This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal or side dish. Tender broccoli and cauliflower florets, crunchy red bell pepper, and savory bacon bits are tossed in a simple creamy dressing, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Flavorful: This salad is packed with nutrients from the vegetables and protein from the bacon, while the creamy dressing adds a touch of indulgence.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this salad is a breeze to assemble.
- Versatile: Serve it as a side dish for grilled meats, fish, or sandwiches, or enjoy it as a light lunch or snack on its own.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious salad:
For the Broccoli Cauliflower Salad:
- Broccoli: Cut into small florets for easy eating.
- Cauliflower: Cut into small florets, similar in size to the broccoli.
- Red bell pepper: Cut into coarse pieces for a pop of color and crunch.
- Bacon bits: Cooked until crispy, these add a salty and savory flavor.
For the Simple Creamy Dressing:
- Mayonnaise: Provides a creamy base for the dressing.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps create a smooth dressing.
- Lemon juice: Adds a tangy kick and balances the richness of the mayonnaise.
- Fresh thyme: Adds a subtle earthy and slightly minty flavor.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the savory flavors.
- Sea salt and black pepper: To taste.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Step 1: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, red bell pepper pieces, and bacon bits.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh thyme, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust the salt as needed.
Step 3: Toss and Serve
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately or chill for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use fresh ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh broccoli, cauliflower, and bell pepper.
- Roast the vegetables (optional): For a deeper flavor, you can roast the broccoli and cauliflower florets before adding them to the salad.
- Customize the dressing: Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice or garlic powder to your liking. You can also add other herbs, such as parsley or chives, to the dressing.
How to Serve Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
- Side Dish: This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is a perfect side dish for grilled meats, fish, sandwiches, or burgers.
- Light Lunch: Enjoy it as a light and refreshing lunch on its own or with a side of crusty bread.
- Potluck Favorite: It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to transport and serve at potlucks or picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli and cauliflower?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli and cauliflower florets, but make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the salad.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, you can use vegan mayonnaise and omit the bacon bits.
Can I add other ingredients to this salad?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or sunflower seeds would be delicious additions.
How can I make this salad spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing.
There you have it! A simple, healthy, and flavorful recipe for Broccoli Cauliflower Salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
Print
Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is a healthy and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It features crisp broccoli and cauliflower florets, crunchy red bell pepper, savory bacon bits, and a simple creamy dressing.
Ingredients
Broccoli Cauliflower Salad:
- 2 1/2 cups broccoli florets (about 6.5 oz)
- 2 1/2 cups cauliflower florets (about 10.5 oz)
- 1 cup red bell pepper, coarsely chopped (about 1 large pepper)
- 1/3 cup cooked bacon bits
Simple Creamy Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, red bell pepper pieces, and bacon bits.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust salt to taste.
- Dress and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately or chill for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- You can use pre-cooked bacon bits or cook your own bacon and crumble it.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon bits.
- If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can substitute with ½ teaspoon of dried thyme.
- This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 150kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
