If you’re craving a fresh, crunchy salad that bursts with color and flavor, this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is your new go-to. It combines crisp broccoli and cauliflower florets with the sweet tang of Granny Smith apples and dried cranberries, all brought together by a creamy, honey-lemon dressing with a delightful hint of poppy seeds. This salad is a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it ideal for lunches, potlucks, or side dishes that impress without fuss.

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may seem simple, but each plays a crucial role in creating a Broccoli Cauliflower Salad that’s both vibrant and delicious. The fresh veggies bring crunch and nutrition, while the add-ins introduce bursts of sweetness, nuttiness, and creaminess that make every bite exciting.

Broccoli: Use a large head, cut into bite-sized florets for a satisfying crunch and a boost of green goodness.

Cauliflower: A medium head cut similarly adds a mild, nutty flavor and creamy texture contrast.
Granny Smith apple: Provides a crisp, tart sweetness that balances the creamy dressing perfectly.

Dried cranberries: Sweet and chewy for a fruity pop amidst the crunch.
Almond slices: Add a delicate nutty flavor and light crunch without overpowering the salad.

Feta cheese: Crumbled, it introduces a tangy, creamy element that complements both vegetables and fruits.
Honey: A natural sweetener that adds depth to the dressing and binds flavors together.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for a bright, zesty kick in the dressing.

Mayonnaise (or a mix with Greek yogurt): Creates the luscious, creamy dressing that coats everything evenly.
Poppy seeds: Tiny bursts of texture and subtle nuttiness to finish off the dressing.

How to Make Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

Step 1: Prep the veggies

Start by cutting the broccoli and cauliflower into small, uniform florets. This ensures that every bite has the perfect mix of crunch and flavor. Place these florets in a large mixing bowl—you will be adding everything else right into this bowl, so make sure it’s big enough to toss comfortably.

Step 2: Chop the apple

Next, chop the Granny Smith apple into bite-sized pieces. This tart and crisp fruit adds a refreshing note that cuts through the creaminess and balances the entire salad. Add the apple chunks directly to your bowl of broccoli and cauliflower.

Step 3: Add the rest of the ingredients

Now it’s time to toss in the dried cranberries, almond slices, and crumbled feta cheese. Each of these ingredients brings a distinct texture and flavor, from chewy sweetness to salty creaminess and nutty crunch. Mixing them now ensures a well-distributed salad base, ready for the dressing.

Step 4: Make the dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lemon juice, mayonnaise (or your mayo-Greek yogurt combo), and poppy seeds until the mixture is smooth and cohesive. This dressing is the magic that ties all the diverse ingredients of the Broccoli Cauliflower Salad together into one harmonious bite.

Step 5: Combine

Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently but thoroughly until every piece is generously coated. Take a moment to taste and adjust with salt if needed—this is your final chance to balance the flavors perfectly.

Step 6: Serve or chill

You can serve the salad immediately for a bright and fresh crunch, or cover it and refrigerate for a few hours to let the flavors meld beautifully. Both options are fantastic depending on your timeline!

How to Serve Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

Garnishes

For an extra touch of elegance and texture, sprinkle a few more almond slices or some extra poppy seeds on top just before serving. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives can also add a burst of green freshness and a mild oniony note that plays wonderfully with the salad’s flavor profile.

Side Dishes

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted meats, or even a hearty grain bowl. Because it’s rich in texture and flavor, it can stand up well to simple sides like quinoa or toasted bread, making your entire meal balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this salad in hollowed-out lettuce cups or colorful bell peppers for a fun appetizer option. Layer it in a glass jar with some extra feta crumbles on top for a stunning picnic or lunchbox presentation that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Broccoli Cauliflower Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days to maintain its crisp vegetables and fresh flavors. The salad may soften slightly over time but will still taste delicious.

Freezing

Because of its fresh vegetables and creamy dressing, this salad is not ideal for freezing. The texture of broccoli, cauliflower, and apples can change significantly when frozen and thawed, so it’s best to prepare it fresh whenever possible.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. There’s no need to reheat; simply take it out of the fridge and allow it to sit for 10 minutes if you want to take the chill off before serving.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples in this salad?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples offer a tart contrast, you can swap in Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter twist. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples will alter the salad’s overall flavor balance slightly.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

Yes! You can leave out the feta cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free cheese alternative. Also, use a vegan mayo or a creamy plant-based yogurt to keep the dressing creamy and delicious without dairy.

How do I prevent the apple pieces from browning?

Toss the chopped apple with a small amount of lemon juice immediately after cutting to slow down oxidation and keep those chunks bright and crisp in the salad.

Can I add other nuts or seeds instead of almonds?

Feel free to experiment with walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds. Each will bring a unique flavor and texture, but almonds are great for their mild crunch and subtle nuttiness.

Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?

Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep if you keep the dressing separate until just before serving. Prepare the vegetables and mix-ins ahead of time, then toss with dressing when you’re ready to enjoy it fresh and crisp.

Final Thoughts

Making this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is like welcoming a fresh burst of flavor and color into your weekly meal routine. Its delightful mix of crunchy veggies, sweet fruit, tangy cheese, and creamy dressing makes it a crowd-pleaser every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how effortlessly it becomes a favorite on your table!

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 12 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 15 minutes

Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This vibrant Broccoli Cauliflower Salad combines fresh, crunchy vegetables with sweet apples, tangy cranberries, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a luscious honey-lemon poppy seed dressing. Perfect for a refreshing side dish or a healthy snack, it balances flavors and textures beautifully, and can be enjoyed immediately or chilled for later.

Instructions

Prep the Veggies: Cut broccoli and cauliflower into small florets and add them to a large mixing bowl.
Chop the Apple: Dice the Granny Smith apple into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl with the broccoli and cauliflower.

Add the Rest of the Ingredients: Incorporate the dried cranberries, almond slices, and crumbled feta cheese into the vegetable and fruit mixture.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lemon juice, mayonnaise (or mixture of mayo and Greek yogurt), and poppy seeds until smooth and well combined.
Combine: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Taste and add a pinch of salt if desired to enhance the flavors.

Serve or Chill: You can serve the salad immediately for a fresh crunch or cover and refrigerate it for an hour or more to let the flavors meld beautifully.

Notes

For a lighter dressing, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 1/2 cup Greek yogurt instead of using all mayonnaise.
The salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated to develop more flavor.

To make it nut-free, omit the almond slices or substitute with pumpkin seeds.
Adjust the amount of honey in the dressing according to your sweetness preference.
Use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for the best taste.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad

Method: No-Cook / Tossed
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup

Calories: 190 kcal
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 220 mg

Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g

Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fiber: 4 g

Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 15 mg

Keywords: Broccoli salad, cauliflower salad, healthy salad, honey lemon dressing, vegetarian side dish, crunchy salad