Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is a quick and easy side dish to make. It’s a spinoff of traditional broccoli salad recipes that adds crunch and fresh flavors to the menu. Serve it thoroughly chilled for a delicious make-ahead side dish for weeknight dinners with the family, summer picnics or as a holiday side dish.

Easy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe

Refrigerator salads like this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad are a versatile option year-round. The flavor combination in this salad isn’t limited to any one season, it’s great of year including warm summer months for picnics, tailgating, the holidays and potluck parties. Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Ingredients:

• Broccoli – One large bunch of raw broccoli florets with the stems removed and separated into bite-size pieces.
• Cauliflower – One medium head of fresh cauliflower florets with the core removed and the florets separated into bite-size pieces.
• Bacon – Eight to ten slices of classic bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled or chopped.
• Pimentos – One 4 ounce jar of sliced pimentos OR roasted red peppers, chopped and drained. This is optional, you can omit them.
• Onion – One small red onion and green onions for garnishing.
• Cheese – One or two cups of shredded swiss cheese, colby jack cheese or sharp cheddar cheese.
• Seasonings – Salt and black pepper, which can be adapted to your taste.
• Dressing – One packet of dry buttermilk ranch dressing mix, real mayonnaise and buttermilk.

How to Make the BEST Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad

To make this easy broccoli salad it only requires a few simple steps: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe.)

• Cook the Bacon – Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove from the pan to paper towels to drain, then chop.
• Prep the Veggies – Clean the broccoli and cauliflower and allow it to dry completely. Chop into small pieces.
• Make the Dressing – To make the dressing pour the buttermilk, mayonnaise and ranch seasoning to a large mixing bowl. Whisk the dressing together until it’s fully combined.
• Combine – Add broccoli, cauliflower, crispy bacon pieces, pimento and onion to the bowl. Stir to combine.
• Cheese – Add shredded cheese, mixing well. Taste and adjust the salt and black pepper to your taste.
• Refrigerate – Place into an airtight container and chill
• Garnish – Sprinkle the top with sliced green onions just before serving.

Tips for Making Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

• Kitchen Tools: You’ll need a large bowl, measuring cup, measuring spoons, whisk, sharp knife and chopping board, cheese grater and skillet to cook the bacon.
• Use Fresh Vegetables: The broccoli and cauliflower needs to be super fresh to lengthen the shelf life of the salad. Clean it in advance to cut down on prep time.
• Diced Pimentos: Pimentos add a really nice flavor to the salad overall however, you could omit them or replace them with a jar of roasted red peppers, finely chopped. Make sure they’re well drained prior to adding them to the remaining ingredients.
• Mayo: I usually go for the gold and use full fat mayonnaise for the salad dressing. You can use light mayonnaise in this recipe, if you prefer.
• Refrigerate: Once the broccoli-cauliflower is assembled, allow ample time for it to chill so the flavors meld together. Chill for at least 4 hours or longer.

Substitutions and Variations

• Veggies: You could make this salad using all broccoli florets or all cauliflower florets.
• Nuts: You could add toasted pecans, sliced almonds or walnuts for crunch. You could use sunflower seeds in place of nuts.
• Cheese: You could use another variety of cheese for this salad. Pepper jack cheese for spice, classic cheddar cheese, colby jack cheese or any other type that you enjoy or have on hand.
• Plain Greek Yogurt: You could replace some of the mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing and added protein.
• Cranberries: You could add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or raisins for a hint of sweetness.
• Vinegar: The buttermilk adds tang to the dressing. If you’d like to add a bit more, you could add a splash of apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar.

Storage and Leftovers

• Storage and Leftovers: Store leftovers Broccoli Cauliflower Salad in an airtight container chilled in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing this salad it’s best made and enjoyed.

More Salad Recipes to Make

• This creamy Grape Salad Recipe is a retro salad that everyone will love.
• A summer favorite this Creamy Cucumber Onion Salad recipe makes a fresh and creamy side dish.
• Cherry Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad is made with a sweet and tangy marinade.
• Chopped Chickpea Salad with Avocado will add color and texture to your meal.
• Tuna Macaroni Salad for light meals and snacking.
• Easy 5 Bean Salad.
• Grape Salad is a retro salad that can double as a dessert.
• Grilled Peach Salad from Cookie Rookie.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Mixing Bowls
• Knife and Chopping Board
• Measuring Set
• Colander