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Creamy Ranch Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

creamy ranch broccoli cauliflower salad - featured image
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This crunchy, creamy salad features fresh broccoli and cauliflower tossed in a tangy ranch dressing with bacon, seeds, and optional cheddar. It’s a quick, crowd-pleasing side perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces (about 10 oz)
  • 3 cups cauliflower florets, chopped small (about 10 oz)
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 packet (or 2 tbsp) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
  • 1/3 cup sunflower seeds or pepitas
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli and cauliflower. Chop into small, bite-sized florets.
  2. Dice the red onion finely and shred or julienne the carrots.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, ranch seasoning, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add broccoli, cauliflower, onion, and carrots.
  5. Pour the dressing over the veggies and toss gently until everything is well coated.
  6. Fold in the cooked bacon, sunflower seeds, and shredded cheddar (if using). Reserve a little of each for topping.
  7. For best flavor, cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. (Optional)
  8. Transfer to a serving bowl, top with reserved bacon, seeds, and cheese. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

For vegetarian, omit bacon or use a plant-based alternative. For dairy-free, use vegan mayo and coconut yogurt, and skip the cheese. Chop veggies evenly for best texture. Dry veggies thoroughly for maximum crunch. Taste dressing before adding extra salt, as ranch mix and bacon are salty. Salad is best served chilled and can be made ahead; keep bacon and seeds separate until serving for best crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, cauliflower salad, ranch salad, creamy salad, potluck side, picnic salad, keto salad, gluten-free salad, low carb salad, make ahead salad

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/creamy-ranch-broccoli-cauliflower-salad-recipe-easy-crunch-side/