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Creamy Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad with Cheddar Cheese, Bacon, Cranberries, Carrots, Red Onions, and homemade salad dressing

Creamy broccoli and cauliflower salad loaded with cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, sweetened dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, diced red onion, and carrots, all tossed in an easy homemade creamy dressing. Perfect crowd-pleasing side dish that’s simple to make and refreshing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups broccoli florets, cut into small bite-sized pieces
  • 4 cups cauliflower florets, cut into small bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup cubed sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
  • ½ cup sweetened dried cranberries
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts
  • ⅓ cup diced red onion
  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon until crispy, then drain on paper towels, crumble, and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, cubed cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, diced red onion, and shredded carrots.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth to make the dressing.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30-60 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Stir before serving.

Notes

For best texture, use bite-sized florets and chill the salad before serving. Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if preferred. Make ahead up to 24 hours and store in the fridge.

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