Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Bacon and Lemon-Herb Dressing Recipe
If you’re craving a salad that bursts with fresh crunch, vibrant color, and a tangy, smoky kick, then look no further than this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Bacon and Lemon-Herb Dressing Recipe. This dish brings together crisp broccoli and cauliflower florets, sweet red bell pepper, savory bacon bits, and a luscious lemon-herb dressing that ties it all together in the most irresistible way. Perfect for a quick lunch, a potluck favorite, or a side dish that will brighten any meal, this salad manages to be both satisfying and light—truly a crowd-pleaser that you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Bacon and Lemon-Herb Dressing Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Each one plays its own role, from adding crunch and color to delivering flavors that perfectly balance one another.
- Broccoli florets (2 ½ cups): Provides a fresh, crisp base loaded with nutrients and a beautiful green color.
- Cauliflower florets (2 ½ cups): Adds a delicate texture and mild flavor that pairs perfectly with the broccoli.
- Red bell pepper (1 cup, coarsely chopped): Brings a sweet, juicy crunch and a pop of vibrant red for visual appeal.
- Cooked bacon bits (⅓ cup): Gives the salad a smoky, savory punch that makes every bite exciting.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): The creamy base for the dressing that adds richness and helps coat all ingredients evenly.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a silky texture and enhances the flavors of the lemon and herbs.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Infuses bright acidity that balances the richness of the bacon and mayo.
- Fresh thyme leaves (1 tablespoon): Contributes earthy, aromatic notes that take the dressing to the next level.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Offers a subtle depth of flavor without overpowering the fresh veggies.
- Sea salt (¼ teaspoon plus more to taste): Enhances all the other ingredients and brings everything together.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds just a hint of mild heat for balance.
How to Make Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Bacon and Lemon-Herb Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Combine Salad Ingredients
Start by gathering fresh broccoli and cauliflower florets, chop a red bell pepper, and toss them all into a large mixing bowl along with the cooked bacon bits. This combination forms a beautiful medley of textures and colors that set the stage for an incredible salad. Tossing them together helps give the salad body and a variety of bite-sized delights.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh thyme leaves, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. This lemon-herb dressing is the secret star of the dish—it’s creamy, tangy, and packed with herbaceous brightness that will elevate every forkful of salad.
Step 3: Dress and Serve
Pour the luscious dressing over the mixed vegetables and bacon. Toss everything thoroughly but gently to ensure every piece gets coated in that flavorful dressing. You can serve this salad immediately to enjoy its fresh, crisp character, or chill it for a couple of hours to let the flavors meld and deepen—either way, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Bacon and Lemon-Herb Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra touch of flair and flavor, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives on top before serving. A few extra bacon bits sprinkled over the salad don’t hurt either—this little garnish adds crunch and invites everyone to dig in with even more enthusiasm.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted pork, or even a hearty quiche for a balanced meal. Its refreshing crispness and herbaceous zing make it an excellent companion to richer, savory mains, brightening up any dinner table with its vibrant personality.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Bacon and Lemon-Herb Dressing Recipe in individual mason jars for picnics or gatherings, making it easy to grab and enjoy on the go. Alternatively, layering the salad in a clear glass bowl shows off the colorful veggies and bacon to delicious effect—always a conversation starter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. It’s best enjoyed fresh because the vegetables will retain their crunch and the dressing won’t cause them to get soggy quickly.
Freezing
This salad isn’t suitable for freezing due to the fresh veggies and creamy dressing which can separate and turn watery when thawed. It’s best to prepare fresh or plan for leftovers to be eaten within a couple of days.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you want to take the edge off chilliness, simply let it sit out for 15 minutes before serving again to enjoy the flavors without losing the crisp texture.
FAQs
Can I make the Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Bacon and Lemon-Herb Dressing Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the salad ingredients and dressing separately a few hours in advance and combine them just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.
Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian-friendly?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon or substitute with crispy smoked mushrooms or tempeh bacon to keep that savory flavor without meat.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise in the dressing?
You can swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or a plant-based mayo to lighten the dressing while maintaining creaminess and tang.
Can this salad be doubled for a larger crowd?
Definitely. The ingredients scale well, and making more ensures everyone at your gathering can enjoy this delightful Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Bacon and Lemon-Herb Dressing Recipe!
How do I keep the salad from becoming soggy?
To avoid sogginess, keep the dressing separate until just before serving or toss the salad gently and store it in airtight containers in the fridge for short periods only.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Bacon and Lemon-Herb Dressing Recipe is a true gem in the world of salads. It’s simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and an exciting way to bring everyday veggies to life. Whether you’re serving it at a casual lunch or a festive gathering, it promises to brighten your meal and warm your heart. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite on your recipe roster!
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Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Bacon and Lemon-Herb Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A fresh and crunchy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad featuring vibrant broccoli and cauliflower florets, sweet red bell pepper, and smoky bacon bits, all tossed in a tangy mayonnaise-based dressing infused with lemon juice and fresh thyme. This quick and easy salad is perfect as a side dish or a light meal, ready in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups broccoli florets (about 6.5 oz)
- 2 ½ cups cauliflower florets (about 10.5 oz)
- 1 cup red bell pepper, coarsely chopped (about 1 large pepper)
- ⅓ cup cooked bacon bits
Dressing Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt (plus more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, red bell pepper pieces, and cooked bacon bits. Gently mix to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh thyme leaves, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the salt as needed.
- Dress and Serve: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss the salad thoroughly to coat all the vegetables and bacon bits evenly with the dressing. Serve immediately for a fresh, crunchy texture, or chill in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon bits or substitute with smoked tempeh or vegan bacon alternatives.
- Chilling the salad enhances the flavor but serving immediately keeps the vegetables crisp.
- Fresh thyme can be substituted with dried thyme if fresh is unavailable, using about one-third the amount.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste preference, especially salt and lemon juice for balance.
- This salad pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a standalone light meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
