Name: Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Bacon
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups broccoli (284 gm); 1 1/2 cups cauliflower (142 gm); 1/2 lb cooked bacon, crumbled (225 gm); 1 cup shredded cheddar (83 gm); 1 cup mayonnaise (230 gm); 1 cup sour cream (240 gm); 1/4 cup sugar (50 gm); 1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5 gm); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (2.5 gm); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (2.5 gm)

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The combination of broccoli and cauliflower in this easy salad is a perfect side dish for any event or meal. A creamy broccoli cauliflower salad with bacon is easy to make, perfect for sharing, and a great way to add more vegetables into your menu plan. Kid tested and mom approved, this is a sure hit at your dinner table or in your lunch boxes.

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Bacon

Many kids hate vegetables. It's somehow ingrained in them. If you have a picky eater, then this broccoli cauliflower salad is a great way to get some greens and fiber into their meals without fuss. The addition of bacon and cheese turns it into a great little meal for lunch, or a fantastic side to go with many other dishes in your menu.

If you want an easy recipe for a salad that is ideal for lunches, you might like trying this sweet chicken salad with pineapple, coronation curried chicken salad, or this easy ham salad recipe. Both are excellent choices to add to bread, toast, rolls, or crackers.

Can I Make This With Turkey Bacon?

Definitely! You can make this recipe with turkey bacon, peppered bacon, chicken bacon, or you can even use veggie bacon. The bacon adds a bit of protein and some saltiness to the recipe. While you can leave it out of this recipe, it does make a big impact on the flavor.

If you prefer to leave it out, you might want to substitute it with some cooked cubed or shredded chicken. I've even added in pulled pork with this and had excellent results. Use whatever works best for your tastebuds to add more flavor to this recipe.

What is the Best Cheese for Broccoli Cauliflower Salad?

Basic shredded cheddar cheese is the most common option and what I used in this recipe. It pairs well with the dressing, the bacon, and fits well with the vegetables. It's definitely not the only option available. You can use a variety of different cheeses to give this a unique new flavor. A few of our favorites are below. Mix them up or try a different one each time you make this.

Sharp cheddar
Monterey Jack
Colby
Pepper Jack
Gouda
Mozzarella
Provolone
Gruyere
Blue cheese

Alternate Mix In's You Can Use

If you want to add more texture and flavor to this salad, you can add in a few other ingredients that complement the broccoli and cauliflower. This is great as shown, but sometimes you want to "jazz" it up a bit. Below are some great ideas to add a bit more flavor and texture to the salad.

Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chopped pecans, chopped walnuts, or slivered almonds.
Dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or dried pineapple chunks.
Diced green onions or red onions.

You might also want to add in additional flavors with fresh herbs. Parsley and cilantro are both very complementary to the flavor, but you could also add in a hint of thyme, rosemary, or oregano.

What Should I Serve This Salad With?

This salad can be served alone as a meal in itself, or alongside any other main dish, you have planned. I like it best with blackened chicken, crispy parmesan chicken, or barbecue chicken breasts. It can also go well with a roasted chicken, pork chops, or even beef pot roast.

The broccoli cauliflower salad is best alongside a lean protein but can pair well with fish or steak as well. It's really popular around the summer barbecue season because it goes great with grilled chicken, burgers, or hot dogs!

How Long is This Good For?

This salad is best eaten within 3 to 4 days of preparation. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and serve chilled for best flavor and texture. Make only what you think you can eat within that time frame as this does not freeze well.

How Can I Make This Lower in Calories?

It's easy to lower the calories in this recipe if you are watching your macros. Start with replacing the regular bacon with turkey or chicken bacon. Fat-free cheese can be used as well or even less of full-fat cheese is an option.

Other options that work well are to use fat-free or reduced-fat mayonnaise, sour cream, or to replace part or all of that with some non-fat Greek yogurt. While the flavor may not be identical, it will still be delicious and easy to make.

Ingredients

Broccoli
Cauliflower
Bacon
Cheddar
Mayonnaise
Sour cream
Sugar
Salt

Handy Kitchen Tools

How to Make Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Bacon

In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, cauliflower, cooked bacon, and cheddar and stir together.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and stir until well coated.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

More Tasty Salad Recipes

Load your menu up with some or all of these great salad recipes! Tons of delicious ideas that are easy to add to your menu and are sure to please a crowd. You can serve them alone or with a side of your favorite grilled protein for a delicious full meal. Bookmark, pin, or print these to add to your menu soon!

📖 Recipe

Yield: 6