Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is a crunchy and creamy recipe, which is made with crispy bacon and salty sunflower seeds. It’s the perfect side dish for a potluck or barbecue, ready in about 30 minutes, plus chilling time.
Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe Ingredients
- 12 slices bacon
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped
- 1 head fresh broccoli, diced
- ¾ cup sunflower seeds
- ½ red onion, diced
- 1 cup creamy salad dressing
- 1 ½ tablespoons white wine vinegar
- ¼ cup white sugar
How To Make Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe
- Cook the Bacon: Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned and crisp, about 10 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble into pieces.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the crumbled bacon, chopped cauliflower, diced broccoli, sunflower seeds, and diced red onion.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a separate small bowl or jug, whisk together the creamy salad dressing, white sugar, and white wine vinegar until the sugar is dissolved and the dressing is smooth.
- Toss and Chill: Pour the dressing over the cauliflower mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Recipe Tips
- How to get the best crunch? For the ultimate crunchy texture, use very fresh broccoli and cauliflower. You can also wait to add the sunflower seeds and crumbled bacon until just before serving to ensure they stay as crisp as possible.
- Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, this salad is great for making ahead. You can combine all the chopped vegetables and store them in an airtight container. Prepare the dressing and store it separately. When you’re ready to serve, toss everything together.
- What can I substitute for sunflower seeds? The recipe notes suggest using pecans, which is a great option. Toasted sliced almonds or pumpkin seeds (pepitas) would also be delicious alternatives.
- Is there a way to lighten up the dressing? To make a lighter version, you can substitute half of the creamy salad dressing with plain Greek yogurt. This will add a nice tang and reduce the fat and calorie content.
What To Serve With This Salad
This versatile and crowd-pleasing salad is a perfect side dish for many main courses.
- Grilled Chicken or Steak
- BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- Hamburgers and Hot Dogs
- Fried Chicken
- Pork Chops
How To Store Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will keep for up to 3 days, although the bacon and sunflower seeds may soften over time.
Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Sugar: 16g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Do I have to cook the broccoli or cauliflower first?
No, this is a raw salad. The broccoli and cauliflower should be fresh and uncooked to provide the signature crunch.
What kind of u0022creamy salad dressingu0022 should I use?
A classic creamy dressing like Miracle Whip or a similar tangy, slightly sweet dressing is traditionally used. You can also use a good quality mayonnaise.
Can I add cheese to this salad?
Yes, adding about a cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese is a very popular and delicious variation that complements the other flavors perfectly.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Southern Potato Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Turkey Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Taco Salad with Doritos Recipe
Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe
Description
A classic potluck salad featuring crunchy raw broccoli and cauliflower, crispy bacon, and sunflower seeds in a sweet and tangy cream dressing.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crisp; drain and crumble.
- In a large bowl, combine cauliflower, broccoli, sunflower seeds, red onion, and crumbled bacon.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the creamy dressing, sugar, and vinegar until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- u003cliu003eFor the best texture, chop the broccoli and cauliflower into small, bite-sized florets.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eTo save time, you can buy pre-chopped broccoli and cauliflower florets from the grocery store.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThe salad’s flavor improves as it chills, so making it an hour or two ahead is ideal.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor a different flavor profile, try substituting toasted pecans for the sunflower seeds.u003c/liu003e
