Description

This Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad is a wonderful mix of crunchy, fresh vegetables paired with crispy bacon and a creamy, tangy dressing that adds just the right amount of indulgence without the guilt. The beauty of this salad lies in its simple, fresh ingredients, from firm broccoli and cauliflower florets to the flavorful punch of red onion. It's the perfect dish for a summer barbecue, potluck, or even as a side dish to a weeknight dinner. With its vibrant colors and mix of textures, this salad is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Ingredients

• For the Salad:
• 4 cups broccoli florets, diced
• 4 cups cauliflower florets, diced
• 8 slices bacon, sautéed until crispy and crumbled
• 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, cubed
• ½ small red onion, finely diced (rinse well to tone down the sharpness)
• For the Dressing:
• ½ cup fat-free Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup light mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Preparation Method

Prepare the crispy bacon
Start by cooking the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy and golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Be sure to turn the bacon occasionally to cook it evenly on both sides. Once done, remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess fat. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside. Remember to save some of the crumbles for a final garnish on the salad.

Mix the dressing
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the fat-free Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, honey, red wine vinegar, granulated sugar, and salt. The combination of yogurt and mayonnaise gives the dressing a creamy texture, while the honey and vinegar provide a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. Keep whisking until the dressing is smooth and well-combined. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge to chill while you prepare the rest of the salad. Letting the dressing chill gives it time to thicken and allows the flavors to meld.

Assemble the salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the diced broccoli and cauliflower florets. These firm, fresh veggies provide the perfect crunch in the salad. Next, add the cubed Colby Jack cheese, which brings a mild, creamy flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. Sprinkle in the diced red onion, making sure to rinse it beforehand to reduce its sharpness and prevent it from overpowering the dish. Lastly, toss in most of the crispy, crumbled bacon, saving a handful for the final garnish.

Drizzle the dressing
Once the dressing has chilled, remove it from the fridge and give it another quick whisk. Pour the creamy dressing over the vegetable mixture in the salad bowl. Use a large spoon or tongs to gently toss the salad, ensuring that every piece of broccoli, cauliflower, and cheese is coated with the dressing. The creamy dressing should lightly cover the veggies without being too heavy, allowing the fresh flavors to shine through.

Garnish and serve
For the finishing touch, sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon crumbles and some extra red onion on top of the salad. This not only adds a bit of visual appeal but also ensures that every bite has a bit of that delightful crunch from the bacon. Serve the salad immediately for the best texture and flavor. If you're preparing it in advance, keep the dressing and salad separate until you're ready to serve to maintain the crispness of the vegetables

Tips and Conclusion

Bonus Tip:

For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a handful of dried cranberries or raisins to the salad. Their natural sweetness complements the tangy dressing and adds a new dimension to the dish. You can also experiment by adding toasted nuts like almonds or pecans for added texture and flavor. These small tweaks can take this already delicious salad to the next level!

Conclusion:

This Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad with Crispy Bacon is a vibrant, fresh, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The crispy vegetables, savory bacon, and creamy dressing come together to create a salad that’s both light and indulgent. The dressing, made with Greek yogurt, adds a creamy richness without the guilt, and the hint of honey gives just the right touch of sweetness. Whether served at a picnic, potluck, or family dinner, this salad is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the balance of flavors and textures in every bite!