This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is one of my FAVORITE go to salads. This salad is quick and easy to throw together. This salad is gluten free, dairy free, low carb and can be altered with minor modifications (listed below) to be Paleo and Whole30 complaint.
Broccoli Cauliflower salad is loaded with crunch and is filled with delicious flavors in each and every bite. I like to pair this salad with grilled meats, barbecue sandwiches, or just eat it by itself for a lighter meal.
The BEST Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
In my younger years, I used to pass up any salad with broccoli or cauliflower in it. I was so used to having these vegetables in a traditional way and didn’t realize how delicious they could be in a salad. I remember the first time I tried this salad, I was sold.
After a few failed attempts at trying to get the dressing for this salad right, I finally succeeded. It was the perfect flavor of sweet and a little tangy.
The ingredients are simple yet so delicious and the perfect combination of ingredients to keep this salad simple yet full of flavor and crunch.
Recipe Tips
This salad comes together super quick and easy for even the most timid cooks. I am going to share my tips for how to make the best Broccoli Cauliflower Salad, but make sure to find the FULL RECIPE at the bottom of this post.
Ingredients + Substitutions
- Broccoli florets- Cut these into bite sized pieces so they are easy to eat.
- Cauliflower florets- Cut these into bite sized pieces so they are easy to eat.
- Red onion- white, yellow or vidalia can also be substituted.
- Craisins- Use the name brand or any other sweetened dried cranberry.
- Red wine vinegar- Red wine is my favorite for its rich tangy flavor, but white wine, or apple cider vinegars can be substituted.
- Mayonnaise- Regular or low fat, I do not recommend using subs like Miracle Whip.
- Sugar- I highly recommend using this unless you are trying to make the salad fit a specific dietary need like paleo or whole30.
- Sunflower seeds- Salted and/or roasted work great.
- Crumbled bacon– I highly recommend making this fresh for the best flavor, although you can use a good quality bacon bit if you are in a pinch.
Recipe Step by Step
I am going to highlight a few key steps in the recipe here, but make sure to jump down to the recipe card for comprehensive instructions on how to make Broccoli Cauliflower Salad.
Chop the broccoli and cauliflower florets into small bite-sized pieces.
Add craisins, sunflower seeds, onion and bacon.
Top with dressing. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
Eat immediately, or let the flavors marry with the salad and chill until ready to serve.
Prep ahead notes
If you want to make this salad for the next day, or well ahead of time, I recommend saving the bacon and sunflower seeds and stirring them in right before serving.
Also, the longer you chill it the more the flavors will meld together and it also allows the vinegar to soften the broccoli a bit to make it a little less crunchy, and easier to chew.
Paleo + Whole30 Modifications
To modify this salad to make it Paleo or Whole30 friendly, you will want to verify the bacon you use is compliant, and also do two other small modifications.
- Omit the sugar. This will make the salad more tangy but it is still very good.
- Substitute raisins for craisins. Dried cranberries usually have added sugar, so make sure to use raisins (check for added sugar, but most don’t have it) instead for compliance.
How to Serve Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
The great thing about this salad in my book is the fact that it can be served as a side dish or on its own as a light meal. My kids and husband prefer to have salad as a side dish, but I like it both ways.
I especially like to eat this salad the next day for lunch after the flavors have marinated together. Below are a few of our meals to serve broccoli cauliflower salad with.
- Grilled Chicken or Steak
- Crockpot Creamy BBQ Chicken
- Crock Pot Pulled Ranch Chicken
- BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes
- Hawaiian BBQ Meatballs
- Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
- Avocado Smothered Chicken
This is also one of the best dishes to bring to a potluck or serve for Holidays like Easter, July 4th, Thanksgiving, or Christmas!
Can I use frozen broccoli in place of fresh broccoli?
I wouldn’t recommend it. The best part of the Broccoli Salad is the crunch the fresh broccoli gives it. The cellular structure in frozen broccoli has been altered because of the freezing process and it is not nearly as crunchy anymore and would not work the same way in the salad.
Can I make this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad low carb?
This Broccoli Salad doesn’t have much sugar in it, but there are a couple ways you can lower the added sugars. The white sugar can be reduced or totally omitted. This will make the dressing more tangy, since the sugar help to cut the sharpness of the vinegar. Since it is mixed with the mayonnaise, I think it is still very good, I just prefer the taste with the small amount of sugar added.
Also, Craisins, and most other dried cranberries have added sugar in them. You can substitute raisins for the cranberries to eliminate the extra added sugar they contribute.
Is this recipe Gluten Free?
Yes this recipe is naturally gluten free. Always remember to check labels when buying your products to make sure you ensure the brand you buy is gluten free.
Can I make this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad vegetarian?
If you omit the bacon from the broccoli salad it will be a vegetarian side dish. If you omit the bacon and use vegan mayonnaise, then it will be a vegan side dish. If the bacon is omitted you may need to use additional salt to season.
How do I store leftovers from Broccoli Cauliflower Salad?
This salad stores really well, intact the flavors are even more delicious the second day. You can place this salad in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Mix well before serving!
You will not be disappointed with this DELICIOUS salad. I hope you enjoy it as much as me and my family!
If you do get a chance to try it, I would love it if you let me know! You can leave me a comment below, or if you post a picture on Instagram, make sure to tag me @easyfamilyrecipes so that I can see what you are cooking up! It makes my day to see others enjoying the recipes that I share!
More Easy Potluck Side Dish Recipes
Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Broccoli florets, cut into bite sized pieces
- 12 ounces cauliflower florets, cut into bite sized pieces
- ¼ cup Red onion
- ¼ cup Craisins
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Sugar, optional
- 1 cup sunflower seeds
- ½ cup crumbled bacon
Instructions
- Combine the mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar in a bowl and whisk until smooth.
- In a large bowl, add the broccoli, cauliflower, onion, craisins and dressing and toss to coat.
- Add the sunflower seeds and bacon and toss again gently to distribute.
- Serve chilled. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- Leftovers of Broccoli Cauliflower Salad can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. If possible keep the sunflower seeds and bacon separate until serving.
- Omit sugar in dressing
- Substitute raisins (with no added sugar) for craisins
- Ensure bacon doesn’t have added sugar
- Use Whole30 Compliant mayonnaise
- Omit Bacon
- Omit Bacon
- Use vegan mayonnaise
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