If you’re craving something fresh, creamy, and crunchy that you can toss together in minutes, this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is about to become your go-to side dish. It’s a family favorite that works beautifully for potlucks, picnics, cookouts, or even as a quick weekday lunch. Loaded with smoky bacon, crisp broccoli, tender cauliflower, and a tangy-sweet dressing that’s full of garlic flavor, it’s the perfect balance of indulgence and freshness.
The best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated prep. With just a few pantry staples and a quick steam of cauliflower florets, you’ll have a dish that disappears fast at every gathering.
This salad is a great alternative to heavy pasta or potato salads, and you can easily make it keto-friendly by reducing the sugar or skipping it entirely. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is versatile, flavorful, and downright addictive.
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Perfectly balanced texture: Crisp-tender veggies, crunchy bacon, and creamy dressing.
Bursting with flavor: Garlic, bacon, and cheddar create a savory explosion.
Quick and easy: Just mix, chill, and serve!
Customizable: Add eggs, onions, peas, or nuts—make it your own.
Crowd favorite: Everyone asks for seconds (and the recipe!).
This cold veggie salad hits all the right notes for a summer barbecue or cozy winter dinner side. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own and elegant enough to serve next to grilled chicken or steak.
A Little Background: Why Cold Cauliflower Salads Are So Popular
Cold cauliflower salads have become incredibly popular in recent years—not just because they’re healthy, but because cauliflower is so versatile. It can be roasted, mashed, fried, or, in this case, lightly steamed and tossed with creamy dressing. It absorbs flavors beautifully while maintaining a satisfying crunch when cooked just right.
Broccoli brings a vibrant color and slightly bitter edge that balances the richness of the mayo-based dressing. When you mix in bacon and cheddar cheese, you get that perfect blend of smoky, savory, and tangy—no wonder it’s one of the most shared recipes on Pinterest for “easy summer salads.”
Even better, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, and with a few small tweaks, it can easily be made low-carb or sugar-free. It’s the kind of classic that feels right at home next to fried chicken, grilled ribs, or even Thanksgiving turkey.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s get to what makes this salad truly special. You only need a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have:
1 head of broccoli, chopped – Adds color, crunch, and freshness.
1 head of cauliflower, chopped – The star of the show—mild and tender when steamed just right.
½ pound of cooked bacon – Smoky, salty, and irresistible. You can crumble it finely or leave larger pieces for texture.
1 cup shredded cheese – Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or Colby work too.
For the Creamy Dressing:
1 cup mayonnaise – Adds that classic creamy base.
1 cup sour cream – Gives the dressing a tangy kick.
¼–½ cup sugar – Sweetness balances the garlic and salt.
Salt and pepper – Season to taste; don’t be shy!
Optional add-ins:
Chopped red onions
Sliced boiled eggs
Fresh peas
Sunflower seeds or almonds
A sprinkle of garlic powder or minced garlic for extra punch
The Recipe: Garlicky Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
This slow-prep salad only takes minutes to make, but it’s best when chilled before serving so the flavors meld together.
Instructions:
Prep your vegetables: Clean your broccoli and cauliflower, then chop them into bite-sized florets. Steam the cauliflower gently—just until slightly tender but still crisp. Don’t overcook it!
Cook your bacon: Fry or bake your bacon until crispy, then drain on paper towels and chop or crumble.
Make the creamy dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Combine everything: Add your chopped broccoli, cauliflower, and bacon into a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently until everything is well coated.
Chill before serving: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors develop and the dressing thicken.
Serve and enjoy: Garnish with extra cheese, bacon bits, or fresh herbs before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Cauliflower Salad
Don’t over-steam the cauliflower.
You want it crisp-tender—not mushy. Over-steaming can ruin the texture and make the salad watery.
Use real bacon for flavor.
Bacon bits work in a pinch, but freshly cooked bacon makes a world of difference.
Balance the sweetness.
Start with ¼ cup of sugar, then taste and adjust. You can also substitute honey or keto sweetener.
Make it ahead of time.
This salad actually tastes better after it sits in the fridge for a few hours.
Add crunch.
Sprinkle sunflower seeds or almonds right before serving for an extra layer of texture.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs beautifully with almost any meal! Try serving it alongside:
Grilled chicken, pork chops, or steak
Baked salmon or shrimp skewers
Pulled pork sandwiches or BBQ ribs
Holiday dishes like turkey and ham
Or enjoy it as a main dish with a slice of crusty bread
It’s one of those versatile recipes that tastes great both as a side and as a light lunch.
Variations to Try
Keto version: Skip the sugar entirely or use a sugar-free substitute like erythritol.
Loaded version: Add boiled eggs, red onions, and peas for extra flavor and color.
Spicy twist: Mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne for heat.
Healthier dressing: Swap part of the mayo for Greek yogurt to lighten it up.
Cheese lovers’ dream: Try a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for creaminess.
Once you make it, you’ll realize how endlessly adaptable this recipe can be.
Storage and Meal Prep
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, so it tastes even better the next day.
If you’re meal prepping, keep the dressing separate and mix it just before serving to maintain the crunch.
Avoid freezing, as the mayo-based dressing tends to separate when thawed.
Nutritional Notes
While this salad isn’t necessarily “diet food,” it’s still lower in carbs than traditional pasta or potato salads. You’re getting a healthy dose of fiber and nutrients from the cauliflower and broccoli, plus protein from the bacon and cheese.
Each serving offers a good mix of fats and fiber that keeps you full longer—perfect for low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diets when made with sugar alternatives.
Pro Tips for Serving at Gatherings
Serve it in a chilled glass bowl for a fresh look.
Add a sprinkle of paprika or parsley for color.
Keep it cold—this salad tastes best when served chilled.
Double the recipe for larger parties—it disappears fast!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! It’s actually better when chilled for a few hours before serving.
Can I use frozen cauliflower or broccoli?
You can, but fresh vegetables keep the salad crispier.
Can I make it sugar-free?
Absolutely! Use monk fruit, erythritol, or your favorite keto sweetener instead.
Can I add protein?
Yes—chopped boiled eggs, diced ham, or shredded chicken make great additions.
What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar adds the most flavor, but you can experiment with mozzarella or pepper jack.
How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Garlicky Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is one of those easy recipes that never goes out of style. It’s creamy, savory, and endlessly customizable. The combination of crisp veggies, smoky bacon, and tangy dressing makes it both comforting and refreshing.
Whether you’re serving it at a backyard BBQ, holiday buffet, or simple weeknight dinner, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Once you make it, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again.
So next time you see a “dinky little head of cauliflower” in your fridge—don’t toss it. Turn it into something spectacular.