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We are often on the lookout for simple salads, especially for BBQs, family functions, and holidays, and this broccoli cauliflower salad is perfect for the occasion!

We have been long-time fans of our classic Broccoli Salad, but with the addition of cauliflower and cheese cubes, we are even MORE in love. Not only is it bright, fresh, and crunchy – it’s simple and absolutely delicious.

The homemade dressing is what takes it to the next level. It’s light and creamy with a hint of sweetness for the perfect flavor combination.

Each ingredient has its own tasty texture and flavor that makes this side dish perfect for your next get-together! Pair this with our favorite Hamburger recipe or Baby Back Ribs, and you’re set!

Why we think you’ll love it:

  • Perfect for potlucks. It stores very well, and the flavors get better as it sits!
  • So much flavor. Each ingredient in this easy salad has its own tasty texture and flavor that makes this salad perfect for your next get-together.
  • Dress it up or down. Feel free to add or omit any ingredients you want or don’t want, but we loved this combination.
  • 12 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled Use more or less bacon to taste. See Bacon in the Oven or use store-bought bacon bits.
  • 1 head fresh broccoli, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 head cauliflower, chopped
  • ½ red onion, diced – or use green onion for milder flavor
  • ¾ cup sunflower seeds
  • 1 cup cubed cheese We used Colby Jack cheese cubes, but mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, or Monterey Jack cheese can be used.
  • ¾ cup light mayo – or full-fat mayonnaise, Miracle Whip or plain greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, or salad vinegar – or apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt – You can also sprinkle with black pepper to taste.
  • optional mix-ins sliced almonds, chopped walnuts or pecans, dried cranberries, raisins, boiled egg, or chopped apples
  1. SALAD. In a large bowl, combine the cooked and crumbled bacon, chopped cauliflower florets, chopped broccoli florets, red onion, cubed cheese, and sunflower seeds.
  2. DRESSING. In a small bowl, whisk light mayo, sugar, red wine vinegar, and salt. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Chill in the refrigerator before serving and enjoy!
  • Chop the ingredients into even-sized pieces so that each bite has a good balance of all the ingredients.
  • Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes will help all the flavors meld perfectly, plus we prefer it cold.
  • Make sure to cook the bacon until it is crispy so that it will retain its delicious crunch even when coated with dressing. We love to cook our bacon in the oven.
  • Toss in sliced almonds, chopped walnuts or pecans, dried cranberries, raisins, boiled egg, or chopped apples.
Close up image of broccoli cauliflower salad recipe in white bowl.
5 from 119 votes

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe

Our broccoli cauliflower salad is simple, tasty and tossed in a creamy homemade dressing that’s perfect for any potluck or dinner table!
Servings: 10
Prep: 20 minutes
Total: 20 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 12 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 head fresh broccoli, diced
  • 1 head cauliflower, chopped
  • ½ red onion, diced
  • ¾ cup sunflower seeds
  • 1 cup cubed cheese
  • ¾ cup light mayo
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, or salad vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions 

  • In a large bowl, combine the crumbled bacon, cauliflower, broccoli, onion, cheese, and sunflower seeds.
  • In a small bowl, whisk the mayo, sugar, vinegar, and salt. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Refrigerate before serving. 

Video

Notes

Recipe Tips.
  • Chop the ingredients into even-sized pieces so that each bite has a good balance of all the ingredients.
  • Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes will help all the flavors meld perfectly.
  • Make sure to cook the bacon until it is crispy so that it will retain its delicious crunch even when coated with dressing.
  • Toss in some sliced almonds, chopped walnuts or pecans, dried cranberries, raisins, boiled egg, or chopped apples.
Make ahead of time. The salad can be assembled the day before serving. To prepare further ahead, chop all the ingredients and keep them in separate containers in the fridge until ready to assemble.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 289kcal, Carbohydrates: 13g, Protein: 10g, Fat: 22g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 28mg, Sodium: 466mg, Potassium: 502mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 475IU, Vitamin C: 82.5mg, Calcium: 109mg, Iron: 1.4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Is this salad keto-friendly?

To make this salad more keto-friendly, use full-fat mayo and replace the sugar with a substitute sweetener.

Prep ahead of time?

Prepare just the dressing and chop all the ingredients ahead of time. Keep in separate containers in the fridge until ready to assemble.

