There’s just something magical about a fresh salad, and the Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad is no exception. It’s a dish that comes to mind every time I think of warm sunny days and family picnics. I remember the vibrant colors of the florets standing out against a backdrop of lush green grass. My grandmother used to whip this salad up in no time, and it quickly became a favorite at our gatherings. The crunch of the broccoli and cauliflower, paired with the tangy Feta cheese, creates a delightful contrast that you just can’t resist. Whenever I make this salad, I can’t help but reminisce about those beautiful afternoons spent with loved ones, laughing and sharing stories over a delicious meal.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
60 mins

Prep Time:
0 mins

Cook Time:
0 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
150 kcal

Protein:
5 g

Diet:
Keto, Gluten-Free

Fat:
10 g

Tools Used:
Large Pot, Chef’s Knife, Mixing Bowl, Whisk

What Makes This Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad Special

Vibrant and Colorful

The Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad is a feast for the eyes. The bright green of the broccoli and the creamy white of the cauliflower create a stunning visual appeal. It’s a dish that brings a pop of color to any table, making it a popular choice for celebrations and casual dinners alike.

Nutritious and Wholesome

With ingredients like broccoli and cauliflower, this salad is packed with nutrients. Both are excellent sources of vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. It’s a guilt-free addition to your meal that you can feel good about serving to your family.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a winter holiday gathering, this salad fits right in. It’s versatile enough to accompany almost any main dish, making it a crowd-pleaser for year-round celebrations. You can serve it as a light lunch or a robust side dish, adapting it to fit your needs.

Quick and Easy to Prepare

One of the best things about the Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad is how quickly it comes together. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious salad ready in no time. This makes it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

Customizable to Your Taste

This salad is incredibly adaptable! You can add your favorite herbs or even some crunch with nuts or seeds. The dressing can also be customized based on what you have on hand, ensuring that every time you make it, it can feel like a new dish.

Leftovers Make Great Snacks

If you happen to have any leftovers, they make for a fantastic snack or packed lunch. The flavors meld beautifully over time, so you can enjoy the Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad even after it’s been sitting in the fridge for a day or two.

Key Ingredients for Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad

The ingredients for the Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad are simple yet effective. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a dish that is not just delicious but also nutritionally balanced. The combination of fresh vegetables and flavorful cheese gives this salad its unique personality.

Broccoli flowerets: The star of the show, these tiny green trees are rich in vitamins and provide a satisfying crunch.
Cauliflower flowerets: Similar to broccoli, cauliflower adds texture and a mild flavor, making it a perfect companion.

Red onion: Adding a bit of sharpness, the chopped red onion gives the salad a delightful bite and depth of flavor.
Feta cheese: This crumbly cheese introduces a creamy, tangy element that beautifully complements the crisp veggies.

How to Prepare Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad

Preparing the Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad is a breeze, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. You’ll love how easy it is to put together while still impressing your family and friends. Let’s dive into the preparation steps!

Start by bringing a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. This will be your cooking medium for the broccoli and cauliflower. While the water heats up, take the time to cut the broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized pieces. The goal is to ensure they cook evenly and are easy to eat.
Once the water is boiling, carefully add the cauliflower flowerets and let them cook for about one minute. This quick blanching helps to soften them slightly while retaining their crunch. Don’t walk away—keep an eye on them!
Next, add the broccoli flowerets to the pot. Cook both vegetables together for an additional two to three minutes, just until they’re starting to get tender. You can test a piece with a fork to check for doneness.

After cooking, drain the vegetables in a colander placed in the sink. It’s important to let them drain well to avoid a soggy salad. If you’re in a rush, you can pat them dry with paper towels.
While the broccoli and cauliflower cool down to room temperature, chop the red onion into small pieces. The red onion will add a fresh and zesty flavor to the salad.
Now it’s time to prepare the Feta. Crumble it into smaller pieces, which will allow it to mix well with the other ingredients.

In a small bowl, zest the lemon and squeeze out the juice, being careful to remove any seeds. This fresh citrus element will brighten the flavors.
Add the chopped tarragon or herbs of your choice to the lemon juice. Then, whisk together the olive oil, mayonnaise, lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, chopped tarragon, and season with salt and pepper to create a creamy dressing.
Once the broccoli and cauliflower are cool, toss them together with your desired amount of the dressing in a large bowl. This is where all the flavors start to come together, so taste as you go!

Gently mix in the chopped red onion, followed by the crumbled Feta cheese. Be careful to fold everything together without breaking the Feta.
Finally, season your salad to taste with additional salt and fresh-ground black pepper. The salad is best served at room temperature, so let it sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Enjoy this delicious Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad right away, or store the leftovers in the fridge where they’ll keep well for a day or two.

Things Worth Knowing

Blanching vegetables: This technique helps to retain color and nutrients while softening the vegetables. It’s crucial for getting the best texture in your salad.
Using fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like tarragon can elevate the flavor profile of your salad. Feel free to experiment with different herbs to suit your taste.
Cooling the vegetables: Make sure the broccoli and cauliflower cool to room temperature before adding the dressing. This prevents the dressing from becoming watery.

