Description
A refreshing and crunchy Cauliflower Broccoli Salad featuring fresh florets, sweet raisins, optional crispy bacon, and a creamy honey-mustard dressing. Perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack, this quick and easy recipe is ready in under an hour and delivers a delightful blend of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 cups cauliflower florets (about 1 small head)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (about 1 small head)
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
Add-ins
- 1/4 cup raisins or cranberries
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (optional)
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop the cauliflower and broccoli into bite-sized florets. Remove any tough stems from both to ensure tender bites.
- Combine Florets: Place the chopped cauliflower and broccoli florets into a large mixing bowl to prepare for adding other ingredients.
- Prepare the Add-ins: Finely chop the red onion and add it to the bowl with the florets for a sharp, tangy flavor contrast.
- Add Additional Ingredients: Stir in the raisins or cranberries, crumbled bacon if using, and sunflower seeds for added texture and taste complexity.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and season with salt and pepper until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
- Combine the Salad: Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture. Toss gently until every piece is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
- Serve: Serve the salad cold, optionally garnished with extra bacon or sunflower seeds for extra crunch and visual appeal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and substitute with extra sunflower seeds or walnuts.
- The salad can be prepared a day in advance and kept refrigerated to deepen the flavors further.
- Feel free to swap honey for maple syrup to keep the dressing vegan, if mayonnaise is replaced with a vegan alternative.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness if desired.
- Adjust the amount of vinegar and honey to balance the tanginess and sweetness according to your preference.
