When you need a side dish that you can throw together in a flash, this broccoli cauliflower salad recipe is perfect. This salad combines crisp-tender vegetables, cheese, and walnuts, all brought together by a tangy homemade dressing. Whether you are looking for a holiday side or hosting a family BBQ, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Broccoli cauliflower salad brings a burst of color and loads of flavor to your dining table.
It's a star at the holidays, a hit at family dinners, and a great addition to any meal.
Looking for more side dish inspiration? Don't miss my favorite Cauliflower Rice Recipe, Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes, Air Fryer Asparagus, and Brussels Sprout Salad.
Ingredients

- Broccoli and Cauliflower: You can buy bags of florets to save time if you want.
- Cheddar Cheese: For a different twist, try substituting it with your favorite cheese, such as feta or Gouda.
- Red Onion: If red onions are too strong for your taste, shallots make a great alternative.
- Shredded Carrots: Feel free to replace them with shredded beets or jicama for a fun change.
- Toasted Walnuts: Pecans or almonds would work just as well in this salad. You could also use sunflower seeds to keep this nut-free.
Dressing
- Mayonnaise: If you're not a fan, try Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar could be used as substitutes.
- Maple Syrup: It adds a subtle sweetness to balance out the acidity. Honey or agave nectar are good alternatives. To keep this low carb, try monk fruit or stevia.
Step by Step
For the full recipe with measurements, see the recipe card at the end of the post.






Tips & Tricks
- Choosing Your Veggies: When picking out your broccoli and cauliflower, look for firm heads with bright colors and tight florets.
- Add Some Sweetness: Dried cranberries are a fabulous addition to this salad and go beautifully with broccoli and cauliflower. Any other dried fruit (raisins, cherries, or apricots) also works.
- Make-Ahead: This salad is a great make-ahead dish. The flavors meld beautifully in the fridge; just stir it before serving.
Tools
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- Two large bowls and one small
- Pot
- Strainer
More Salad Recipes to Try
- For a burst of color and flavor, try our Kale Pomegranate Salad.
- Our Broccoli Apple Salad is a delightful mix of crunchy broccoli, crisp apples, and a tangy dressing.
- If you're in the mood for something comforting yet hearty, our Ranch Pasta Salad is a winner.
- Lastly, for those who enjoy a protein-packed meal, our Edamame Quinoa Salad is a must-try.

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Ingredients
- ¾ pound broccoli
- ¾ pound cauliflower cut into florets
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese cubed
- ½ red onion sliced thin
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup toasted walnuts chopped
- Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Fill a large bowl with ice water.
- Add the broccoli and cauliflower to the boiling water, and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from the boiling water and immediately put into the cold water bath. Drain and place in a bowl.
- Add the cheese, red onion, carrots, and almonds.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, maple syrup salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Refrigerate for one hour before serving.







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