Broccoli Cauliflower Salad: The Crunchy, Creamy Classic You Need to Try

Craving something fresh, crunchy, and loaded with flavor? This broccoli cauliflower salad might just be your new favorite side dish. It’s a no-lettuce salad that’s packed with crisp raw veggies, creamy dressing, and bold add-ins like bacon, sunflower seeds, and red onion. Perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or even weekday lunches, this salad is not only easy to whip up but also low-carb and keto-friendly.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the must-have ingredients, step-by-step prep, smart variations, and why raw cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower are such a powerhouse combo. Plus, we’ll tackle some of the most asked questions about making and serving this cold salad with mayo.

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Why Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is a Crowd Favorite

What Makes This Salad Stand Out?

There’s just something magical about broccoli cauliflower salad. It’s not your average leafy green bowl—this salad is all about crunch, creaminess, and big flavor. Thanks to its raw veggie salad base and creamy, slightly sweet dressing, it’s the kind of dish people go back for seconds… and thirds.

Unlike many salads that wilt after a while, this one keeps its bite even after a night in the fridge. That’s why it’s a go-to for picnics, potlucks, and make-ahead meals. The balance of savory (hello, bacon!), sweet, and tangy hits just right, making it an irresistible favorite.

The Perfect Blend of Taste and Texture

What really sets this salad apart? Texture. The broccoli and cauliflower florets offer that satisfying crunch, while crispy bacon bits and crunchy sunflower seeds layer on more bite. Toss it all in a rich mayo-based dressing with a splash of vinegar and a touch of sugar, and boom—you’ve got a salad that’s creamy, zingy, and totally addictive.

Whether you’re cutting carbs, going gluten-free, or just want a healthy vegetable salad, this dish delivers on all fronts. Oh, and did we mention—it tastes even better the next day!

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Ingredients You’ll Need for Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

Fresh Produce: Broccoli, Cauliflower, and More

To start this tasty broccoli cauliflower salad, you’ll need two stars of the show—fresh broccoli and cauliflower florets. Choose firm, crisp veggies with vibrant color. Chop them into bite-sized pieces to get that perfect crunch in every bite. You can even toss in shredded carrots or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.

And hey, if you enjoy raw veggie salads like this, you might also love this creamy Amish Broccoli Salad version over at HighTasty—it’s a close cousin, and just as delightful!

Crunchy Add-ins: Sunflower Seeds, Bacon, and Onion

Now for the texture boosters! Crispy bacon crumbles bring that smoky-salty balance, while roasted sunflower seeds or chopped pecans offer a nutty crunch. Don’t forget the finely chopped red onion—it adds a sharp, zesty kick that ties the whole dish together. These layers of flavor and texture are what make this cold salad with mayo so crave-worthy. And if you’re keeping it keto, just skip the sugary dressings—this combo holds up perfectly with low-carb tweaks!

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How to Make Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Step-by-Step

Prepping the Vegetables for Maximum Crunch

The trick to a great broccoli cauliflower salad? Prep smart. Rinse the florets thoroughly, then pat them dry—moisture can water down your dressing. For an extra tender-crisp texture, you can blanch the broccoli and cauliflower for 30 seconds in boiling water, then plunge them into ice water. But honestly, they shine raw. This keeps all those nutrients and fiber intact—great for a healthy vegetable salad.

Making the Sweet and Tangy Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, a touch of sugar (or keto-friendly alternative), and apple cider vinegar. The result? A creamy, tangy dressing with just the right amount of sweetness. Drizzle it over your veggie mix, toss everything gently, and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This gives the flavors time to blend beautifully.

Want to mix things up? Swap mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter spin. Either way, this raw veggie salad is guaranteed to disappear fast at your next gathering.

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Tasty Variations and Substitutions

Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly Options

Want to enjoy broccoli cauliflower salad without the sugar crash? Easy fix. Swap the classic mayo-sugar dressing for a low-carb version using avocado mayo and a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit. This keeps the flavor while ditching unnecessary carbs. Also, go heavy on high-fat toppings like bacon and pecans—they’re both keto-approved and ultra-satisfying.

For more low-carb lunch inspiration, you might enjoy HighTasty’s guide to a high-protein, low-carb lunch. and https://www.allrecipes.com/search?q=Broccoli+Cauliflower+Salad

Dairy-Free or Vegan Adaptations

It’s super simple to make this broccoli cauliflower salad vegan. Just replace the mayo with plant-based alternatives like vegan mayo or blended cashew cream. Ditch the bacon and use smoked tofu or roasted chickpeas for that extra crunch and protein punch. A splash of lemon juice also perks up the flavor and balances the creamy base.

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Health Benefits of Broccoli and Cauliflower

Nutrient-Rich and Antioxidant-Packed Veggies

Broccoli and cauliflower are more than just crunchy add-ins—they’re nutritional powerhouses. Both are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants that support your immune system and gut health. Plus, they’re naturally low in calories, making this broccoli cauliflower salad a guilt-free addition to any meal.

Raw vs. Cooked: Which is Healthier in Salads?

Eating these cruciferous vegetables raw helps preserve their enzymes and certain nutrients like sulforaphane—a compound linked to cancer prevention. While cooking breaks down some nutrients, raw versions in salads like this one give you the full health benefit, plus that irresistible crunch.

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Expert Tips to Elevate Your Salad Game

How to Keep Your Salad Fresh and Crunchy

To keep your broccoli cauliflower salad crisp, make sure the veggies are dry before tossing them in dressing. Wet produce can water everything down and turn it soggy. Want extra crunch? Toast your sunflower seeds or nuts before adding them—trust us, it’s worth the extra step.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This salad stores beautifully! In fact, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll stay fresh for up to three days. For best results, store the dressing separately and toss right before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to make cauliflower and broccoli salad?

Start by chopping raw broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Mix them with bacon bits, sunflower seeds, and red onion. Then, whisk up a creamy dressing using mayo, vinegar, and a bit of sugar. Toss everything together and let it chill for an hour. That’s it!

Is it healthy to eat broccoli and cauliflower raw?

Yes, absolutely! Eating these cruciferous vegetables raw helps preserve their fiber, enzymes, and powerful antioxidants. That’s one reason why broccoli cauliflower salad is such a healthy choice.

What is a good dressing for broccoli cauliflower salad?

A classic creamy dressing made from mayo, apple cider vinegar, and a bit of sugar works great. You can also try Greek yogurt for a lighter twist or use vegan mayo for a plant-based version.

Can you eat cauliflower raw in a salad?

Definitely! Raw cauliflower has a mild flavor and a fantastic crunch. It pairs perfectly with creamy dressings, making it a go-to ingredient in many raw veggie salad recipes—including this one!