Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

With fresh veggies, crispy bacon pieces, cheese, and a creamy homemade dressing, this broccoli cauliflower salad is perfect for an easy to make BBQ or potluck side dish.

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Table of Contents

Broccoli & Cauliflower Salad Ingredients
Substitutions For Broccoli And Cauliflower Salad Recipes
How To Make This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe
How To Serve Broccoli And Cauliflower Salad Recipes
Storing This Broccoli Cauliflower Bacon Salad
Why We Love This Cauliflower Broccoli Salad Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
More Recipes You’ll Love
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This fresh broccoli cauliflower salad is a tasty recipe that is loaded with crisp raw vegetables, bacon bits, and cheese with a creamy homemade ranch dressing. It’s the perfect side dish for a barbecue or potluck that’s sure to be a huge hit.

close up shot of a bowl of Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

Broccoli & Cauliflower Salad Ingredients

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad raw ingredients that are labeled

This broccoli cauliflower salad is a delightful combination of broccoli and cauliflower, smoky bacon, cheese, and a luscious dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, and ranch seasoning.

The result is a blend of flavors and textures, with the vegetables providing a refreshing crunch, the bacon adding savory richness, and the dressing infusing a tangy and slightly herby goodness.

You’ll need:

1 cup of mayonnaise
1 cup of sour cream
1-ounce package of Hidden Valley ranch dressing mix, dry
1 head of broccoli, washed and cut into small pieces
1 head of cauliflower, washed and cut into small pieces
½ red onion, diced small
1 package of bacon, cooked and chopped
6-ounce block of Colby Jack cheese, cut into small cubes

PRO TIP:

If you need to travel with this salad, I recommend using packaged real bacon bits in place of cooked chopped bacon. They will keep their texture better and longer than cooked chopped bacon will.

Substitutions For Broccoli And Cauliflower Salad Recipes

BACON: You can use real packaged bacon bits in this easy salad instead of making your own bacon and chopping it up.

CHEESE: You can use whatever type of cheese you prefer for this cauliflower broccoli salad recipe.

You can cut the cheese into small cubes or use shredded cheese instead.

Some other types of cheese that taste delicious in broccoli cauliflower salad are cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or parmesan cheese.

OPTIONAL ADDITIONS: You can have some fun adding ingredients to this fresh salad.

Popular add-ins include raisins or dried cranberries, crunchy sunflower seeds, green onions, and shredded carrots.

BROCCOLI AND CAULIFLOWER: While the classic combination of broccoli and cauliflower is wonderful, you can experiment with other vegetables like asparagus, snap peas, or even roasted sweet potatoes for a unique twist.

How To Make This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe

Once you mix up the dressing, you can toss your fresh ingredients, making sure everything is well-coated and ready to serve.

STEP ONE: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, and dry ranch dressing mix. Use a whisk to combine.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

If you are chopping a whole head of broccoli and cauliflower, cut off bite-sized florets and then slice the florets lengthwise (up and down) into even smaller pieces. Be sure to include some of the stalks as it adds a ton of crunch and flavor to the salad.

You can also buy store-bought chopped broccoli and cauliflower to save time.

mayonnaise, sour cream, and ranch dressing mix mixed in a bowl

STEP TWO: In a separate large bowl, add chopped raw broccoli florets, raw cauliflower florets, red onion, cooked bacon, and Colby Jack cheese cubes.

PRO TIP:

If you are not serving this salad right away, I suggest waiting to add the chopped bacon. It is best to cook and add to the dish right before serving.

chopped broccoli, cauliflower, red onion, bacon and colby jack cheese added to a bowl

STEP THREE: Pour salad dressing mix over the top of the ingredients. Using a large spoon, mix it all together well.

dressing poured over the bowl of ingredients and mixed together

STEP FOUR: Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.

How To Serve Broccoli And Cauliflower Salad Recipes

Broccoli and cauliflower salad recipes are incredibly versatile and can be presented in various ways to suit different meals and occasions.

Here are some suggestions to make the most out of this vegetable-based salad:

AS A SIDE DISH: This salad is a fantastic accompaniment to grilled meats, especially during a summer barbecue.

The freshness of the broccoli and cauliflower, along with the creamy dressing, provides a refreshing contrast to the smoky flavors of grilled tilapia or steak.

It would be a great option alongside our grilled chicken breast and grilled corn on the cob.

AS A MAIN COURSE: Why not turn this salad into a hearty main course? Add some grilled chicken, tofu, or even some canned tuna to make it more filling.

The added protein will complement the crunchy vegetables and creamy dressing, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

IN A WRAP OR SANDWICH: This salad can also be used as a filling for wraps or sandwiches.

The crunchiness of the broccoli and cauliflower, combined with the creamy dressing, will add texture and flavor to your lunch.

Pair it with some fresh lettuce and sliced tomatoes for an extra burst of freshness.

AS A PART OF A SALAD BAR: If you’re hosting a party or family gathering, consider setting up a salad bar. This broccoli cauliflower salad can be one of the options.

Guests can add their preferred ingredients, making it a fun and interactive dining experience.