Texture balance: The crunchiness of the broccoli and cauliflower paired with the creaminess of the Feta creates a delightful sensory experience in every bite.

Helpful Hints

Here are some great tips to make your Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad even better! These will ensure you get the most out of your ingredients and preparation process.

Storage: Keep your salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for one to two days, but the flavor is best when enjoyed fresh.

Freezing: This salad is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing may alter the texture of the vegetables, but you can freeze the dressing separately.
Pairing: The Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish. It also makes a great addition to a buffet or potluck.
Variations: Feel free to add nuts for an extra crunch or swap the Feta for goat cheese for a different flavor.

Serving suggestion: Serve it alongside a hearty soup or as a light main dish for lunch.

What to Serve Alongside Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad

When it comes to serving the Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad, there are endless possibilities. Here are some great ideas:

Grilled meats: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or steak, offering a refreshing contrast to smoky flavors.

Fish dishes: Serve it alongside baked or grilled fish for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Sandwiches: It makes a fantastic side for a variety of sandwiches, from turkey to veggie, complementing them perfectly.
Picnics: The Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad is a perfect addition to picnic spreads. Its vibrant colors and fresh flavors will impress your friends.

Buffets: If you’re hosting a buffet or potluck, this salad is a hit. It adds color and nutrition to any table!
Seasonal occasions: Great for summer barbecues or holiday gatherings, its versatility makes it suitable for any season.

FAQ

There are several ways to amp up the flavor in your Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad. You can experiment with different herbs or spices in the dressing, such as adding fresh dill or basil for a new twist. Additionally, incorporating a sprinkle of nuts or seeds can add both crunch and flavor. Try using a flavored vinegar in place of regular vinegar for an extra punch. You can also consider marinating the salad in the dressing for an hour before serving, which allows the ingredients to absorb all those delicious flavors.

Absolutely! The Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad can be made ahead of time, and in fact, it often tastes even better after sitting for a bit. Just prepare all the ingredients as instructed, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. However, if you’re making it in advance, consider adding the dressing just before serving. This will help keep the vegetables crisp and fresh. If you do add the dressing ahead of time, try to consume the salad within a day or two for the best flavor.

The Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad is incredibly versatile when it comes to pairing. It goes wonderfully with grilled meats, making it a great side for chicken or steak. It can also complement fish dishes beautifully. If you’re looking for vegetarian options, consider serving it with a hearty grain bowl or alongside a sandwich. Its refreshing crunch also makes it a fantastic addition to any buffet or potluck. Feel free to get creative with what you serve it alongside!

Yes! The Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad is packed with nutrients, making it a very healthy choice. Both broccoli and cauliflower are high in vitamins C and K, fiber, and various antioxidants. This dish is low in calories, making it a great option for anyone looking to eat healthily without sacrificing flavor. The addition of Feta cheese adds a source of protein and calcium, enhancing its nutritional profile. It’s a perfect balance of wholesome ingredients that contribute to a healthy diet.

Conclusion

The Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad is a delightful blend of fresh flavors and textures that will brighten up any meal. It’s not just a salad; it’s a celebration of vibrant ingredients and easy preparation. I encourage you to give it a try and share it with your family. I’m sure they’ll love it just as much as mine does!

Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad

The ultimate crunchy and refreshing salad! The Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad is loaded with flavor and is perfect for any occasion. Packed with vibrant vegetables and creamy Feta cheese, it's sure to become a family favorite. Make it tonight for a quick and healthy side dish!

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Course Salads, Side Dishes

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

Large Pot
Chef's Knife
Mixing Bowl
Whisk

Ingredients

4 cups cups Broccoli flowerets
4 cups cups Cauliflower flowerets
1/2 whole Red onion
1 cup cups Feta cheese

Instructions

Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil while you cut up broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized pieces.
When water boils, add the cauliflower and cook 1 minute.
Then add the broccoli and cook 2-3 minutes more, just until veggies are barely starting to get tender. (Test a piece with a fork.)

When veggies are done, drain in a colander placed in the sink. Let them drain well, or pat dry with paper towels if you're in a rush.
While veggies drain and come to room temperature, chop the red onion and crumble the Feta.
Zest the lemon and squeeze the juice.
Chop the fresh tarragon, or other herbs of your choice.

Whisk together the olive oil, mayo, lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon, chopped tarragon, Spike Seasoning and salt and pepper to make the dressing.
When broccoli and cauliflower is at room temperature, toss with desired amount of dressing.
Then gently mix in the red onion.
Carefully fold in the Feta cheese and season salad to taste with salt and fresh-ground black pepper.

Serve salad at room temperature.
Leftovers of the Broccoli Cauliflower Salad will keep in the fridge for a day or two, but the salad is definitely best when it's freshly made.

Notes

Tip 1: Store your salad in an airtight container in the fridge for best freshness.
Tip 2: The salad can be enjoyed for one to two days after making.