Cauliflower Broccoli Salad Recipe: A Healthy & Delicious Side Dish

This vibrant and crunchy cauliflower broccoli salad is the perfect healthy side dish for any occasion. Packed with nutritious vegetables and a tangy, creamy dressing, it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe focuses on maximizing flavor and texture, while also being easily adaptable to your preferences. Let's dive in!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe provides a balanced blend of flavors and textures. Feel free to adjust quantities based on your preferences and the number of servings you need.

• For the Salad:

  • 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1 large head of broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional, for added sweetness)
  • 1/2 cup sunflower seeds or slivered almonds (optional, for added crunch)

• For the Creamy Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or vegan alternative)
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or vegan alternative)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, even for beginner cooks.

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and thoroughly dry the cauliflower and broccoli florets. Ensure they are cut into roughly uniform sizes for even cooking. Thinly slice the red onion.

2. Blanch the Vegetables (Optional): For a slightly softer texture, you can blanch the cauliflower and broccoli. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the vegetables, and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender-crisp. Immediately plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This step helps maintain the vibrant color and prevents the vegetables from becoming mushy.

3. Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the prepared cauliflower, broccoli, red onion, cranberries (if using), and sunflower seeds (if using).

4. Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey/maple syrup (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

5. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss gently to coat evenly. Be careful not to over-toss, as this can bruise the vegetables.

6. Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This also helps the salad chill and become more refreshing. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Tips and Variations for your Cauliflower Broccoli Salad:

• Add Protein: Boost the protein content by adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or white beans.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a little kick.
• Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives can add a burst of freshness. Experiment with different spices like garlic powder or onion powder.
• Different Nuts and Seeds: Feel free to substitute your preferred nuts and seeds, such as pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds.
• Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese or shredded cheddar cheese would be a delicious addition.

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