Cauliflower Broccoli Salad: The Perfect Side Dish for Any Occasion

Looking for the ultimate crunchy, creamy, sweet-and-savory side? This Cauliflower Broccoli Salad hits all the right notes. Loaded with crispy bacon, sweet dried cranberries, sharp cheddar, and a tangy homemade dressing, it’s the kind of salad that turns heads at the potluck table.

It comes together in under 20 minutes and holds up beautifully in the fridge, making it ideal for cookouts, make-ahead lunches, or holiday spreads.

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Why I Love This Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about this salad. The raw cauliflower and broccoli bring a crisp freshness, the bacon adds salty crunch, and the craisins give it that sweet, chewy pop. Add a creamy, slightly tangy dressing, and you’ve got a side dish that might just steal the show.

Plus, it’s easy to customize—make it vegetarian, lighten up the dressing, or swap the cheese. This salad plays well with just about any menu.

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Ingredients

Salad:

• ½ pack bacon (about 8 oz), chopped & cooked
• 3 cups raw cauliflower, cut into small florets
• 3 cups raw broccoli, cut into small florets
• ½ medium red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup mild cheddar, grated
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds
• ⅓ cup dried cranberries (craisins)

Dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup white vinegar

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Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon

Chop the bacon into small pieces and cook in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate and let cool.

2. Prep the Veggies

While the bacon cooks, chop the cauliflower and broccoli into bite-sized florets. Finely chop the red onion.

3. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar until smooth.

4. Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, cauliflower, cheddar cheese, sunflower seeds, cranberries, red onion, and bacon.

5. Toss with Dressing

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated. Let it chill for 15–30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

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Tips for Success

• Make it ahead: This salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
• Use pre-chopped florets for a quick prep shortcut.
• Lighten it up by using half Greek yogurt and half mayo.
• Add some shredded carrots or chopped apples for extra color and crunch.
• Not a fan of craisins? Try chopped dates or golden raisins instead.

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Serving Suggestions

This versatile salad goes with just about everything! Here are some great pairings:

• These easy turkey wings for a soul food-style meal
• This Dorito casserole for a weeknight crowd-pleaser
• Grilled chicken, pulled pork, or roast beef
• A light, tangy chicken salad for a summer lunch combo
• No-bake monster cookie energy balls for a sweet protein-packed finish

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More Recipes You Will Love

• A Light Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave (and There’s No Mayo in Sight)
• These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays
• This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit
• This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
• These No-Bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls Are My Favorite Snack to Keep on Hand

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Final Thoughts

This Cauliflower Broccoli Salad is a winning combo of textures and flavors that always disappears fast. Whether you serve it at a barbecue, holiday table, or just pack it for weekday lunches, it’s a reliable, crave-worthy dish you’ll come back to again and again.

Try it once—and don’t be surprised if people start asking for the recipe.

Let me know your favorite variations and be sure to follow for more no-fuss sides and crowd-pleasing recipes!

— Jason Griffith, ChefManiac.com

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