Description
Scrumptious loaded broccoli cauliflower salad brings California-style freshness to your table with crisp vegetables and zesty dressing. Creamy bacon bits and tangy cheese create a perfect balance that satisfies hunger while delighting taste buds.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Vegetables:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cauliflower florets
Protein:
- 1/2 cup bacon bits
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Dressing and Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Chop broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring uniform pieces for consistent texture and even cooking.
- Crisp bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and perfectly crunchy, then crumble into small, delectable bits.
- Dice red onion into fine, translucent pieces to distribute mild, sharp flavor throughout the salad.
- Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl until smooth and well-integrated, creating a creamy, tangy dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli and cauliflower florets, allowing them to serve as the vibrant, nutritious base of the salad.
- Sprinkle crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced red onion over the vegetables, adding layers of savory complexity.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, gently tossing to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated and flavored.
- Garnish with sunflower seeds, providing a delightful crunch and nutty undertone to the dish.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and intensify, creating a refreshing and satisfying salad.
Notes
- Prep broccoli and cauliflower uniformly to ensure even texture and consistent cooking throughout the salad.
- Cook bacon until extra crispy for maximum crunch, allowing it to add a smoky, savory element to the dish.
- Consider using turkey bacon or omitting bacon for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly version that still maintains rich flavor profiles.
- Make dressing ahead of time and store in the refrigerator to let flavors develop and intensify before mixing with salad ingredients.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg