Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is a flavor-packed summer potluck favorite. With crunchy veggies and a creamy zippy sauce, this tasty salad stays crisp and fresh and can be made ahead of time. It pairs wonderfully with almost any dish, especially BBQ or chicken.

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Broccoli Cauliflower Salad in bowls

Favorite Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

When summer comes, the lazy cooker inside comes out. I opt for all the easiest recipes, so I can spend as much time as possible sipping drinks on the deck enjoying the nice weather. That’s why all summer long I’ll be making my favorite broccoli cauliflower salad. 

Perfect for parties, or for when you just want something pre-made and ready when you get home after a long day at work. The recipe really works for you no matter the situation you’re in. 

With a nice crunch from fresh vegetables, mixed with a creamy dijon sauce, and crumbles of bacon placed throughout, you won’t be missing out on any flavors! All it takes is one bite to fall in love, just like I did. I know you’re going to love this healthy satisfying treat you can keep going back to all week long!

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad in large glass serving bowl

How To Make Broccoli Cauliflower Salad 

(full printable recipe at the end of this post)

The hardest part of making this recipe is waiting for everything to marinate so you can finally dig in! When it comes to food that can serve a crowd, it doesn’t get much easier than the broccoli cauliflower salad. 

Simply cut up the broccoli and cauliflower, crumble the bacon and dice the onion. In a small bowl mix mayonnaise, cheese, sugar, mustard, and lemon juice together until well combined.

Combine broccoli, cauliflower, bacon, and onion in a large bowl. Pour dressing over the veggies and stir. Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat. Refrigerate to marinate overnight.

It’s that easy! If you don’t believe me then see for yourself! 

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad overhead shot

The Best Tips and Tricks For Making This Party Side Staple 

  • Use Fresh Vegetables: I highly suggest using fresh uncooked broccoli and cauliflower. You can’t really substitute frozen in this recipe because it won’t give it the same crunch and consistency that fresh does.
  • Don’t shy away from pre-cooked bacon: I love a good shortcut, which means I use pre-cooked bacon whenever possible. All you have to do it remove from the package and cut them up and boom on to the next step. If you’d rather cook your own bacon that works perfectly fine too! 
  • Let the flavors mix together: Do not serve the salad right away. You want all the flavors to really mingle and get to know each other. So let it sit for a least a few hours, or overnight if possible. 

Let’s Answer Your Questions!

Can I make the recipe vegetarian? 

Yes! Just skip the bacon step and the recipe become completely vegetarian. It is not vegan-friendly due to the mayonnaise. 

Can I make a smaller batch? 

Of course! You can absolutely make a half batch if you’re serving just a few people. Just cut all of the ingredients in half and you’ll be good to go. You can’t buy just half a head of broccoli or cauliflower, so just use half for the recipe, and save the rest for snacking. 

How long does broccoli cauliflower salad last? 

When properly stored in an airtight container, the recipe will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I do not suggest freezing the broccoli salad. 

 

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad in white bowl

When/Where To Serve Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

Recipes like pasta salad, chicken salad, and even broccoli cauliflower salad mostly get put into a “just for parties” category. While yes these dishes make the perfect addition to any party, show, or brunch, they shouldn’t be confined to just special occasions. 

I specifically love the ease of making a broccoli salad, you can put it together in a snap, and it stores great for leftovers, making it perfect for meal prepping. Make one batch at the beginning of the week and you’ll have a premade side dish available for lunch or dinner for the rest of the week. 

It also makes a great make-ahead dish. If you’re going to be too busy the day you actually want to eat, no problem! Make the recipe the night before and let all the flavors sit and mix together for an intense flavor burst. 

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad close up

More Fan Favorite Side Dishes 

Taco Pasta Salad If you like taco salad, you’re going to love this easy pasta salad. Full of Mexican-inspired flavors this side dish is perfect for a summer potluck or BBQ.

Skinny Southwest Chicken Salad  Full of tender white meat chicken and loads of veggies and spices this is a healthy Southwest Chicken Salad that can be served as an appetizer or a main course!

Easy Classic Bean Salad This recipe is a great side dish in the summer yet hearty enough for a fall side as well! Quick to make, packed with flavor, and travels well making it perfect for potlucks!

Bacon and Onion Jam Deviled Eggs Delicious bacon and onion jam topped deviled eggs for an indulgent gourmet egg dish everyone loves!

Grilled Carrots With Chipotle Lime Dip  A surprisingly easy and healthy way to serve carrots and boy are they full of flavor. They will make a wonderful snack or a great addition to your dinner table tonight!

Mango Quinoa Salad A healthy, delicious summer salad made with mango, fresh veggies, and a light dressing. Perfect for a summer picnic or party!

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broccoli cauliflower salad close up, with serving spoons.

You’re Probably Already Drooling Over This

While this recipe might be an old classic, that doesn’t make it any less drool-worthy. Even the biggest of veggie haters will be amazed at the flavors in this broccoli cauliflower salad. So, no need to waste any more time, make this recipe now, no matter the occasion. 

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Originally posted in June 2019. UPDATED APRIL 2022. We spiffed up this post with more info! No changes to the original recipe.

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad on wooden spoon

Favorite Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is a flavor-packed summer potluck favorite. With crunchy veggies and a creamy zippy sauce, this tasty salad stays crisp and fresh and can be made ahead of time. It pairs wonderfully with almost any dish, especially BBQ or chicken.

Ingredients

  • 1 head broccoli
  • 1 head cauliflower
  • 1/4 pound bacon, cooked (I use pre-cooked bacon)
  • 1 small red onion
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cut up broccoli and cauliflower into small florets. Crumble bacon and dice onion.
  2. In a small bowl mix mayonnaise, cheese, sugar, mustard and lemon juice together until well combined.
  3. Combine broccoli, cauliflower, bacon and onion in a large bowl. Pour dressing over the veggies and stir.Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat. Refrigerate to marinate overnight.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 349Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 21gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 644mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 3gSugar: 11gProtein: 9g

Nutrition information is estimated based on the ingredients and cooking instructions as described in each recipe and is intended to be used for informational purposes only. Please note that nutrition details may vary based on methods of preparation, origin, and freshness of ingredients used.

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