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Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad

by Jennah

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Get ready to elevate your side dish game with this Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad! Packed with vibrant veggies, crunchy bacon, and a creamy dressing, this salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or as a tasty addition to any meal, it’s a refreshing and satisfying option that will have everyone coming back for seconds. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this salad is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make!

This Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad is a family favorite that brings back fond memories of our summer gatherings. I still remember the first time I made it for a picnic at the park. My husband was skeptical about the combination of broccoli and cauliflower, but one bite of the crispy bacon and creamy dressing, and he was hooked! Now, it’s become a staple at every family get-together. Our kids love helping to mix the ingredients, and it’s always a hit with the adults too. Every time we make this salad, it reminds us of sunny days, laughter, and the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones.

Why This Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad?

  • Flavorful and Crunchy: The combination of fresh vegetables, crispy bacon, and sunflower seeds creates a delightful crunch that makes this salad incredibly satisfying.
  • Versatile Dish: This salad is perfect for any occasion—be it a potluck, BBQ, or family dinner. You can easily double the recipe for larger gatherings!
  • Simple and Quick: With only a few ingredients and straightforward steps, this salad can be whipped up in no time, making it an excellent choice for busy days.
  • Creamy and Tangy Dressing: The homemade dressing made with mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, and a touch of sugar ties all the flavors together perfectly.

Ingredients:

  • 340g (3/4 lb) bacon, diced
  • 450g (1 lb) cauliflower florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 280g (10 oz) broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 70g (1/2 cup) lightly salted sunflower seeds
  • 1/2 small red onion, diced
  • 113g (4 oz) cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
  • 240g (1 cup) mayonnaise
  • 60ml (1/4 cup) red wine vinegar
  • 30g (2 tablespoons) sugar

Directions:

  1. Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, add the diced bacon and cook until it’s crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
  2. Combine the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cauliflower florets, broccoli florets, sunflower seeds, diced red onion, cheese cubes, and the crispy bacon. Stir well to mix all the ingredients.
  3. Prepare the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, and sugar until smooth and well blended.
  4. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and stir until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
  5. Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
  6. Serve: Give the salad a good stir before serving, and enjoy the delightful flavors and crunch!

Notes:

  • Ingredient Substitutions: You can swap the bacon for a turkey or vegetarian alternative if you prefer a lighter option. Adding nuts like almonds or walnuts can also enhance the crunchiness.
  • Make-Ahead Tips: This salad can be made a day in advance; just wait to add the bacon until shortly before serving to keep it crispy.
  • Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Nutritional Information: This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals from the broccoli and cauliflower, along with healthy fats from the sunflower seeds. However, be mindful of the calories from the bacon and dressing if you are watching your intake.

Enjoy this Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad at your next gathering, and watch it disappear quickly!

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