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh thyme leaves, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. The combination of fresh herbs and tangy lemon juice melds with the creamy mayo base to create a dressing that perfectly complements the raw vegetables, adding a luscious mouthfeel without weighing down the salad.
Step 3: Toss and Chill or Serve Immediately
Pour your lovingly made dressing over the vegetable and bacon mixture. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to make sure each piece is evenly coated in that flavorful dressing. You can serve this salad immediately if you’re hungry, but letting it chill in the fridge for a few hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making every bite even more delightful.
How to Serve Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To take this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe from great to fabulous, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted sunflower seeds or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or additional thyme right before serving. A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper can also add a lovely finishing touch that amps up the flavor.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, baked fish, or a hearty sandwich, making it a versatile side dish. Its bright and creamy nature also complements BBQ favorites, making it a hit for summer cookouts and gatherings where a refreshing counterpoint is needed.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the salad in hollowed-out mini bell peppers or in clear glass mason jars for individual portions. This not only looks charming but also adds a bit of special flair when you’re bringing this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe to a party or family dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (and that’s very possible!), store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, and the crunchiness of the veggies will remain satisfying, especially if you avoid letting the dressing soak too long before serving.
Freezing
Since the Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe relies on fresh raw vegetables and creamy dressing, freezing is not recommended. The texture of the broccoli and cauliflower will suffer, and the dressing may separate or become watery upon thawing.
Reheating
Because this salad is best served cold or at room temperature, reheating is unnecessary. Simply give leftovers a quick toss and enjoy them chilled for a fresh experience each time.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli and cauliflower florets?
While fresh florets give the best crunch and flavor, you can use thawed frozen broccoli and cauliflower if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to pat them dry thoroughly to avoid a watery salad.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap the mayonnaise with a dairy-free or vegan version, and replace bacon bits with smoked tempeh or crispy mushrooms to keep that smoky depth without animal products.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in shredded carrots, sliced green onions, or even some chopped celery for extra crunch and color variations. The flavors are quite flexible.
How long can I prepare this salad in advance?
You can make the broccoli cauliflower salad up to 4 hours in advance. Just toss the veggies with the dressing right before serving to maintain crispness, or mix everything earlier if you prefer softer textures and more developed flavors.
What can I substitute for fresh thyme?
If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme in smaller amounts works perfectly. Alternatively, fresh oregano or basil can bring an interesting herbal note to the dressing.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe is one you’ll reach for again and again. Its perfect mix of crunch, creaminess, and punchy flavors makes it an absolute winner whether you’re feeding family or impressing guests. Give it a go and watch this humble salad transform into a standout star on your dining table.
Print
Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A fresh, crunchy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad combining crisp broccoli and cauliflower florets with sweet red bell pepper and smoky bacon bits, all tossed in a tangy, herby mayonnaise-based dressing. This vibrant salad is perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack, with a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 ½ cups broccoli florets (about 6.5 oz)
- 2 ½ cups cauliflower florets (about 10.5 oz)
- 1 cup red bell pepper, coarsely chopped (about 1 large pepper)
Other
- â…“ cup cooked bacon bits
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt (plus more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Vegetables and Bacon: In a large bowl, mix together the broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, coarsely chopped red bell pepper pieces, and cooked bacon bits until evenly distributed.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh thyme leaves, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Toss Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetable and bacon mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the dressing. Serve the salad immediately for freshness or chill it for a few hours to let the flavors meld beautifully before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon bits or substitute with smoked tempeh or coconut bacon.
- Chilling the salad helps the flavors meld and enhances the taste.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead but is best consumed within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
- Use fresh thyme leaves for the best flavor; dried thyme can be substituted but use about 1 teaspoon.
- Adjust garlic powder and salt according to personal preference.
