Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
by Sommer Collier — on Jul 22, 2024 Best Broccoli Cauliflower Salad – This broccoli and cauliflower salad recipe is reminiscent of classic southern salad loaded with pecans and cranberries in a creamy mayo dressing. It ALSO includes hearty cauliflower florets for a unique twist!
Why We Love This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe
We’ve got a fabulous classic broccoli salad recipe here on the site… It has LOTS of amazing chunky ingredients. This simplified Broccoli Cauliflower Salad recipe features the ingredients that deliver the biggest bang for the buck: broccoli, red onion, pecans, dried cherries, and a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing. And don’t forget we’ve added cauliflower as well for extra crunch!
Sommer’s Recipe Notes
The dressing derives its dazzling flavor from a simple ingredient often overlooked in the spice aisle: Mrs. Dash Seasoning. (But there are all kinds of ways to customize this recipe… Please keep reading for a few of our favorite swaps!)
This crunchy, lightly-sweet, and refreshing salad comes together quickly, and is even great to make ahead and chill in the fridge for a day or two before serving. It’s sure to be an instant family favorite for backyard barbecues and potluck dinners!
Ingredients You Need
- Broccoli – cut into raw broccoli florets
- Cauliflower – cut into florets
- Red onion – diced
- Pecans – chopped, sub walnuts or almonds
- Dried cherries – or cranberries or raisins
- Mayonnaise – regular or low-fat
- Rice vinegar – or apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
- Honey – or granulated sugar
- Mrs. Dash Original Seasoning – or any other salt-free dry herb blend
- Salt – only a bit more to taste, as needed
How to Make Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Find the full Broccoli Cauliflower Salad recipe with ingredient proportions, detailed instructions, storage tips, and a video tutorial in the printable form at the bottom of the post.
Recipe Variations
I’m a big fan of Mrs. Dash seasoning blend because it is sodium-free and includes a variety of dried vegetables and herbs that pack a punch. If you can’t find it, use an alternative dried vegetable and herb seasoning blend. Be careful to check if it includes salt, and adjust the recipe as needed!
Feel free to swap out or add any extra goodies you like to cauliflower and broccoli salad. Here are a few add-in ideas for you to consider:
- Cooked crumbled bacon
- Sliced scallions
- Crispy fried onions
- Sunflower seeds
- Pepitas (baby pumpkin seeds)
- Raising
- Shredded carrots
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 large head broccoli 5 cups florets
- 1 average head cauliflower 5 cups florets
- ½ cup diced red onion
- ¾ cup chopped pecans
- ¾ cup dried cherries or cranberries
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoon honey or granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons Mrs. Dash Original Seasoning salt-free dried herb blend
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Set out a large salad bowl. Wash and dry the fresh produce. Then chop the broccoli and cauliflower into small florets, discarding the extra stem pieces. You should have approximately 5 cups each of broccoli and cauliflower florets.
- Place the broccoli and cauliflower in the salad bowl, then chop the red onion and pecans. Add the diced onion, pecans, and dried cherries to the salad bowl.
- In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the dressing: mayonnaise, vinegar, honey, Mrs. Dash, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss well to coat all the ingredients in the dressing. Then cover and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
You can and should enjoy these veggies raw! Raw vegetables pack a lot of nutrients per bite.
Yes, this recipe is great for making ahead! Assemble the full salad a day or two in advance, cover it tightly, and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
Leftovers will keep for up to 4-5 days in an airtight container in the fridge. However, for the crispiest florets, I suggest eating them within 1-2 days of making the salad.
No, it would be best if you did not try to freeze this salad with mayo dressing.
I absolutely adore this recipe! I’ve made your broccoli salad recipe for years and always take it to neighborhood parties. But this one is much easier and the cauliflower gives it a really hearty texture. Thank you!
This was the perfect side at our family bbq. Cannot wait to make it again!
I love the texture of this salad! And it is super delicious and filling! Perfect for lunch
Broccoli salad is one of my favorites, so I had to try this. Delish! I love the crunch of the nuts. I definitely ate more than my share. :)