Description

A fresh and crunchy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad featuring crisp broccoli and cauliflower florets, sweet red bell pepper, and smoky bacon bits, all tossed in a creamy, tangy herb dressing. Perfect as a quick side dish or light lunch, this salad combines vibrant flavors and textures for a delightful and healthy option that can be served immediately or chilled to enhance its taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

2 ½ cups broccoli florets (about 6.5 oz)
2 ½ cups cauliflower florets (about 10.5 oz)
1 cup red bell pepper, coarsely chopped (about 1 large pepper)
⅓ cup cooked bacon bits

Dressing Ingredients

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon sea salt (plus more to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, red bell pepper pieces, and cooked bacon bits. Mix gently to evenly distribute all the salad components.
Make Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh thyme leaves, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth. Taste and adjust the salt as needed to balance the flavors.
Dress and Serve: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all the ingredients evenly. Serve the salad immediately for a crisp texture or chill in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Notes

For extra crunch and flavor, you can add toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts.
To make this salad vegetarian, omit the bacon bits or substitute with smoked tempeh or coconut bacon.
Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor melding.
Use fresh thyme for the best herbal note; dried thyme can be used but at a reduced quantity (about 1 teaspoon).
Adjust the lemon juice and seasoning according to your taste preference.