Summer gatherings are all about sharing something special like a salad for example. This broccoli cauliflower salad recipe is that magical dish. It’s a vibrant, crunchy salad that turns simple veggies into a crowd-pleaser. It’s full of flavor and nutrition, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, and family dinners.

It only takes 25 minutes to prepare, but it looks like it took hours. The fresh broccoli and cauliflower are a great base for a creamy, tangy dressing. Everyone will be asking for more.

Key Takeaways

• Quick and easy broccoli cauliflower salad recipe
• Packed with nutrients and incredible flavor
• Perfect for summer gatherings and potlucks
• Ready in just 25 minutes
• Versatile dish that appeals to all ages

Why This Crunchy Vegetable Salad Will Become Your Favorite

Get ready to fall in love with a broccoli cauliflower salad. It will change how you prepare meals and excite your taste buds. This dish is both nutritious and flavorful, perfect for any event.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This salad is great for any event. Whether it’s a summer barbecue, a potluck, or a quick dinner, it’s a perfect fit. You can serve it hot or cold, making it versatile for different occasions.

• Family dinners
• Casual gatherings
• Picnics and outdoor events
• Meal prep lunches

Health Benefits of Broccoli and Cauliflower

Your broccoli cauliflower salad is not just tasty—it’s also super healthy. These veggies are full of nutrients and low in calories.

• Vitamin Powerhouse: Rich in Vitamins A and C
• High fiber content supports digestive health
• Potassium for heart and muscle function
• Low-calorie nutrient density

Time-Saving Preparation Tips

Busy cooks will love how fast this salad is to make. With just 25 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy a high-quality dish without spending hours cooking.

• Chop vegetables in advance
• Use pre-washed produce
• Prepare dressing while chopping
• Store ingredients separately to maintain crispness

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Salad

Starting your broccoli cauliflower salad recipe is all about picking fresh, quality ingredients. The right mix of ingredients is key to a tasty and healthy salad.

Core Vegetable Ingredients

• 4-5 cups broccoli florets (10-12 ounce bag)
• 2½-3 cups cauliflower florets (10-ounce bag)
• 1 red onion, sliced thin
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
• 1 medium apple, diced

Protein and Crunch Additions

Adding some excitement to your salad? Try these:

• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• Optional protein options:
  • 15 oz butter beans (rinsed and drained)
  • Alternative beans: black beans, Cannellini beans, chickpeas

Flavor Enhancers

Make your salad pop with these:

• Toasted almonds
• Sunflower seeds
• Pumpkin seeds
• Pickled red onions

Seasoning Essentials

Seasonings make your salad unforgettable:

• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1½ teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
• 1½ teaspoons sugar

Creamy Dressing Components

Your dressing is the glue that holds it all together:

• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Pro tip: Feel free to customize your broccoli cauliflower salad recipe with these ingredients, making it uniquely yours!

How to Make the Best Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe

Making a tasty broccoli and cauliflower salad is simple. It mixes fresh veggies with a creamy dressing that’s irresistible. Follow these steps to make the perfect salad every time.

Preparing the Vegetables

Begin with fresh, crisp veggies for your salad. You’ll need 4 cups of broccoli and 4 cups of cauliflower florets. Here’s how to prep them:

• Wash the broccoli and cauliflower thoroughly
• Cut into bite-sized florets
• Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel
• Blanch vegetables quickly: 1 minute for cauliflower, 2-3 minutes for broccoli
• Immediately cool in ice water to maintain crispness

Cooking the Chicken

Chicken adds a delightful crunch and savory flavor to your salad. For the best results:

1. Choose thick-cut chicken for maximum flavor
2. Cook until crispy (about 8-10 minutes)
3. Drain on paper towels
4. Crumble into small pieces (aim for ½ cup)

Making the Creamy Dressing

The secret to an amazing broccoli cauliflower salad is the dressing. Whisk together:

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• Optional: 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Pro tip: Mix all ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Let it for 5 to 10 minutes to blend flavors. Toss with your veggies just before serving to keep them crisp.

Your broccoli cauliflower salad is best enjoyed immediately, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.

Secret Tips for the Creamiest Dressing

Making the perfect broccoli and cauliflower salad with mayonnaise is all about the dressing. A creamy, flavorful dressing can make your salad shine. Let’s explore some expert tips to take your recipe to the next level.

The secret to a great dressing is finding the right balance of ingredients. For a top-notch broccoli cauliflower salad with mayonnaise, try these pro tips:

• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother blending
• Whisk your dressing thoroughly to prevent separation
• Taste and adjust seasonings before final mixing

When making your mayonnaise-based dressing, aim for the perfect consistency. Start with ¾ cup mayonnaise and ½ cup Greek yogurt as your base. This mix adds richness without making the dressing too heavy.

Secret ingredients can make your dressing truly special:

1. Add 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
2. Incorporate 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
3. Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon each of salt and black pepper

Pro tip: Chill your dressed salad for at least 2 hours before serving. This lets the flavors blend together, making your salad even more delicious. Your broccoli and cauliflower salad with mayonnaise will be a hit!

Creative Variations and Substitutions

Make your broccoli cauliflower salad special with fun twists. Try new ingredients to give your favorite salad a fresh spin.

Greek Yogurt Alternative

Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter salad. Greek yogurt is tangy and low in calories. It adds creaminess and extra nutrition.

Additional Mix-ins

Add exciting mix-ins to your salad:

• Cheese cubes (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or muenster)
• Dried cranberries for a sweet touch
• Diced apples for crisp texture
• Chopped apricots for tropical flair

Nut and Seed Options

Boost your salad’s crunch and nutrition with these nuts and seeds:

• Sunflower seeds: Classic and nutritious
• Pumpkin seeds for extra minerals
• Almonds for protein boost
• Pecans for rich, buttery flavor
• Walnuts for omega-3 benefits

Each option adds unique flavors and health benefits. Try them out and find your favorite mix!

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

Preparing your broccoli and cauliflower salad recipe ahead of time can save you precious minutes during busy weekdays. Proper storage ensures your salad remains fresh and delicious for several days.

Refrigeration Guidelines

Your broccoli cauliflower salad can be safely stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Follow these key storage recommendations:

• Store the salad for up to 3-4 days
• Keep in a sealed container to maintain freshness
• Place in the coldest part of your refrigerator

Make-Ahead Preparation

For optimal flavor and texture in your broccoli and cauliflower salad recipe, consider these make-ahead strategies:

1. Chop vegetables up to 24 hours in advance
2. Prepare dressing separately and store refrigerated
3. Add crispy ingredients like chicken just before serving

Flavor Enhancement Tips

Pro tip: Chilling the salad for 2-4 hours before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully. The longer it sits, the more delicious it becomes!

Remember, while your broccoli cauliflower salad is best enjoyed fresh, these storage techniques will help you maintain its crisp texture and vibrant taste.

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Your broccoli cauliflower salad is full of nutrients that boost your health. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients. Each bite is a burst of flavor and health benefits.

It’s rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Plus, it’s low in calories. This makes it a great choice for anyone watching their diet.

Caloric Content

One serving of this salad has about 75-100 calories. It’s perfect for those watching their weight. The Greek yogurt dressing makes it even healthier than traditional mayonnaise-based recipes.

Macro Breakdown

The salad has a good mix of macronutrients. It has 5-7 grams of protein, 4-6 grams of carbs, and less than 3 grams of fat. Broccoli and cauliflower add complex carbs and fiber, helping with digestion and energy.

Vitamin and Mineral Content

This salad is a nutritional powerhouse. It gives you over 50% of your daily vitamin C. It also has potassium for heart health and vitamin K for strong bones.

The sulforaphane in broccoli and cauliflower may lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation. This salad is not just tasty; it’s also a smart choice for staying healthy.

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe

Recipe by Chef AmandaCourse: Dinner

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Ingredients

• 4-5 cups broccoli florets (10-12 oz bag)

• 2½-3 cups cauliflower florets (10 oz bag)

• 1 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 medium apple, diced

• ½ cup dried cranberries

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

• ½ cup cooked chicken, diced

• For the Creamy Dressing:

• ¾ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1½ teaspoons salt

• 1½ teaspoons fresh ground black pepper

• 1½ teaspoons sugar

Directions

• Prepare Vegetables:
• Wash broccoli and cauliflower thoroughly
• Cut into bite-sized florets
• Blanch cauliflower for 1 minute and broccoli for 2-3 minutes
• Immediately transfer to ice water to maintain crispness
• Pat dry with clean kitchen towel
• Prepare Chicken:
• Cook chicken until done and let it cool
• Dice into small, bite-sized pieces
• Set aside
• Make Dressing:
• Whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, and lemon juice
• Add salt, pepper, and sugar
• Let sit for 10 minutes to blend flavors
• Assemble Salad:
• Combine prepared vegetables, apple, dried cranberries, and feta
• Add diced chicken
• Toss with dressing just before serving

Notes

• Note: For best flavor, chill the dressed salad for 2-4 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.