Oh, broccoli and cauliflower—what a duo!—like the unexpected pair at a party that somehow just makes sense. This salad is my go-to when I crave something fresh yet comforting, with a crunch that rivals the best potato chips. Trust me, even the pickiest eaters (I’m looking at you, Uncle Joe) will be reaching for seconds.
Steps
- Start by gathering all the ingredients needed for the recipe.
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until it is evenly browned. Once cooked, place the bacon on paper towels to drain, and then crumble it.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled bacon, chopped cauliflower, diced broccoli, sunflower seeds, and diced red onion.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the creamy salad dressing, sugar, and white wine vinegar until smooth. Pour this mixture over the cauliflower mixture in the large bowl and toss everything together to coat evenly.
- Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator before serving.
Ingredients
- 12 slices of bacon
- 1 head of cauliflower, chopped
- 1 head of fresh broccoli, diced
- ¾ cup of sunflower seeds
- ½ red onion, diced
- 1 cup of creamy salad dressing
- 1 ½ tablespoons of white wine vinegar
- ¼ cup of white sugar
Nutritional Values
Total for entire recipe | Calories: 3352 | Total Fat: 272g | Saturated Fat: 64g | Cholesterol: 312mg | Sodium: 5088mg | Total Carbohydrate: 160g | Dietary Fiber: 32g | Total Sugars: 104g | Protein: 80g | Vitamin C: 544mg | Calcium: 384mg | Iron: 16mg | Potassium: 4168mg
FAQ
- Can I make this salad ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare this salad in advance. It’s recommended to refrigerate it after tossing with the dressing to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- What can I use instead of sunflower seeds?
- If you prefer, you can substitute sunflower seeds with pecans for a different texture and flavor.
- Is there an alternative to the creamy salad dressing?
- You can use any creamy dressing of your choice, such as ranch or a yogurt-based dressing, to suit your taste preferences.
- How do I make the salad healthier?
- To make this salad healthier, you could reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute, opt for a low-fat or light salad dressing, and add more vegetables.
- Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
- While fresh vegetables are recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen broccoli and cauliflower if needed. Just ensure they are thawed and drained well before using.
Tips
- For an extra crunch, consider swapping sunflower seeds with pecans, as they add a different texture and flavor to the salad.
- If you’re a bacon enthusiast, feel free to increase the number of bacon slices for a richer, savory taste.
- To enhance the flavors, prepare the salad a few hours in advance and allow it to chill in the refrigerator, giving the ingredients time to meld together.
- When cooking the bacon, ensure it’s drained well on paper towels to remove excess grease, resulting in a crispier texture.
Equipment
- Cauliflower Salad, here is a list of main equipment that someone might need to purchase, which might not be commonly found at home:
- Large skillet – for cooking the bacon.
- Whisk – for blending the salad dressing, sugar, and vinegar.
- Large mixing bowl – for combining all the ingredients.
