Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Everyone Asks For: This creamy broccoli cauliflower salad is one of those recipes I make when I need something fast, fresh, and guaranteed to disappear!

It’s crunchy, creamy, a little salty from the bacon, and just sweet enough from the dressing to make every bite irresistible. It’s the kind of side dish people go back for again and again- and always ask me for my recipe!

This salad comes together in minutes, and actually gets better as it sits, making it perfect for meal prep, cookouts, or easy dinners!

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At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

Creamy broccoli cauliflower salad is a quick, no-cook side dish made with fresh vegetables, crispy bacon, and a tangy, creamy dressing. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and meal prep, it’s ready in minutes and full of crunch and flavor.

We worked to find the BEST tangy, savory, and creamy broccoli and cauliflower salad dressing – and absolutely love this fresh and delicious easy dressing. It’s delicious on salads, and even over wraps and sandwiches – or as a veggie dip!

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days if making a large batch.

Creamy Broccoli Salad Ingredients

To make this recipe, we will need the following ingredients:

For the salad:

• Bacon – Adds crispy texture and a rich, smoky, salty flavor that balances the creamy dressing and fresh vegetables.
• Broccoli – Provides the main structure of the salad with a fresh, crisp bite and slightly earthy flavor that holds up well to the dressing.
• Cauliflower – Adds mild flavor and extra crunch, helping lighten the salad while complementing the broccoli.
• Peas – Bring a subtle sweetness and soft texture that contrasts with the crunchy vegetables and salty bacon.
• Red onion – Adds sharpness and a slight bite, cutting through the richness of the dressing and bacon.
• Scallion – Provides a fresh, mild onion flavor and bright finish as a garnish.

For the dressing:

• Mayonnaise – Creates the creamy base of the dressing, coating all the ingredients and bringing everything together.
• Sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tangy vinegar and savory elements.
• White vinegar – Brings acidity and brightness, preventing the dressing from feeling too heavy.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds salty, nutty, umami flavor and helps thicken the dressing slightly.
• Kosher salt – Enhances and balances all the flavors in the salad.
• Fresh black pepper – Adds mild heat and depth, giving the dressing a subtle kick.

Creamy Broccoli Salad Step by Step

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, we will use the following process:

Tips and Tricks to Perfect Broccoli Salad

• Cut vegetables small for better texture
• Use fresh (not frozen) vegetables for crunch
• Chill before serving for best flavor
• Use crispy bacon for texture
• Don’t overdress – add dressing gradually

Fresh vegetables are key to keeping the salad crisp and flavorful.

English shelling peas. If available, fresh English shelling peas taste the best in this recipe – they are crisp, slightly sweet, and have a fresh clean flavor I can’t get enough of (see my peas and mint recipe)! If you can’t find fresh shelling peas, or it’s out of season, you can use frozen peas in this recipe. To use frozen peas, you can add them directly too dish frozen (peas defrost very quickly in room temperature air) to help keep your salad cool – or you can thaw them before adding to dish.

How to store creamy broccoli salad. Since this salad is so easy to prep ahead of time, we usually make a big batch and store in the fridge until it’s time to serve. I find it is best to make the salad and the dressing individually, and store them separately in a refrigerator in airtight containers until serving. If you dress the salad, be sure to keep refrigerated until serving, since mayonnaise can go off or separate and become oily in warm temperatures.

Make it for meal prep. This salad is excellent for work – I add dressing to a bottom of a large mason jar, and then add in the vegetables on top. When it’s time for lunch, tip the jar over to dress the vegetables and give it a good shake to toss all ingredients in dressing!

Make it Keto. Since we’re adding crisp, delicious fresh peas to this dish, it is technically not keto-approved – but it is an easy swap for keto vegetables so you can enjoy this dish on a very low carb diet. With a few substitutes for the peas, you can make this dish keto:

• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
• 1/2 cup diced radishes for a spicy twist
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup diced asparagus (try grilled for a smoky flavor)
• 1/2 cup diced green beans

Can You Make Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Ahead?

Yes—this salad actually tastes better after chilling.

• Make up to 24 hours ahead
• Store covered in fridge
• Stir before serving

Many versions improve as flavors blend over time!

Why Everyone Loves Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

This salad is a favorite because it’s:

• Quick to make
• Perfect for gatherings
• Full of texture
• Easy to customize
• Great for meal prep

It’s often served at BBQs, potlucks, and family dinners because it holds up well and stays fresh.

Ways to Customize This Salad

• Add cheddar cheese
• Add sunflower seeds or almonds
• Add dried cranberries or raisins
• Swap mayo for Greek yogurt
• Add apples for sweetness

Many versions include nuts, cheese, or fruit for added texture and flavor.

What to Serve with Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

This salad pairs perfectly with:

• Grilled chicken
• BBQ ribs
• Burgers
• Pulled pork
• Steak

It’s a classic side for cookouts and summer meals!

How to Store Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

• Store in fridge up to 3–4 days
• Keep in airtight container
• Stir before serving

Do not freeze—texture will become mushy.

How to Keep Broccoli Salad Crisp

• Dry vegetables completely
• Store dressing separately if prepping ahead
• Add crunchy toppings last
• How to Balance the Dressing
• Too sweet? Add more vinegar
• Too tangy? Add a pinch of sugar
• Too thick? Add a splash of milk

How to Make It Healthier

• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo
• Reduce sugar
• Add extra vegetables

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad FAQs

If you love this creamy, hearty summer salad, please check out some of our other favorite salads!

Julienne Kale Salad

Tuna and Tomato Salad

Winter Salad

Balsamic Vinaigrette

Homemade Ranch Dressing

Homemade Croutons

Best Cobb Salad

Homemade Caesar Dressing

You can find our entire salad recipe archives here.

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