Description

Broccoli Cauliflower Cranberry Salad with Bacon is a vibrant, crunchy salad packed with fresh broccoli and cauliflower florets, sweet dried cranberries, salty bacon, roasted pecans, and red onion. Everything is tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, sugar, and red wine vinegar. This salad is perfect for gatherings, picnics, or as a hearty side dish, offering a delicious mix of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
4 cups cauliflower florets, chopped small
8 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
1/2 cup roasted pecans, chopped
3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook bacon until crispy, then drain and crumble. Set aside to cool.
Chop broccoli and cauliflower into small, bite-sized pieces.
In a large bowl, combine broccoli, cauliflower, cranberries, red onion, and pecans.
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat everything evenly.
Gently fold in the crumbled bacon.
Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld.

Notes

For a lighter salad, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. Swap roasted pecans for walnuts or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. Turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon are great for a lower-fat or plant-based version. The salad can be made a day ahead and keeps best in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad appears watery over time, give it a quick toss. To avoid soggy bacon, add it just before serving. For extra crunch, add fresh apples or celery.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Chilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 290
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 410mg
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 23mg