Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is a vibrant and indulgent dish, bursting with a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. This salad begins with the star ingredients: fresh broccoli and cauliflower. These cruciferous vegetables are cut into bite-sized florets, ensuring a perfect balance of crunch in every mouthful. The broccoli, with its slightly grassy, earthy flavor, complements the milder, nutty notes of the cauliflower.
To add a rich and savory depth, crispy bacon pieces are interspersed throughout the salad. The bacon not only provides a delightful crunch but also infuses the salad with its smoky, meaty flavor. For a touch of sharpness and tang, shredded sharp cheddar cheese is generously sprinkled over the top. This cheese melds beautifully with the vegetables and bacon, adding a creamy texture and a bold taste that excites the palate.
The salad is further enhanced with a medley of diced red onions and cherry tomatoes. The onions, with their pungent and slightly sweet profile, offer a nice contrast to the milder tastes of the broccoli and cauliflower. Cherry tomatoes, ripe and juicy, burst with sweetness and acidity, cutting through the richer flavors and adding a pop of vibrant red color.
To bring all these elements together, a creamy dressing is drizzled over the salad. This dressing is often a blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, or yogurt, seasoned with garlic, a hint of mustard, and a dash of vinegar or lemon juice for acidity. This luscious dressing coats each ingredient, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and adding a luxurious, velvety texture to the dish.
For a final touch, the salad is often garnished with sunflower seeds or slivered almonds, adding an additional layer of crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the overall profile of the salad.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a visual treat. The vibrant greens of the broccoli and cauliflower, the reds of the cherry tomatoes, the creamy hues of the dressing, and the golden brown of the bacon come together in a colorful display that promises a delightful eating experience. This salad can be served as a standalone dish, a hearty side, or a potluck favorite, appealing to both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike with simple modifications. Its versatility and robust flavor profile make it a popular choice for gatherings, family dinners, or as a nutritious and satisfying meal on its own.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoons Swerve, or other sweetener
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 cups raw broccoli
- 3 cups raw cauliflower
- ½ red onion, chopped
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 oz bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup raw pecan pieces
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a bowl add the mayonnaise, Swerve and apple cider vinegar. Whisk to combine.
- In a large bowl add the dressing and all the other ingredients and mix well.
- Refrigerate until ready to use.
