![Broccoli and cauliflower salad](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/b7IEiMyBU19-qIjUvFUTVQrfhs0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/cauliflower-and-broccoli-salad-3051938-hero-30690191870f4e72812afbb0a292d0e6.jpg)
The Spruce Eats / Teena Agnel
A sweetened creamy mayonnaise dressing gives this easy salad loads of flavor. Sweet red bell peppers and red onions add a festive, colorful touch to the salad. The salad makes enough for 8 to 10 people, but it can easily be scaled down for 2 to 4 people (or up for big groups!).
It's a fresh, delicious salad as is, but feel free to add some bacon, raisins, or lightly toasted chopped walnuts or pecans for the extra crunch and flavor. Sunflower seeds are also an excellent choice. Crispy bacon pieces add a smoky flavor. You can make the salad with all broccoli or all cauliflower as well.
Serve the salad with a special holiday dinner or add it to your menu for an everyday meal.
See the tips and variations (below) for some additional ideas and ingredient suggestions, along with a version of a less sweet dressing mixture.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
-
1 medium head cauliflower, separated into small florets
-
1 bunch broccoli, separated into florets, or about 1 pound broccoli crowns
-
1 red or green bell pepper, chopped
-
1 medium red onion, chopped
For the Dressing:
-
1 cup mayonnaise
-
1/2 cup vegetable oil, such as canola or grapeseed
-
1/3 cup vinegar
-
1/2 cup sugar
-
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
-
Large lettuce leaves, optional
Steps to Make It
-
Gather the ingredients.
The Spruce Eats / Teena Agnel -
In a large bowl, combine cauliflower and broccoli florets. Add bell pepper and chopped onion; toss to blend ingredients.
The Spruce Eats / Teena Agnel -
In a medium bowl, whisk mayonnaise with vegetable oil, vinegar, and granulated sugar.Â
The Spruce Eats / Teena Agnel -
Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat vegetables thoroughly.Â
The Spruce Eats / Teena Agnel -
Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper.
The Spruce Eats / Teena Agnel -
Arrange salad in a serving bowl lined with lettuce leaves, if desired.
The Spruce Eats / Teena Agnel
Recipe Variations
- Cook 4 to 6 slices of bacon. Drain, crumble, and add the bacon to the salad before tossing with the dressing.
- Add 1/2 cup of sunflower seeds (hulled), pine nuts, chopped pecans, or walnuts before adding the dressing, or use a smaller amount as a garnish.
- Add about 1/2 cup of raisins to the salad before tossing with the dressing.
- Add 1/2 cup of shredded or julienned carrots to the cauliflower and broccoli.
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped celery to the salad.
- Omit the cauliflower and make the salad with two bunches of broccoli.
- For an alternative, less sweet dressing, combine 1 cup of sour cream with 1 cup of mayonnaise and a packet (1 ounce) of dry Ranch dressing mix.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
---|---|
324 | Calories |
28g | Fat |
18g | Carbs |
3g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Servings: 8 to 10 | |
Amount per serving | |
Calories | 324 |
% Daily Value* | |
Total Fat 28g | 36% |
Saturated Fat 4g | 19% |
Cholesterol 9mg | 3% |
Sodium 168mg | 7% |
Total Carbohydrate 18g | 6% |
Dietary Fiber 3g | 11% |
Total Sugars 13g | |
Protein 3g | |
Vitamin C 64mg | 319% |
Calcium 35mg | 3% |
Iron 1mg | 4% |
Potassium 260mg | 6% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. |