If you enjoy this creamy salad, then you will also love this broccoli salad. Be sure to also try some of our other favorite veggie salad recipes, like this Mexican corn salad and this cucumber salad.

PERSONAL RECOMMENDATIONS: This salad pairs excellently with a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a light and fruity rosé. These wines will complement the creaminess of the dressing and the freshness of the vegetables.

For a non-alcoholic option, a chilled lemonade or iced tea would work just as well.

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Storing This Broccoli Cauliflower Bacon Salad

This salad stores well, and with the right steps, you can enjoy it for a few more days. Here are some tips on how to store this salad effectively.

MAKE AHEAD: This salad is perfect for making ahead of time. The flavors meld together beautifully when left to sit for a few hours.

Just prepare the salad as per the instructions, but hold off on adding the bacon until you’re ready to serve. This will keep the bacon crispy and add a nice texture to the salad.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store the leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge. If you’ve already mixed the ingredients with the dressing, the salad will last in the fridge for about two days, but it may get a bit soggy.

If you haven’t mixed the dressing in yet, the salad will last in the fridge for about four days. Just add the dressing and bacon when you’re ready to serve.

IN THE FREEZER: It’s not recommended to freeze this salad. All the fresh ingredients will lose their crisp texture and become soggy when thawed. So, enjoy this salad fresh or refrigerated.

REHEATING: This salad is best enjoyed cold. If you’ve added any protein like chicken or tofu, you can remove it, heat it up, and then add it back to the salad.

But remember, the main components of this salad – the broccoli, cauliflower, and dressing – are best enjoyed without reheating.

overhead shot of a serving bowl of Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with a wooden spoon

Why We Love This Cauliflower Broccoli Salad Recipe

It’s always a good time to add this salad to your menu, here’s why:

VIBRANT AND FRESH: This salad bursts with vibrant colors and fresh flavors, thanks to the crisp broccoli and cauliflower. It’s a visually appealing dish that tastes as good as it looks.

CREAMY AND CRUNCHY: The combination of creamy dressing and crunchy vegetables creates a delightful textural contrast. Every bite is a satisfying mix of crispness and creaminess.

SAVORY BACON GOODNESS: The smoky, savory notes from the bacon add a layer of indulgence to the salad. It’s the perfect salty and crispy element that elevates the overall flavor profile and makes this salad incredibly satisfying.

Broccoli cauliflower salad is a crunchy and creamy side dish, and this great recipe is perfect for a potluck or barbecue. Fresh broccoli and cauliflower are mixed with a delicious homemade ranch dressing to create a tasty side salad that everyone loves!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store this salad?

This easy broccoli cauliflower salad recipe can be stored in the fridge for up to two days.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

This delicious salad recipe is best made ahead of time so that the ingredients can soak up all the flavors of the creamy dressing.

How do you cut broccoli for this recipe?

If you are chopping a whole head of broccoli for this easy recipe, cut off small florets. You can also buy chopped broccoli at the grocery store to save time.

How do I pick a cauliflower?

Pick a head that is free from browning, wet spots, or “sunburned spots.” The cauliflower should be firm, and heavy for its size, with densely packed florets. The leaves should be fresh and vibrant green which is a sign that the cauliflower was recently harvested.

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Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

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With fresh veggies, crispy bacon pieces, cheese, and a creamy homemade dressing, this broccoli cauliflower salad is perfect for an easy to make BBQ or potluck side dish.

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 15

Total Time 45

Servings

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Ingredients

1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
1 ounces ranch dressing mix, dry
1 head broccoli, washed and cut into small pieces
1 head cauliflower, washed and cut into small pieces
½ small red onion, diced
1 package bacon, cooked and chopped
6 ounces Colby Jack cheese cubes, cut into small cubes

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, and dry ranch dressing mix. Use a whisk to combine
In a separate large mixing bowl add chopped broccoli, cauliflower, red onion, bacon, and Colby Jack cheese
Pour dressing mix over the top of the ingredients. Use a large spoon to mix together
Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve

Notes

If you need to travel with this salad, I recommend using packaged real bacon bits in place of cooked chopped bacon. They will keep their texture better and longer than cooked chopped bacon will.
If you are chopping a whole head of broccoli and cauliflower, cut off bite-sized florets and then slice the florets lengthwise (up and down) into even smaller pieces. Be sure to include some of the stalks as it adds a ton of crunch and flavor to the salad. You can also buy store-bought chopped broccoli and cauliflower to save time.
If you are not serving this salad right away I suggest waiting to add the chopped bacon. It is best to cook and add to the dish right before serving.

Nutrition

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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

Stephanie Keeping Publisher
Layne Kangas Marketing
Lexus Monroe Editorial Assistant

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

Broccoli & Cauliflower Salad Ingredients

Substitutions For Broccoli And Cauliflower Salad Recipes

How To Make This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe

How To Serve Broccoli And Cauliflower Salad Recipes

Ambrosia (Fruit Salad)

Caesar Pasta Salad

Storing This Broccoli Cauliflower Bacon Salad

Why We Love This Cauliflower Broccoli Salad Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

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