How to store?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Main Dish

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This recipe was originally published February 2019.

About Kristyn

Kristyn Merkley is a published cookbook author, wife, mom of six, and major food enthusiast! For the past 15 years, she has been sharing foolproof, family-friendly recipes—each one tested in her kitchen—that anyone can master. As a seasoned recipe creator, she loves making cooking simple, stress-free, and totally doable for everyone!

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5 from 119 votes (95 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




37 Comments

  1. Donna says:

    5 stars
    It looks awesome yum

  2. Carol says:

    5 stars
    I made it and it was wonderful. Especially doing it tge day before and letting it marinate all together. Very delicious. I did leave out the sunflower seeds and replaced with raisins. *****

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      That’s a fun substitution! Thanks for sharing what you did. I’m glad you enjoyed the salad!

  3. Liz says:

    5 stars
    One.of my favorite summer salads. I added fresh peas!

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      Yummy! So glad you enjoyed it!

  4. Karen Friedly says:

    I made this and it was good. I cut the bacon to six slices. 12 was way too many for us. I added dried cranberries and walnuts to the original recipe and its a keeper!

  5. Amber Hill says:

    5 stars
    This is my favorite side to bring to potlucks! It is always a hit.

  6. Rebecca Illiges says:

    5 stars
    Delicious

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      Thank you!

  7. Maria says:

    Ilike your recipe I’ll add on my favourite dish and in my recipe list

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      Thanks so much!! I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed it!

  8. Allison says:

    Have you ever used chunked ham? Or frozen broccoli and cauliflower?

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      I have not tried those. If you do, you’ll have to let us know how they turn out!

  9. Laura says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious!! Wouldn’t change a thing. Adding this to my favorites❤

    1. LilLunaTeam says:

      Awe, that makes me so happy to hear! Thanks for your kind words.:)

  10. Colleen Connell says:

    5 stars
    Your Broccoli/cauliflower Salad is a hit at our house — perfect dinner for two w/homemade focaccia bread or naan bread. I cut the recipe in half and add dried low-sugar cranberries to it!

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Happy it’s a hit!! The bread is a great side! Thank you for letting me know!

  11. Annette Lyons says:

    Would love to learn more of your recipes and home decorating ideas.

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Thank you! I hope my recipes & ideas can help 🙂

  12. Carolyn says:

    5 stars
    Loved this! Neither my husband nor myself like cooked cauliflower much. This in the other hand has me grabbing cauliflower in the market weekly! Love, love, love it!

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Yay!! Love to hear that! Thank you for sharing that!

  13. Ember says:

    5 stars
    I will now be making this salad for the rest of my life as my hUsband is obsessed with it. I sub in some yogurt for a mayo/yogurt coMbo sometimes. Fairly versatile recipe. Thanks for Sharing!

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      You are welcome! I am glad to share! Thank you for sharing what you did!

  14. Pat says:

    5 stars
    Just saw your site for first time!! Live it ❤️

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Glad you found it! Thank you & hope you find some recipes to try!

  15. Kristina r says:

    5 stars
    Substitute with full fat mayo and a SWEETER and I’ve got MYSELF a yummy Keto side dish!

  16. Olivia says:

    5 stars
    Veggies are a favorite for me. This salad iS full of veggies with a creamy dressing. So good!

  17. Misty says:

    5 stars
    This is the perfect summer salad. It has a crunch and sweet taste in every bite. Very Delicious

  18. Aimee Shugarman says:

    5 stars
    Making this for a party this weekend. LOOKs amazing!

  19. trang says:

    5 stars
    Sounds delicious! Will try it out this weekend!

  20. Emily says:

    5 stars
    I’ve never thought about including cauliflower in broccoli salad. That sounds genius and delicious!

  21. Jessica says:

    5 stars
    This salad was amazing! Thank you so much for sharing!

  22. Joy says:

    5 stars
    What a great & delicious salad, especially for summer! It’s light, refreshing, & so tasty!!

  23. TarA says:

    5 stars
    The Craisins add the perfect pop of sweetness, yum!

  24. Amy Huntley says:

    5 stars
    Adding this to my favorite salad list!

  25. Becca says:

    5 stars
    Perfect for spring and summer potlucks!

  26. Kristyn Merkley says:

    You can use either. They are different in taste, but it’s a preference 🙂