It doesn’t have to have bacon to taste amazing. I noticed many broccoli cauliflower salad recipes have bacon in them, which, of course, I imagine would make it very flavorful. While I have nothing against bacon eaters, my hubby is a bacon lover – I prefer to skip it to make this salad a little healthier. Don’t worry, I still added some awesome ingredients that will give the sweetness, crunchiness, and saltiness that makes this broccoli and cauliflower salad make you want a second serving. It’s all in the delicious dressing, after all.
Why You Will Love This Healthy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe.
- Plant-Based Friendly: If you are plant-based, this is for you. There is no egg mayo or bacon in sight.
- Clean Ingredients: It’s clean as it has no heavily processed ingredients, such as bacon. While I don’t completely ban bacon from my diet, as a nutrition coach, I prefer to eat as little of it as possible.
- Versatile Dressing: We will use organic vegan mayo as a base for the dressing so it can be suitable for vegans. But egg mayo is fine, too, if you are not vegan. Try to find one that is olive oil-based rather than vegetable oil-based if you can.
- Flavorful Additions: You will love the sweetness from the Granny Smith apples and the saltiness from the chewy sun-dried tomatoes.
- Exciting Textures: The nuts will add the crunch and make the textures exciting.
- Easy to Prepare: It’s easy to make as you won’t need to cook anything and only need a bowl, chopping board, and a good knife. You can use your chopping thingamajig if you have one.
- Meal Prep Friendly: You can make a large batch and store it in an airtight container for the next day. Broccoli and cauliflower can be kept dressed in the fridge and won’t go soggy like cucumbers, tomatoes, and lettuce.
Ok, let’s get into this crunchy, creamy, sweet, and delicious broccoli cauliflower salad recipe.
Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe.
Ingredients
Main Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces
- 4 cups raw cauliflower florets, chopped into small pieces
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1 Granny Smith apple, cored and diced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1/2 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup crunchy sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup vegan cheddar cheese, cubed (or regular cheddar if not vegan)
Creamy Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vegan or regular whole egg mayonaise
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon seeded mustard
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh broccoli florets, raw cauliflower florets, diced red onion, chopped apple, sun-dried tomatoes, mixed nuts, crunchy sunflower seeds, and vegan cheddar cheese.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the vegan mayonnaise, vinegar, seeded mustard, and maple syrup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the creamy dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is well coated.
- Cover the salad bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Give the salad a quick toss before serving. Enjoy your clean broccoli cauliflower salad as a perfect side dish or light meal!
Notes
Nutritional Goodness
Broccoli and Cauliflower: Cruciferous Champions
Broccoli and cauliflower are both packed with essential nutrients, particularly raw broccoli and cauliflower. They’re rich in vitamin C, which boosts immune function and promotes collagen production for healthy skin. These veggies also contain vitamin K, which is crucial for blood clotting and bone health. The folate in these cruciferous vegetables supports cell division and DNA synthesis, making them especially beneficial during pregnancy. Broccoli is also an excellent source of vitamin A, which is essential for eye health and may help prevent age-related macular degeneration. It contains sulforaphane, a compound with anti-cancer properties.
Apples: Nature’s Sweet Treat
Apples add a delightful crunch and natural sweetness to our salad while providing numerous health benefits. They’re rich in quercetin—a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects—and contain pectin, which aids digestion and may help lower cholesterol levels. The vitamin C in apples supports immune function while B-complex vitamins (including riboflavin, thiamin, and vitamin B-6) contribute to maintaining healthy red blood cells.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated Nutrition
Sun-dried tomatoes are a flavor powerhouse and a concentrated source of nutrients. They’re particularly high in lycopene—a powerful antioxidant that may help reduce cancer risk—and have high vitamin C content that aids collagen production and iron absorption.
Nuts and Seeds: Crunchy Nutrition Boosters
The mixed nuts and sunflower seeds in this salad provide healthy fats, protein, and various minerals. They’re rich in vitamin E—an antioxidant that supports skin health—and magnesium contributes to bone health while regulating muscle function.
Similar Recipes You Might Like.
Healthy Eating Made Delicious
This clean broccoli cauliflower salad proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or bland. It’s a perfect solution for those looking to increase their vegetable intake without sacrificing flavor. The combination of crunchy vegetables, sweet apples, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and nutty seeds creates an exciting array of textures that will keep your taste buds engaged.By enjoying this salad, you’re treating yourself to a delicious meal while providing your body with essential nutrients. It’s an excellent way to support your overall health—from boosting your immune system to promoting heart health and aiding digestion.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This easy broccoli cauliflower salad recipe is sure to become your new favorite for family gatherings and summer picnics. It’s a great way to incorporate raw veggies into your diet while making an irresistible salad that’s perfect for any time of year.
Meal Prep Made Easy
For best results, make this easy broccoli salad recipe a few hours before serving or even the night before. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days—making it an excellent option for meal prep!
Customizable Flavor
The best part is this recipe is made up of simple ingredients and can be easily modified. Feel free to make minor modifications to suit your taste—you could add some green onions for extra zing or swap the vegan mayo for fat-free Greek yogurt if you prefer. So go ahead—indulge in this nutritious and delicious salad! Your body will thank you, and your taste buds will be asking for seconds!
