Description
This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is a fresh, crunchy, and flavorful side dish combining crisp broccoli and cauliflower florets, sweet red bell pepper, and savory bacon bits. Tossed in a creamy, herb-infused dressing made from mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh thyme, this salad is perfect for quick meals or gatherings, served immediately or chilled to meld the flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Bacon
- 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)
- 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 the ingredients are well mixed for balanced flavor and texture.
- 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 well combined. Adjust salt to taste to enhance flavor.
- Dress and Serve: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to evenly coat all the vegetables and bacon bits. Serve the salad immediately for maximum crispness, or chill it in the refrigerator for a few hours to let the flavors meld beautifully.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon bits or substitute with smoked tempeh.
- Chilling the salad for at least 1 hour improves flavor absorption and texture.
- Use fresh thyme leaves for best herbal flavor, but dried thyme can be substituted in smaller quantity.
- Adjust garlic powder and lemon juice to taste depending on your preference for tanginess and garlic intensity.
