This Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad is creamy, crunchy, and downright irresistible. With crispy bacon, toasted sunflower seeds, and a sweet-tangy dressing, it's the kind of make-ahead salad that shows up at every family gathering and disappears before you can go back for seconds!
- Prep time: 15 minutes +/-
- Chill time: 30 minutes
Another favorite is this broccoli salad recipe that I've made numerous times over the years. It's a lighter version with honey and greek yogurt.
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Why You'll Love It
This Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad is what happens when cool, crisp veggies meet smoky bacon and sweet-tangy dressing...pure Southern comfort in a bowl.
- Fresh and Crunchy - Every bite's got that crisp texture from the broccoli and cauliflower.
- Sweet and Savory - The mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar dressing pairs beautifully with smoky bacon.
- Quick to Make - Just chop, toss, chill, and you're done.
- Perfect for Potlucks - It stays fresh and crunchy even after a few hours in the fridge.
- Make-Ahead Friendly - The flavors only get better as it chills.
Looking for another refreshing, no-cook side dish? This creamy corn salad has been in the family for generations!
Ingredient Notes and Swaps
You'll only need a handful of simple ingredients for this Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad to create the perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, and savory-sweet flavor.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the dressing. Use your favorite brand (Duke's or Hellmann's both work great). Swap half the mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing.
Sugar: Adds that signature sweet touch that makes this salad so addictive. Swap with honey, *but only use 4 tablespoon of honey instead of 6 tablespoons of sugar.
White Vinegar: Balances the sweetness and keeps the dressing light. Swap with apple cider vinegar for a milder, fruity flavor.
Broccoli and Cauliflower: Chop the florets small so the dressing coats every piece. I've even started chopping them smaller than what's shown in the photo.
Bacon: Adds saltiness and crunch. Save a little for garnish so the top looks extra tempting.
Roasted Sunflower Seeds: Give the salad a nutty flavor and extra crunch. You can use salted or unsalted depending on your taste. Swap with chopped pecans, slivered almonds, or roasted pumpkin seeds (papitas).
Ingredient Variations
- Cheddar & Bacon Version: Stir in ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar for a richer, classic flavor.
- Sweet & Tangy Twist: Add a handful of golden raisins or dried cranberries.
- Extra Crunch: Toss in a handful of chopped pecans or slivered almonds.
How to Make Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Step 1. In a large bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sugar, and white vinegar.
Step 2. Add the chopped broccoli, cauliflower, bacon, and sunflower seeds.
Step 3. Pour the broccoli cauliflower salad in a nice serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate at least 30 minutes. Top with more bacon right before serving!
Make It Your Own
A few simple ingredient swaps can change the flavor and texture of this salad:
- Use half mayo and half sour cream for a tangier flavor.
- Add a handful of shredded cheddar or diced red onion for extra color and bite.
- Toss in dried cranberries or raisins for a little sweetness.
- Stir in chopped pecans or slivered almonds if you want more crunch.
Easy Meal Plan
Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad is a great side dish for so many meals. Here are several options to choose from:
Main Entree: Chicken Divan, Salmon Patties, or this Mac and Cheese with Beef.
Extra Side Dish: Creamy Mashed Potatoes or Smothered Cabbage
Dessert: Bite Size Oreo Nutella Cheesecakes or Layered Lemon Lush
Recipe FAQs
You sure can! Fresh-cooked bacon has the best flavor, but high-quality real bacon bits work fine when you're short on time.
White vinegar gives that classic tangy flavor, but apple cider vinegar adds a slightly sweeter, fruitier note if you'd like to switch it up.
Fresh is best because frozen tends to get too soft once thawed.
More Easy Side Dishes
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Leave a comment! Did you make this Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad? If you did, please leave a star rating and a comment. I'd love to hear from you!
Recipe
Easy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Equipment
- measuring cup(s)
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 6 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 12 oz broccoli florets chopped into very small bite-size pieces
- 12 oz cauliflower florets chopped into very small bite-size pieces
- 12 strips bacon (save a little for garnish) cooked and crumbled
- 4-8 tablespoon roasted sunflower seeds 6 tablespoon is our favorite amount, but adjust to your liking
Instructions
- In a large bowl, blend the mayo, sugar, and vinegar until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add the broccoli, cauliflower, most of the bacon, and sunflower seeds. Toss well, cover, and refrigerate at least 30 minutes. Right before serving, garnish with remaining bacon.
Notes
- For the best texture, make the salad a few hours ahead - it lets the flavors mingle without softening the veggies too much.
- You can mix the dressing in a separate bowl and store it in the fridge for a day before tossing it with the vegetables.
- If you want a lighter version, try half mayo and half Greek yogurt.
- Add-ins like shredded cheddar, chopped red onion, or raisins are popular twists!
- Make the salad the day before you plan to serve it. But save the bacon garnish just before serving, to keep it crispy.
- Keep the salad stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy to my readers. I'm not a nutritionist and I don't guarantee the accuracy of this data. The data may differ according to the brands I used versus the brands you use. To calculate the data yourself using your brands, try using an online nutrition calculator or app.
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