Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets cut into small pieces
- 1 1/2 cups Cauliflower florets cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup red onions finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cranberries dried cranberries
- 1 cup Apples diced
- 1/2 cup walnuts candied walnuts
Creamy Salad Dressing
- 1/3 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Sour Cream
- 1 Tablespoon Greek Yogurt
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Poppy Seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
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Prep the veggies: chop broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Also dice the apples, and finely dice the onions.
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Have your Candied Walnuts ready and cooled.
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If using bacon, make sure to cook until crispy, crumble and allow to cool.
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Likewise if you're adding cheese, cut or shred it to your taste.
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Add them all to a large bowl.
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Make the dressing: In a small bowl whisk all ingredients together until smooth.
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Pour the creamy dressing over the salad ingredients in a bowl.
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Toss thoroughly to coat every bite with the creamy dressing.
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Serve or best to place in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours for the flavors to meld.
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Right before serving, add more of the candied walnuts on top.
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Then toss and stir the salad once again.
Recipe Notes
Tips for Success
- Cut the florets into small and uniform sizes, especially for picky eaters, cut them even smaller! This allows every bite to be a blend of veggie, nuts, cranberries and apples. And also allows the dressing to coat the florets well.
- Remove any thick stems as they are tougher to chew.
- Make sure veggies are washed and dry, excess water dilutes the dressing. Drain the washed veggies on paper towels before using.
- Avoid adding watery fruits such as peaches or strawberries to the salad as they don't make it last too long. Apples and pears are our favorites. Blueberries are another good option.
- If you want a less sugary dressing, use less amount and use honey. Taste as you go and adjust it.
- Don't over dress the salad to drown the veggies. Ideally every bite should be laced in the dressing but not drenched.
- Crunchy elements are the BEST texture enhancer to the veggies and creamy dressing so don't skimp!
- Make extra of the dressing and use it on other salads!
- Keep extra walnuts and seeds on hand to top the salad with right before serving so they maintain their crunch.
- Leftovers are always so welcome with this salad! They taste great for 4 days!
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! The salad taste and texture actually improves if made a few hours in advance. Chill in an airtight container. Add nuts, seeds or cheese and extra dressing right before serving. You can make it up to 4 days in advance!
Does it freeze well?
Not really. The texture of the raw veggies and the creamy dressing end up being too watery and not appealing anymore.
Can I use frozen vegetables or cooked Vegetables?
It’s possible to use frozen, but they must be completely thawed and very well drained. Raw frozen often lacks the crispness and can get soggy. Similarly cooked veggies tend to be too soft and mushy. While it may be hard to believe, but RAW florets are truly unbeatable here!
What can I substitute for bacon?
You can leave it all together! Use extra of the other crunchy ingredients to compensate. If you want smokey vegetarian options, try smoked tofu bits or tempeh bacon.
What are good dressings besides creamy?
Frankly it's a taste thing of course so use your favorites. However for raw veggies like this salad we felt the creamy dressing was a MUST! Use a lighter version like the yogurt herb one we use in our Creamy Cucumber Salad.
How do I keep the salad from getting watery?
Use fresh veggies and fruits and drain them well after washing. Also avoid over dressing the salad, and avoid using watery fruits.
What to serve with broccoli & cauliflower salad?
- As IS!! Perfect lunch or light dinner especially with added protein from cheese and bacon or any meats.
- Chicken: Hot Honey Chicken, Chicken Fingers, Buffalo Chicken Wrap, Grilled Chicken Wings, Air Fryer Chicken Legs.
- Meat: Air Fryer Meatballs, Reverse Sear Steak, Ribeye Steak, Lamb Chops, Lamb Loin Chops, Lamb Steaks.
- Seafood: Salmon Burgers, Maple Glazed Salmon, Grilled Shrimp, Pan Seared Cod, Halibut Recipe, Sardines On Toast.
- Roasts: Roast Boneless Leg of Lamb, Lamb Shoulder Roast, Air Fryer Whole Chicken, Lamb Shanks with Skyr.
- Turkey: Spatchcock Turkey, Ultimate Turkey Tenderloin Recipe, BEST Turkey Breast Recipe On the Stove, Dry Brine Turkey Breast.
- Sandwiches: Turkey Sliders, Philly Cheesesteak Sliders, Portobello Mushroom Burger, Mushroom Swiss Burger