If you’re searching for a vibrant, crunchy dish that bursts with sweet and tangy flavors, this Cauliflower and Broccoli Salad with Sweet Vinegar Dressing Recipe is an absolute game changer. It’s that perfect balance of fresh vegetables, a hint of sweetness, and a rich, creamy dressing that brings it all together. Whether you’re whipping it up for a potluck, a light lunch, or as a colorful side, this salad is delightful, easy to make, and so satisfying that it quickly becomes a favorite at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Trust me, the ingredient list for this salad is refreshingly simple yet thoughtfully crafted to deliver incredible taste and texture. Each component adds its unique magic to the bowl — from the crisp bite of fresh florets to the rich zing of the dressing.
- 2 cups cauliflower florets: Choose fresh, firm cauliflower for the best crunch and mild flavor.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Bright green and fresh broccoli adds a lovely texture and a bit of earthiness.
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped: Offers a subtle sharpness that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 1/4 cup raisins (or cranberries): These little bursts of sweetness perfectly complement the tangy dressing.
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional): Adds a smoky, salty punch that’s pure indulgence.
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (optional): For an extra layer of crunch and a nutty flavor.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base of the dressing that hugs every floret.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar): Brings acidity to brighten the whole salad.
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup: Sweetens the dressing naturally and keeps things perfectly balanced.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
How to Make Cauliflower and Broccoli Salad with Sweet Vinegar Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by washing your cauliflower and broccoli heads thoroughly. Chop them into bite-sized florets, ensuring any tough stems are removed so that every bite is tender yet crunchy. Freshness here is key to making the salad pop with texture.
Step 2: Combine the Base
Place all the cauliflower and broccoli florets in a large mixing bowl. This will be the foundation of your salad, so make sure the bowl is spacious enough to toss everything together later without spills.
Step 3: Add the Flavorful Extras
Finely chop your red onion and add it to the bowl along with the raisins or cranberries. Sprinkle in the crumbled cooked bacon if you’re using it, and toss in sunflower seeds for that delightful crunch. Each of these add-ins introduces contrasting flavors that truly elevate the dish.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey or maple syrup until smooth and creamy. Season generously with salt and pepper. This dressing is the heart of the salad — creamy but with a bright, sweet tang that makes every bite irresistible.
Step 5: Combine and Chill
Pour the dressing over the vegetable and add-in mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly in that luscious dressing. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes — this step allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soak up that sweet vinegar magic.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once chilled, give the salad a final toss and taste for seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper if needed. Now it’s ready to serve, fresh and inviting.
How to Serve Cauliflower and Broccoli Salad with Sweet Vinegar Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
For an eye-catching and tasty finishing touch, sprinkle extra crumbled bacon or sunflower seeds on top just before serving. A handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives can add a fresh aroma and pop of color.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, adding a refreshing contrast to richer mains. It also shines alongside hearty grain bowls or alongside classic barbecue fare to bring some brightness and crunch to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Try serving this salad in hollowed-out bell peppers or mini mason jars for a charming personal touch at gatherings. You can also scatter it as a bed under warm roasted meats for a combination of temperatures and textures that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad keeps well in the fridge for 2 to 3 days in an airtight container. The flavors deepen with time, but for the best crunch, enjoy it within that window before the veggies start to soften too much.
Freezing
Due to the fresh raw vegetables and creamy dressing, this salad is not ideal for freezing as the texture and taste can degrade. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated short-term.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. Since it’s a fresh vegetable salad, reheating isn’t recommended as it changes the texture and flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! Swap out the mayonnaise for a vegan alternative and omit the bacon, or use plant-based bacon for the smoky element. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to toss in chopped cucumber, bell peppers, or shredded carrots for additional color and crunch. Just be mindful of how they’ll blend with the dressing’s sweet and tangy profile.
Is it possible to make the dressing thicker or thinner?
Yes, you can adjust the texture by adding more mayonnaise for thickness or a splash of apple cider vinegar to thin it out slightly, depending on your preference.
Can I use dried cranberries instead of raisins?
Definitely. Cranberries offer a slightly tart contrast that works beautifully with the dressing and vegetables, so use whichever you prefer or have on hand.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
At least 30 minutes is ideal to let the flavors marry. If you have more time, an hour or two in the fridge will make the taste even more harmonious and the texture crisp and refreshing.
Final Thoughts
Give this Cauliflower and Broccoli Salad with Sweet Vinegar Dressing Recipe a try soon — it’s a vibrant celebration of textures and flavors that feels both refreshing and indulgent. Once you experience that blend of creamy, sweet, tangy, and crunchy, it’s sure to become one of your go-to recipes for any season. You’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create something truly special, perfect to share with friends and family.
Print
Cauliflower and Broccoli Salad with Sweet Vinegar Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A vibrant and crunchy Cauliflower Broccoli Salad featuring fresh florets, sweet raisins, and a creamy tangy dressing. Perfect as a healthy, make-ahead side dish that combines fresh vegetables with a hint of sweetness and optional savory bacon and sunflower seeds for added texture.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 cups cauliflower florets (about 1 small head)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (about 1 small head)
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
Add-ins
- 1/4 cup raisins or cranberries
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (optional)
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop the cauliflower and broccoli into bite-sized florets. Remove any tough stems from both.
- Combine Florets: Place the cauliflower and broccoli florets in a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare the Add-ins: Finely chop the red onion and add it to the bowl.
- Add Extra Ingredients: Add the raisins (or cranberries) and crumbled bacon if using. For extra crunch, sprinkle in some sunflower seeds.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and salt and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Combine the Salad: Pour the dressing over the cauliflower and broccoli mixture. Toss everything until evenly coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed.
- Chill the Salad: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
- Serve: Serve the salad cold, optionally garnished with extra bacon or sunflower seeds for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute mayonnaise with a vegan mayonnaise alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Optional add-ins like bacon and sunflower seeds add texture and flavor but can be omitted to keep the salad vegetarian or lighter.
- Make sure to chill the salad well for best flavor fusion.
- Raisins can be swapped with cranberries for a different tart sweetness.
- This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days but is best eaten fresh for maximum crunch.
