Certainly! Here’s a recipe for a Deliciously Sweet Broccoli Cauliflower Salad that combines crisp, fresh vegetables with a sweet and tangy dressing. This salad is perfect as a side dish for any meal or a light, refreshing main course.
Deliciously Sweet Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 4 strips of cooked bacon, crumbled (optional for added crunch and flavor)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Start by washing and drying the broccoli and cauliflower. Cut them into bite-sized florets.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt. Blanch the broccoli and cauliflower by adding them to the boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they are just tender but still crisp. This step helps in brightening the vegetables’ color and making them a bit softer.
- Drain the vegetables and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them cool for about 5 minutes, then drain again and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until smooth and well combined.
- Taste the dressing and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Adjust sweetness or tanginess by adding more honey or vinegar, if desired.
- Combine the Salad Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled broccoli and cauliflower florets. Add the finely diced red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries or raisins, and crumbled bacon (if using).
- Add the Dressing:
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together until all the vegetables and mix-ins are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve:
- For best results, cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to become thoroughly chilled.
- Give the salad a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
- Garnish (Optional):
- Just before serving, you can add a little extra shredded cheese or a sprinkle of sunflower seeds on top for added crunch and visual appeal.
Tips:
- Variations: Feel free to customize this salad by adding other ingredients such as chopped fresh herbs (like parsley or dill), bell peppers, or even some finely chopped celery for extra crunch.
- Make Ahead: This salad can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It’s a great dish for potlucks or meal prepping.
- Vegan Option: To make this salad vegan, use vegan mayonnaise and skip the bacon.
Enjoy your Deliciously Sweet Broccoli Cauliflower Salad! It’s a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
