Prepare to revolutionize your salad game with our Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Salad recipe. Bursting with flavor and packed with wholesome goodness, this salad is anything but ordinary. From the crisp crunch of fresh broccoli and cauliflower to the savory richness of bacon and cheese, every bite is a symphony of taste sensations. Whether served as a side dish or enjoyed as a light meal on its own, this salad is sure to become a favorite at your table. So, let’s dive in and discover the magic of Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Salad!
Ingredients
Dressing:
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup clover honey
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salad:
- 4 cups small broccoli florets, diced
- 4 cups small cauliflower florets, diced
- 12 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and diced
- 8 ounces Colby Jack cheese, small cubed
- 1/2 medium red onion, chopped and rinsed
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, clover honey, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced broccoli and cauliflower florets, cooked and diced bacon, cubed Colby Jack cheese, and chopped red onion.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is evenly coated in the dressing.
- Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing.
- Serve chilled and garnish with additional bacon bits or chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations
- For a smokier flavor, try using smoked bacon or adding a dash of smoked paprika to the dressing.
- Substitute the Colby Jack cheese with your favorite cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, or feta for a different flavor profile.
- Add extra crunch by tossing in some toasted nuts or seeds such as sunflower seeds or sliced almonds.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
Keto Version:
- Replace the clover honey with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt and mayonnaise to keep the salad keto-friendly.
- Omit the granulated sugar from the dressing or substitute with a keto-friendly sweetener.
Low-Carb Version:
- Reduce the amount of honey in the dressing or omit it altogether to lower the carb content.
- Use a combination of plain yogurt and mayonnaise to reduce the overall carb count in the dressing.
- Add extra protein by tossing in cooked chicken breast or hard-boiled eggs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time? A: Yes, Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to give it a good toss before serving.
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli and cauliflower instead of fresh? A: While fresh broccoli and cauliflower are recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use thawed frozen florets if fresh is not available. Just be sure to drain them well before adding them to the salad.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese? A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even blue cheese for a bolder flavor.
Q: Can I make this salad vegetarian? A: Yes, you can omit the bacon from the salad to make it vegetarian-friendly. You can also add extra veggies like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for added flavor and texture.
Q: Can I customize the dressing to suit my taste preferences? A: Of course! Feel free to adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the dressing by adding more or less honey or vinegar according to your taste.
In conclusion, Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is a celebration of freshness and indulgence that is sure to delight your taste buds and satisfy your hunger. With its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and creamy dressing, it’s a salad that stands out from the crowd and elevates any meal to new heights. Whether served as a side dish at a summer barbecue or enjoyed as a light lunch on a lazy afternoon, this salad is a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. So, gather your ingredients, toss up a bowl of this delicious salad, and get ready to savor every mouthful of goodness with Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Salad!
