Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Bacon
This broccoli and cauliflower salad with bacon is an easy and delicious salad for your next gathering. I love the mix of crisp broccoli and tender cauliflower, along with the crunch of bacon and sunflower seeds. It’s all tossed in a rich, creamy poppyseed dressing. This salad is one of those potluck dishes that everyone will rave about!
Need crowd-pleasing salad ideas? Try this lemon orzo pasta salad, this broccoli crunch salad and this cold Asian noodle salad!
Recipe Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this broccoli and cauliflower salad:
For the dressing
For the salad
Ingredient Notes, Substitutions & Additions
Bacon: For ease, you can use precooked bacon. Pop the bacon into the oven or air fryer at 350° F. for 3-5 minutes or until the bacon is crispy. In a pinch, real bacon bits are also an option.
Poppy seed dressing: My favorite store-bought brands are Brianna’s (shelf stable) and Marie’s (in the produce case). You can also make your own homemade poppy seed dressing.
Almonds, pecans, raisins, cashews, or shredded cheese are all perfect additions to this salad.
Expert Tips
- Pre-cut cauliflower and broccoli: You can buy pre-cut broccoli and cauliflower florets. However, go through them and make sure they are all similar, small, bite sized pieces.
- Make-ahead tip: If you make this the night before mix everything but the dressing. Add the dressing 2 hours before serving.
- Storage tip: This salad keeps well in the fridge in an airtight container for 3 days. Add a bit more dressing if needed!
More Crowd-Pleasing Salad Ideas
Did you try this recipe?
Let us know your thoughts on this broccoli and cauliflower salad by leaving a star rating below or sharing it on Instagram!
Thank you! ~ Casey
Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad with Bacon
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped about 3-4 cups
- 1 head broccoli, chopped about 3-4 cups
- 8-12 slices of bacon, chopped into small pieces
- 1 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- 3/4 cup sunflower seeds I like the salted ones
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely, diced
- 1 cup poppyseed dressing store-bought or homemade poppy seed dressing
Instructions
- Cook bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, add bacon pieces. Cook, stirring often, for about 8-10 minutes or until crisp. With a slotted spoon, transfer bacon pieces to a paper towel-lined plate; set aside to cool.
- Assemble: Add all the ingredients to a bowl, including cooled bacon. Mix until combined. The salad can be served immediately but is best served chilled for up to 2 hours.
This salad is always a hit at potlucks! Enjoy! XO ~ Casey