Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients
2. Substitutions and Additions
3. How to Make Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
4. How To Serve Cauliflower Broccoli Salad
5. Why You'll Love This Broccoli Bacon Cauliflower Salad Recipe
6. Recipe FAQ
7. Serving FAQ
8. Storage FAQ
9. JUMP TO RECIPE

This easy broccoli cauliflower salad adds a fresh, crispy crunch to every bite. It’s packed with bacon, cheese, and a creamy dressing. You can throw it together fast for potlucks, picnics, or dinner sides. Everyone will ask for seconds and the recipe!

This recipe is super easy to make, and you can follow the full guide below. We included step-by-step photos and clear directions to help. You’ll also find pro tips, tricks, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.

You can make this broccoli cauliflower salad recipe in just forty-five minute from start to finish, with zero cooking. It’s creamy, crunchy, cheesy, and full of bacon.

Bring it to parties, potlucks, or weeknight dinners—everyone will want a scoop. The mix of fresh veggies and sweet dressing really stands out.

What you'll need to make this broccoli and cauliflower salad recipe:

• 1 cup of mayonnaise
• 1 cup of sour cream
• 1-ounce package of Hidden Valley ranch dressing mix, dry
• 1 head of broccoli, washed and cut into small pieces
• 1 head of cauliflower, washed and cut into small pieces
• ½ red onion, diced small
• 1 package of bacon, cooked and chopped
• 6-ounce block of Colby Jack cheese, cut into small cubes

Make your broccoli cauliflower salad even better with easy swaps and tasty extras! Try these fun mix-ins to make it your way:

• Substitute Red Onion: Use green onions or diced shallots for a milder flavor with the same crisp crunch.
• Add Sunflower Seeds: Toss in sunflower seeds for a salty crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy dressing.
• Substitute Cheddar Cheese: Try shredded mozzarella or Colby Jack cheese to mix up the cheesy flavor.
• Add Diced Ham: Swap or add diced ham for extra protein and a hearty, savory twist.
• Substitute Raisins: Use dried cranberries for a tart bite that balances the sweet dressing and salty bacon.

Follow along with our step-by-step photos, clear instructions, and helpful tips and tricks listed below. You’ll make this salad with broccoli and cauliflower fast and easy. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get started!

FIRST STEP: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, and dry ranch dressing mix. Use a whisk to combine.

SECOND STEP: In a separate large bowl, add chopped raw broccoli florets, raw cauliflower florets, red onion, cooked bacon, and Colby Jack cheese cubes.

THIRD STEP: Pour salad dressing mix over the top of the ingredients. Using a large spoon, mix it all together well.

FOURTH STEP: Serve immediately, or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.

You can serve this broccoli & cauliflower salad all year long! It works great for holidays, weeknight dinners, and even picky eaters.

• Serve at potlucks and cookouts: This easy side dish travels well and stays fresh. It pairs perfectly with BBQ chicken sliders or pigs in a blanket.
• Serve during holidays or family dinners: The creamy dressing and crispy veggies bring flavor to any holiday table. Try it next to cheesy potato casserole or ham and cheese sliders.
• Serve with easy weeknight meals: Kids and adults love the sweet and salty mix. Add it to plates with air fryer meatloaf or grilled cheese sloppy joe and cornbread casserole.

This broccoli cauliflower salad has become a favorite for so many reasons. It’s fast, flexible, and loaded with flavor. Plus, readers keep coming back to it because it’s the kind of dish that just works every time.

Easy to Make: You only need a bowl—no stove, no oven, no fuss.

Crunchy and Creamy: The mix of fresh veggies, cheese, and dressing gives every bite the perfect balance.

Perfect for Any Season: Serve it in summer or winter—it fits right in all year long.

Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters dig in thanks to the bacon, cheese, and sweet dressing combo.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Toss it together early, and it still tastes great hours later.

Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of what you need in your fridge and pantry.

That’s why so many readers love this recipe—and why we think you’ll keep coming back to it, too.

Can I make broccoli cauliflower salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make broccoli cauliflower salad a few hours ahead. The veggies stay crisp, and the dressing holds up well.

Do I need to cook the broccoli or cauliflower first?
No, you don’t need to cook the broccoli or cauliflower. This salad works best with fresh, raw veggies for crunch.

What kind of bacon works best in this salad?
Use crispy bacon for the best texture in broccoli cauliflower salad. Crumble it into small pieces so it mixes evenly.

Can I double this broccoli cauliflower salad recipe for a big group?
Yes, you can double this salad recipe. Just make sure to stir the ingredients well so everything stays coated.

Should I cut the veggies small or leave them chunky?
Cut your broccoli and cauliflower into small, bite-sized pieces so they mix better and are easier to eat.

How do I keep the dressing from getting watery?
Mix and chill the salad right before serving to help prevent the dressing from getting watery in the bowl.

Can I use bagged broccoli and cauliflower instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use bagged chopped veggies. Just check for freshness and cut large pieces smaller if needed.

What type of cheese works best in broccoli cauliflower salad?
Sharp cheddar works great in this salad. It adds bold flavor and holds up well with the dressing.

Can I skip the sugar in the dressing?
Yes, you can skip or reduce the sugar. The dressing will taste less sweet but still creamy and delicious.

What’s the best way to serve broccoli cauliflower salad at a picnic?
Chill the salad in the fridge, then serve it cold in a large bowl with a serving spoon for easy scooping.

Can I serve broccoli cauliflower salad as a main dish?
Yes, serve it as a light lunch or dinner by adding diced chicken or ham for extra protein and flavor.

Should I serve this salad cold or at room temperature?
Serve broccoli cauliflower salad cold for the best taste and texture. The chilled dressing keeps everything crisp and creamy.

Is broccoli cauliflower salad a good side dish for potlucks?
Yes, this salad works great for potlucks since it travels well and doesn’t need to stay hot to taste good.

Can I serve this broccoli cauliflower salad for holiday dinners?
Yes, the mix of crunchy veggies and creamy dressing adds color and texture to any holiday spread or dinner table.

Do kids usually like broccoli cauliflower salad?
Yes, kids often love this salad thanks to the creamy dressing, cheese, and bacon that balance out the fresh veggies.

This salad keeps well in the fridge, and with a few easy steps, you can enjoy it for days after making it. Follow these tips to help keep everything fresh and tasty.

MAKE AHEAD:
You can prep this broccoli cauliflower salad early. Letting it sit for a few hours helps the flavors blend even better. Mix the salad as directed, but wait to add the bacon until serving. This keeps the bacon crisp and adds great texture.

IN THE FRIDGE:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. If you’ve already added the dressing, it stays good for two days. Skip the dressing until later if you want it to last longer—up to four days. Add the dressing and bacon right before serving.

IN THE FREEZER:
Don’t freeze this salad. The fresh veggies lose their crunch and turn soggy once thawed, so serve it cold and fresh.