Are you looking for a delightful, nutritious, and easy-to-make salad? Well, you’ve just found the perfect recipe! This Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Cheddar combines the crunch of fresh vegetables, the creamy richness of Greek yogurt dressing, and the savory goodness of cheddar cheese. It’s a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish. With just the right balance of flavors and textures, this salad is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive right into this incredibly satisfying recipe!
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
- 2 cups fresh cauliflower florets, chopped small
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ⅓ cup cooked, crumbled turkey bacon (or regular bacon, optional)
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds or slivered almonds (for crunch)
- ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins (for a touch of sweetness, optional)
Creamy Dressing
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt (or half mayo, half Greek yogurt for extra richness)
- 1 ½ tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
(Optional: Add 1 tbsp mayonnaise if you prefer a classic creamy flavor.)
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
Step 1: Prep the Veggies
Start by washing and chopping the broccoli and cauliflower into small, bite-sized florets. It’s important to keep them similar in size to ensure even distribution in the salad. Then, dice the red onion finely, as it’ll add just the right amount of zing to the salad. If you’re adding bacon, cook it first, and once it’s crispy, crumble it into small bits.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If you prefer a richer taste, you can substitute part of the Greek yogurt with mayonnaise. The result is a luscious, tangy dressing that coats the salad beautifully.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cauliflower, shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onion, crumbled bacon (if using), sunflower seeds (or almonds), and dried cranberries (or raisins). Toss all the ingredients gently to ensure they are well mixed.
Step 4: Toss with Dressing and Chill
Pour the creamy dressing over the salad, then toss gently to ensure every piece is coated with the luscious dressing. Once everything is mixed, cover the salad and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and gives you a refreshing, chilled dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Tips & Variations
- Cheese Options: While sharp cheddar gives this salad a wonderful flavor, you can switch it up by using feta or gouda for a different twist. If you’re a fan of more robust cheeses, try smoked cheddar!
- Add More Veggies: Consider adding shredded carrots or sliced grapes for extra color and sweetness. These ingredients complement the existing ones while adding additional crunch and flavor layers.
- Vegan Version: For a plant-based version, substitute vegan mayo or cashew yogurt in the dressing and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. This makes the salad fully vegan while keeping it just as delicious.
- Make Ahead: This salad keeps fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prepping. You can make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.
- Add Protein: If you’d like to turn this side salad into a full meal, you can add grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas to give it an extra protein boost.
Origin of the Recipe
The Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is a modern American classic, often seen at picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings. This version with cheddar cheese and a creamy dressing adds a rich, indulgent twist to the standard recipe. It combines crunchy veggies with a rich dressing, offering a great balance of freshness and heartiness. This salad is versatile, allowing for many variations, including the addition of bacon, nuts, and dried fruit, depending on your preferences.
While it’s often associated with casual American fare, this salad is loved worldwide for its simplicity and bold flavors. It embodies a style of cooking that prioritizes fresh ingredients and easy-to-make dishes perfect for a crowd or as a quick, satisfying meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad actually tastes better after chilling for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. It can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
2. Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is the star here, you can use feta, gouda, or even mozzarella to change the flavor profile. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses!
3. Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Yes! To make this salad dairy-free, use a dairy-free cheese alternative and opt for vegan mayo or cashew yogurt in the dressing. These substitutions will give you a delicious vegan version of the salad.
4. How can I make this salad a complete meal?
You can easily turn this salad into a more filling meal by adding a source of protein like grilled chicken, tofu, chickpeas, or even shredded rotisserie chicken.
5. Can I add other fruits to this salad?
Definitely! While dried cranberries or raisins add a touch of sweetness, feel free to add grapes, apple slices, or even pineapple for a tropical twist. These fruits complement the savory flavors of the salad beautifully.
Conclusion: Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Cheddar
In conclusion, the Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Cheddar is a must-try recipe for anyone seeking a fresh, crunchy, and creamy dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. The combination of vibrant vegetables, sharp cheddar cheese, and the creamy, tangy dressing makes for a delightful treat that works perfectly as a side dish, potluck offering, or even a meal prep option. Whether you’re looking to enjoy it at a family gathering or preparing it for a quick lunch, this salad will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Its versatility in ingredients and variations means you can easily tailor it to your taste. And with the ability to make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for several days, this salad is as convenient as it is delicious. So, go ahead and give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Cheddar — The Ultimate Crunchy, Cheesy Delight!
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Are you looking for a delightful, nutritious, and easy-to-make salad? Well, you’ve just found the perfect recipe! This Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Cheddar combines the crunch of fresh vegetables, the creamy richness of Greek yogurt dressing, and the savory goodness of cheddar cheese. It’s a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish. With just the right balance of flavors and textures, this salad is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive right into this incredibly satisfying recipe!
Ingredients
Salad Base
2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
2 cups fresh cauliflower florets, chopped small
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
⅓ cup cooked, crumbled turkey bacon (or regular bacon, optional)
¼ cup sunflower seeds or slivered almonds (for crunch)
¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins (for a touch of sweetness, optional)
Creamy Dressing
¾ cup Greek yogurt (or half mayo, half Greek yogurt for extra richness)
1 ½ tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
Prep the veggies:
Chop broccoli and cauliflower into small bite-sized florets.
Dice red onion and cook/crumble bacon (if using).
Make the dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli, cauliflower, cheddar, red onion, bacon, sunflower seeds, and cranberries.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Chill & serve:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
This Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Cheddar is a delicious balance of crunch and creaminess! You can add crispy bacon bits, sunflower seeds, or dried cranberries for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 260
Keywords: Broccoli Cauliflower Salad, Cheddar Broccoli Salad, Cauliflower Broccoli Cheddar Salad, Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
