Description
A colorful and nutrient-packed salad featuring fresh broccoli and cauliflower, crispy bacon, and a creamy dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cups cauliflower florets
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Start by rinsing the broccoli and cauliflower under cold water. After rinsing, pat them dry with a paper towel. Cut the vegetables into small bite-sized florets.
- Next, finely chop the red onion and place all the prepared vegetables into a large mixing bowl.
- In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it becomes very crispy. After cooking, drain the excess fat on paper towels and crumble the bacon into small pieces. Set it aside for later.
- Take a separate medium bowl, and whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
- Pour the dressing over the bowl of broccoli, cauliflower, and red onion. If you’re using sunflower seeds and raisins or dried cranberries, add them to the bowl as well.
- Gently toss everything together until all the vegetables and mix-ins are coated with the dressing. Fold in most of the crumbled bacon, but save a little to sprinkle on top later.
- Transfer the salad to your serving bowl. Sprinkle with the reserved bacon bits and some extra shredded cheddar cheese on top if desired.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour. This will chill the salad and allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Before serving, give the salad a good stir. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding a pinch of salt, a dash of black pepper, or a splash more apple cider vinegar. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
Best served chilled and can be made ahead for gatherings. Keeps well for 3-5 days in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg