Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad Recipe

During these busy school year days, it’s easy to skip the vegetables and grab food that’s quick, or sugary, to give us the boost we need. Yet, we should remember that regular healthy doses of nutrition are vital to keeping us strong and able to keep going. Oh, broccoli! Kids either love it or hate it, but the little unsung fact is: they need it. I can see why these “mini-trees” are not all that attractive to kids.

However, it helps prevent illnesses that we don’t want slowing us down. I found that by making it a regular appearance on the dinner table, there is little option of what to fill their tummy with that evening. During weekdays (loaded with homework), there is also little time to debate it. Therefore, before too long, an acquired taste develops and kids start to enjoy it.

This salad is one that’s so easy to prepare but tastes flavorful, refreshing and satisfying. One noteworthy tip is to soak the broccoli in freshly-squeezed lemon juice for extra flavor and crispness. It will also keep broccoli from losing that bright green fresh color. Bacon and freshly grated cheese give the additional boost…

… in taste that kids love.

The salad goes really well with many main courses but especially pasta courses, like the Easy Cheesy Marinara Pasta. Also, it can be chopped and prepped ahead of time, then just add dressing right before serving. It’s also nice that the leftovers do not water. Refrigerate it and it can be used the next day for lunch box. Health benefits and taste go together nicely!

Ingredients:

1 – large head of broccoli
1 – large head of cauliflower
6 – slices of cooked bacon (see How to Make Perfect, Quick and Easy Oven Broiled Bacon post)
1 – Meyers sweet lemon (or use 1 small regular lemon)

4 oz. (113 g) – medium cheddar cheese grated
½ cup (116 g) – mayonnaise (I used Homemade Mayonnaise)
½ cup (116 g) – Greek yogurt plain
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the bacon and set aside to cool. Wash all vegetables and sweet Meyer’s lemon. Cut broccoli florets into bite size pieces. Squeeze entire sweet lemon juice over the broccoli florets (see instructions HERE), and set aside to let it absorb.

In the meanwhile, cut cauliflower in the same way as broccoli and place into a different (large salad) bowl. Cube bacon into tiny pieces and add to cauliflower. Grate and add cheddar cheese, then lemon-soaked broccoli.

Don’t dump it all in. Rather, transfer it over with handfuls, letting the excess juice drain. Discard remaining juice, do not add to the salad or it will turn out too sour. Add and mix in mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

5 from 2 votes

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Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad Recipe

This salad is one that's so easy to prepare but tastes flavorful, refreshing and satisfying. One contributing tip is to soak the broccoli in freshly-squeezed lemon juice for extra flavor and crispness. It will also keep broccoli from losing that fresh bright green color. Bacon and freshly grated cheese give the additional boost in taste that kids love. This salad goes really well with most main courses but especially pasta dishes, such as the Easy Cheesy Marinated Pasta. It may be chopped and prepped ahead of time, then just add dressing immediately before serving.

Course: Salad

Servings: 12

Author: Valya at Valya's Taste of Home

Ingredients

• 1 – large head of broccoli
• 1 – large head of cauliflower
• 6 – slices of cooked bacon see How to Make Perfect, Quick and Easy Oven Broiled Bacon post
• 1 – Meyers sweet lemon or use 1 small regular lemon
• 4 oz. 113 g – medium cheddar cheese grated
• ½ cup 116 g – mayonnaise (I used Homemade Mayonnaise)
• ½ cup 116 g – Greek yogurt plain
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the bacon and set aside to cool. Wash all vegetables and sweet Meyer’s lemon. Cut broccoli florets into bite size pieces. Squeeze entire sweet lemon juice over the broccoli florets (see instructions HERE), and set aside to let it absorb. In the meanwhile, cut cauliflower in the same way as broccoli and place into a different (large salad) bowl. Cube bacon into tiny pieces and add to cauliflower. Grate and add cheddar cheese, then lemon-soaked broccoli. Don’t dump it all in. Rather, transfer it over with handfuls, letting the excess juice drain. Discard remaining juice, do not add to the salad or it will turn out too sour. Add and mix in mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

If you make this Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad Recipe please share a picture with me on Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest. Tag with #valyastasteofhome. I’d love to see your creations! 🙂

Looking for more delicious salad recipes? Here are some to choose from:
PURPLE CABBAGE TOMATO SALAD
RADISH AND CHIVES SALAD WITH GREEK YOGURT DRESSING
TOSSED CUCUMBER SALAD RECIPE
CRAB SALAD RECIPE
PEAR, POMEGRANATE, MANDARIN WINTER SALAD WITH HOMEMADE RANCH DRESSING

Kitchen items I used in making this recipe:
(If you need any of these items, simply press on the picture to order)

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