This vibrant and crunchy broccoli cauliflower salad is the perfect balance of fresh, creamy, and tangy flavors. Packed with crisp veggies, crunchy nuts, and a flavorful dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser for potlucks, BBQs, or a simple meal prep side dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Fresh & Crunchy – Every bite is packed with texture and flavor.
- Easy to Make – Just chop, mix, and chill. No cooking required!
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Stays fresh in the fridge and tastes even better the next day.
- Customizable – Swap ingredients to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Ingredients
- Broccoli – Adds a crunchy, nutrient-packed base.
- Cauliflower – Mild, slightly nutty, and complements the broccoli perfectly.
- Red Onion – Provides a slight sharpness for balance.
- Shredded Cheese – Cheddar works best for a creamy, sharp bite.
- Sunflower Seeds – Give an extra crunch and nuttiness.
- Dried Cranberries – A pop of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory flavors.
- Mayonnaise & Greek Yogurt – Creates a creamy, tangy dressing.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Brightens up the flavors.
- Honey – A touch of sweetness to balance the dressing.
- Salt & Pepper – Enhances all the flavors.

Note: Full ingredient measurements are available in the recipe card below.
How to Make Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Step 1: Prep the Veggies
Chop the broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized pieces. Dice the red onion finely to add a bit of sharpness without overpowering the dish.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the chopped veggies, shredded cheese, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill & Serve
Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Enjoy chilled!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Blanch the Broccoli & Cauliflower – If you prefer a slightly softer texture, blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then immediately transfer to ice water.
- Let it Sit – This salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors blend together.
- Make it Healthier – Swap mayo for all Greek yogurt or use a lighter dressing.
- Add More Protein – Toss in grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a heartier meal.
How to Serve
- Serve as a side dish at BBQs, picnics, or family gatherings.
- Pair with grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a complete meal.
- Enjoy it as a light lunch with some crusty bread or crackers.
- Wrap it in a lettuce cup for a fresh, low-carb snack.

Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier!
Freezing
This salad is not freezer-friendly as the dressing may separate and the vegetables may lose their crunch.
Reheating
No reheating needed! Just give it a good stir before serving if it’s been sitting in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! It actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours in the fridge as the flavors meld together.
Can I use a different dressing?
Yes! A honey mustard, ranch, or balsamic vinaigrette would all work great.
What can I substitute for bacon?
Try turkey bacon, crispy chickpeas, or even toasted almonds for a different crunch.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative, and swap Greek yogurt for a plant-based version.
This broccoli cauliflower salad is the ultimate crunchy, creamy, and flavorful side dish that’s bound to become a new favorite!
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Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is a delightful medley of fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing, making it a perfect side dish for gatherings or a nutritious addition to any meal.
Ingredients
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Salad:
- 1 head fresh broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
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Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
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Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and cut the broccoli and cauliflower into small, bite-sized florets. Finely dice the red onion.
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Mix the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, cauliflower, diced red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries (if using).
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Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
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Combine Salad and Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
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Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste.
Notes
Make-Ahead Tip: This salad can be prepared a day in advance. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day.
Variations: For a healthier twist, consider using turkey bacon and light mayonnaise. Adding chopped apples or nuts like pecans can provide extra crunch and flavor.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving again.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: Approximately 400
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 177mg
Keywords: broccoli cauliflower salad, cheddar cheese, sunflower seeds, creamy dressing