If there’s one dish I always turn to when I need something fresh, colorful, and satisfying, it’s this creamy broccoli cauliflower salad. It’s the perfect balance of crisp vegetables, a tangy yet slightly sweet dressing, and crunchy add-ins that make each bite exciting. I first made this salad for a summer potluck, and it quickly became one of my most requested recipes. Whether I’m bringing it to family gatherings, making it for meal prep, or serving it alongside grilled meats, it’s always a hit.
Let me show you why this salad works so well and how simple it is to make at home.
Why This Recipe Works
This salad checks all the boxes: crunchy, creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet. Here’s why I keep coming back to this recipe:
- Fresh, crisp vegetables: Broccoli and cauliflower hold their crunch beautifully and absorb the dressing without getting soggy.
- The dressing is perfectly balanced: A little mayo, a little sour cream, and a splash of vinegar make it creamy with just enough tang.
- Add-ins for texture and flavor: Bacon, cheese, and sunflower seeds give the salad richness and crunch.
- Great for make-ahead: It actually gets better after sitting in the fridge for a couple of hours.
- Versatile and customizable: You can swap ingredients based on what you have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 6-8 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Chill Time: 30 minutes)
- 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cups cauliflower florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/3 cup roasted sunflower seeds
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How I Make Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad (Step-by-Step)
1. Prep the Vegetables
I start by chopping the broccoli and cauliflower into small, bite-sized florets. I like to make sure the pieces are uniform so they mix evenly. Then, I finely dice the red onion for a bit of sharpness that complements the creamy dressing.
2. Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, I whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. I always give the dressing a quick taste and adjust the seasoning or sweetness if needed. The dressing should be smooth, tangy, and just slightly sweet.
3. Toss It All Together
In a large mixing bowl, I combine the broccoli, cauliflower, red onion, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, and sunflower seeds. I pour the dressing over everything and toss until well coated.
4. Chill Before Serving
I cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld and lets the veggies soak up the dressing without losing their crunch.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Before serving, I give the salad one last toss and sometimes add a handful of extra sunflower seeds or bacon on top for garnish.
My Favorite Tips for the Best Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
- Blanch the veggies if you prefer: If you don’t love raw broccoli or cauliflower, blanch them quickly in boiling water for 1 minute and then shock in ice water.
- Use thick-cut bacon: The added crunch and savory bite really elevates the salad.
- Add fruit for sweetness: Dried cranberries or raisins are great if you like a sweet-tart contrast.
- Switch up the cheese: Colby jack or pepper jack can add a fun twist.
- Make it ahead: This salad is perfect for prepping the day before, and it tastes even better the next day.
What I Serve With Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
This salad pairs beautifully with just about anything. Here’s what I like to serve it with:
- Grilled chicken or steak
- Pulled pork sandwiches
- Baked potatoes for a hearty meal
- Light soups for a balanced lunch
- It’s also fantastic as part of a holiday spread or potluck table.
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I make this salad vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Just leave out the bacon or use plant-based bacon bits.
Q: How long does this salad keep?
A: It stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Just give it a good stir before serving again.
Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
A: Yes! Greek yogurt works well and makes the dressing a bit lighter and tangier.
Q: Can I add pasta?
A: Sure! Cooked and cooled small pasta shapes like rotini or elbow macaroni can turn this into a heartier salad.
Why This Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Belongs on Your Table
This salad is simple, fresh, and bursting with flavor. It’s one of those recipes that feels light but satisfies like comfort food. Whether you’re looking for a side dish that everyone will love or a make-ahead option for gatherings, this salad delivers. The crunchy veggies, creamy dressing, and salty-sweet balance make it impossible to stop at just one serving.
Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become one of your go-to recipes too.
The Perfect Crunchy and Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups red onion, chopped
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups cooked bacon, crumbled
- 3 cups roasted sunflower seeds
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- 4 cups sour cream
- 1 head of broccoli, chopped
- 1 head of cauliflower, chopped
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli and cauliflower.
- Add the chopped red onion, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and roasted sunflower seeds to the bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss until everything is well-coated.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
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