A creamy broccoli cauliflower salad is a refreshing and hearty side dish, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or just as a healthy snack. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for you:
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh)
- 2 cups cauliflower florets (fresh)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup cooked bacon bits (optional, for a savory touch)
- ½ cup sunflower seeds (optional, for crunch)
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a bit of tang)
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the vegetables:
- Wash the broccoli and cauliflower florets and cut them into small bite-sized pieces. If you like your vegetables a bit softer, you can blanch them by briefly boiling them for 1-2 minutes and then plunging them into ice water to stop the cooking process. Otherwise, keep them raw for a crunchy texture.
2. Make the dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard (if using), honey (or sugar), salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
3. Combine the salad ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, cauliflower, shredded cheddar cheese (if using), red onion, bacon bits (if using), and sunflower seeds (if using).
4. Toss the salad:
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Be careful not to overmix, so the florets stay intact.
5. Chill the salad:
- Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The salad can be made a few hours in advance for convenience.
6. Serve and enjoy:
- After chilling, give the salad a quick toss and taste to see if it needs any extra salt or pepper. Serve as a side dish to your favorite meal or enjoy it on its own!
This creamy broccoli cauliflower salad is so customizable — feel free to add or remove ingredients like raisins, grapes, or nuts, based on your preferences. Enjoy!
