Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
This broccoli cauliflower salad blends vibrant, crunchy vegetables with the irresistible flavors of crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and a creamy Miracle Whip dressing.
Perfectly balanced between fresh and savory, this hearty salad is a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, picnics, or any family gathering. With only a few ingredients and minimal prep, it’s a simple, delicious dish that’s sure to be a hit!
Ideal for those who love satisfying salads with bold textures, this recipe brings together tender broccoli and cauliflower, adding layers of flavor with a zesty dressing that perfectly coats each bite. With its mix of crunchy, creamy, and tangy elements, this salad easily transforms any meal into a memorable occasion.
Essential Ingredients for Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
- Broccoli florets – Adds vibrant color and a fresh, crisp texture, balancing the richness of the dressing.
- Cauliflower florets – A mild, crunchy base that soaks up the creamy dressing, adding extra heartiness to the salad.
- Yellow cheddar cheese, shredded – Brings sharp, creamy flavor and a pop of color that melds wonderfully with the vegetables.
- Red onion, diced – Adds a slight zing and crunch, enhancing the salad’s overall flavor profile.
- Bacon, cooked and chopped – Crispy, smoky bits of bacon elevate the salad with their savory depth.
Dressing Ingredients
- Miracle Whip – Creates a creamy, tangy base for the dressing, adding a unique flavor twist.
- Granulated sugar – Balances the tang of the Miracle Whip, giving the dressing a subtle sweetness.
- Apple cider vinegar – Adds a refreshing tartness, lifting and enhancing all the other flavors.
Putting Together Your Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
- Mix the Veggies and Toppings: In a large bowl, add the broccoli and cauliflower florets, diced red onion, shredded cheddar, and crispy bacon bits. Give it a gentle toss to combine.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the Miracle Whip, sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and well-blended.
- Combine and Chill: Pour the tangy dressing over the salad and fold gently until each piece is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors meld beautifully.
- Serve and Enjoy: Stir lightly before serving, and enjoy the salad chilled, allowing its flavors and textures to shine.
Tips for the Perfect Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
For optimal flavor and texture, consider preparing this salad a day in advance. The dressing will soften the broccoli and cauliflower slightly, giving them a tender but still crisp bite. If you’re serving it the same day, blanching the vegetables for a quick 30 seconds will give them a gentler crunch without losing their fresh flavor. For a balanced texture, pre-shredded cheddar is a great option as it won’t clump, ensuring every bite has an even distribution of cheesy goodness.
Storing Leftovers for Maximum Freshness
This broccoli cauliflower salad stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-6 days. As it chills, the flavors continue to meld, making it even more delicious over time. If needed, give the salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing before serving. Avoid freezing, as the fresh veggies may lose their crispness upon thawing.
Indulge in this refreshing, versatile salad for a perfect blend of textures and flavors, ideal for any occasion!
Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower cut into florets
- 2 pounds broccoli cut into florets
- 8 ounces yellow cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 medium red onion diced
- 1 pound bacon cooked and chopped
- 2 cups Miracle Whip
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, diced red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and cooked bacon pieces.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the Miracle Whip, granulated sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and well-blended.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and fold gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld. This salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 5-6 days.