If you’re looking for a vibrant, crunchy, and irresistibly flavorful side, the Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Bacon and Lemon-Thyme Dressing Recipe is absolutely the one to try. This salad brings together the crisp freshness of broccoli and cauliflower with the smoky goodness of bacon, all tied together by a bright, zesty lemon-thyme dressing that elevates every bite. It’s a perfect dish that’s easy to whip up, bursting with textures and colors, and guaranteed to be a standout at any meal or gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity and the freshness of each ingredient. Each component plays a vital role: the broccoli and cauliflower provide crunch and wholesomeness, the red bell pepper adds a pop of color and sweetness, bacon contributes a smoky saltiness, and the lemon-thyme dressing brings a fresh, aromatic tang that ties everything perfectly together.
- Broccoli florets (2 ½ cups): Choose firm, fresh florets for the best crunch and green color.
- Cauliflower florets (2 ½ cups): Fresh cauliflower adds a mild, nutty flavor with a lovely pale contrast.
- Red bell pepper (1 cup, coarsely chopped): This adds a sweet, juicy crunch and a splash of vibrant red.
- Cooked bacon bits (â…“ cup): Crisp bacon bits inject a fantastic savory, smoky element.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): Acts as a creamy base for the dressing, balancing acidity and richness.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds smoothness and a fruity undertone to the dressing.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the dressing with its sharp citrus zing.
- Fresh thyme leaves (1 tablespoon): Provides an earthy, fragrant herbal note that complements lemon beautifully.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): A subtle savory depth without overpowering the salad.
- Sea salt (¼ teaspoon, plus more to taste): Enhances all flavors and balances the dressing.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat and complexity to the dressing.
How to Make Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Bacon and Lemon-Thyme Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Salad Ingredients
Start by gathering your broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, coarsely chopped red bell pepper, and cooked bacon bits in a large bowl. Mixing these fresh ingredients together creates a colorful base packed with diverse textures, from crunchy to crispy, which makes each forkful exciting.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon-Thyme Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, fresh thyme leaves, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and creamy. This dressing is the magic ingredient that brings a bright, fresh, and herby flavor to the salad, perfectly balancing the salty bacon and crunchy veggies.
Step 3: Dress and Toss the Salad
Pour the dressing over the bowl containing the broccoli, cauliflower, bell pepper, and bacon. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure each bite is coated with that luscious, tangy dressing. You can serve the salad right away for maximum crunch or chill it for a few hours to let the flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Bacon and Lemon-Thyme Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
For a pop of texture and color, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the top just before serving. You can also add toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds to add an unexpected nutty crunch that complements the salad’s flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of main dishes. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a light, healthy meal. It also shines as a vibrant side for barbecues, picnics, or potlucks, balancing grilled meats and rich fare with fresh brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to elevate your presentation, try serving the salad in hollowed-out bell pepper halves or in crisp lettuce cups for handheld bites. Layer it over a bed of mixed greens for a beautiful, composed salad plate. Its colorful ingredients make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Bacon and Lemon-Thyme Dressing Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors tend to deepen as it rests, but keep in mind the vegetables may soften slightly over time.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the fresh vegetables will lose their crisp texture and become mushy once thawed. The bacon bits and dressing components also won’t reheat well after freezing.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you want to warm it slightly, remove the dressing before heating and add it back once the salad cools. However, the classic crunch and refreshing zest really stand out in its chilled form.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked frozen broccoli and cauliflower for this salad?
While fresh florets provide the best crunch and texture, you can use frozen broccoli and cauliflower if you thaw them thoroughly and remove any excess water. Just be aware that thawed frozen veggies might be a bit softer than fresh ones.
Is there a dairy-free way to make the dressing?
Absolutely! Replace mayonnaise with a dairy-free mayo alternative or a creamy avocado base, and opt for olive oil and lemon juice as the other dressing components. This keeps the tang and richness without dairy.
Can I add other veggies to this salad?
Definitely! Thinly sliced celery, shredded carrots, or even cherry tomatoes can add more layers of flavor and color. Just ensure the additional veggies complement the existing crunch and flavors.
How long can the salad sit before serving?
For the best texture, dress the salad just before serving. However, if prepared ahead, you can toss the ingredients without the dressing, store separately, and mix right before eating.
What type of bacon works best for this salad?
Thick-cut bacon cooked until crispy adds the best smoky crunch, but any cooked bacon you prefer can work. Feel free to experiment with different types like turkey bacon or pancetta for a twist.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Bacon and Lemon-Thyme Dressing Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to sides whenever I want something fresh, flavorful, and fuss-free. It’s genuinely the kind of salad that feels both wholesome and celebratory, perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying as a bright addition to any meal. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special.
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Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Bacon and Lemon-Thyme Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is a quick and refreshing dish combining fresh broccoli and cauliflower florets with crunchy red bell pepper and smoky bacon bits. Tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh thyme, this salad is perfect for a light lunch, a side dish, or a healthy potluck addition. Ready in just 10 minutes, it offers a delightful crunch and vibrant flavors that meld beautifully when chilled.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 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)
Other Salad Ingredients
- â…“ cup cooked bacon bits
Dressing
- 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, ensuring all the components are evenly mixed.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh thyme leaves, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. Adjust seasoning by adding more salt if needed.
- Dress and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat all the ingredients evenly. Serve immediately for best freshness, or chill the salad for a few hours to let the flavors meld and deepen before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or replace with a plant-based bacon alternative.
- Chilling the salad for at least 1-2 hours enhances the flavor blending.
- Fresh thyme can be substituted with dried thyme at 1 teaspoon, but fresh is preferred for more vibrant taste.
- Add nuts or seeds like sunflower seeds for extra crunch if desired.
- This salad is best served cold and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
