Description
Creamy broccoli and cauliflower salad blends crisp vegetables with a tangy dressing for a refreshing side dish. Crunchy nuts and bacon add depth, making this salad a perfect complement to summer meals or picnic spreads.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups broccoli florets (finely diced)
- 4 cups cauliflower florets (finely diced)
- 8 oz bacon (approximately 8 slices, diced, sautéed crisp, and drained)
- 1 1/4 cups Colby Jack cheese (small cubes, approximately 6 oz)
- 1/2 cup red onion (finely chopped, rinsed and drained)
- 3/4 cup Greek yogurt (non-fat, plain)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (light)
- 1/4 cup honey (pure)
- 2 Tbsps red wine vinegar
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt (adjustable)
Instructions
- Craft the creamy dressing by whisking ingredients in a bowl until smooth and well-blended. Refrigerate the mixture to chill and allow flavors to meld while preparing other components.
- Crisp bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crunchy, then drain on paper towels to remove excess grease and preserve crispness.
- Chop broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring uniform pieces for consistent texture and even dressing coverage.
- Dice red onion into delicate, thin slices to provide a sharp, tangy accent without overwhelming the salad’s balance.
- Cube Colby Jack cheese into small, uniform pieces that will distribute evenly throughout the salad.
- Combine broccoli, cauliflower, crumbled bacon, cheese, and red onion in a large mixing bowl, creating a vibrant and textured base.
- Drizzle the chilled dressing over the salad, gently tossing to ensure every ingredient is lightly coated and seasoned.
- Garnish with additional bacon bits and red onion slices for visual appeal and extra crunch. Serve immediately to maintain the salad’s optimal texture and freshness.
Notes
- Customize the bacon by using turkey bacon for a leaner option or removing it entirely for a vegetarian version.
- Enhance crunchiness by briefly blanching broccoli and cauliflower in boiling water, then immediately cooling in ice water to maintain vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Consider adding toasted nuts like almonds or sunflower seeds for extra protein and a delightful nutty crunch that elevates the salad’s complexity.
- Swap Colby Jack cheese with feta or goat cheese to introduce a tangy flavor profile and accommodate different taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 177
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 221 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 22 mg