Cauliflower Broccoli Salad

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This refreshing caulifower-broccoli Salad combines a medley of fresh vegetables, including cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, red cabbage, celery, and fennel, all brought together in a harmonious blend of colors and textures. Topped with slivered almonds, toasted pumpkin seeds, and a burst of fresh herbs, this salad is a true celebration of nature’s bounty. The zesty garlic-lemon dressing adds a tangy twist, making each bite a burst of deliciousness

I have recently prioritized a healthy diet by incorporating more fresh vegetables. My go-to salad is a broccoli-cauliflower mix packed with essential vitamins and nutrients. Additionally, it is gluten-free, crunchy, and has a delicious flavor. This salad gives me a much-needed energy boost and makes me feel healthy. I highly recommend trying this recipe, particularly if you want to add a nutritious and exciting dish to your meal rotation. For a satisfying meal, pair it with a simple oven-roasted chicken breast. Or a simple, easy rosemary garlic lamb chop.

What are the health benefits of cauliflower broccoli salad?

It isn’t easy to name every health benefit of this salad because each ingredient is packed with valuable vitamins, nutrients, and minerals. Let’s start by looking at cauliflower, a superfood high in fiber, vitamin B, and antioxidants. Broccoli, too, is a superfood and offers vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants. Both of these veggies can prevent certain kinds of cancers.

Pumpkin and fennel seeds have also been known to fight against cancer. Almonds work to lower blood sugar and blood pressure. If you take anything away from this, it should be that cauliflower broccoli salad has the power to leave you feeling energized, vibrant, and vital! I could continue to go on about the unique health properties of each ingredient, but that would take days. 

What dressing should I use for cauliflower broccoli salad?

Simplicity can be key when dressing for your Cauliflower Broccoli Salad. A classic and straightforward dressing option combines extra virgin cold-pressed olive oil, citrus juice (such as lime, lemon, or orange), minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This light and refreshing dressing enhance the vegetables’ natural flavors without overpowering them.

However, if you want to explore flavor profiles, numerous dressing options pair wonderfully with this salad. Try a creamy Greek goddess dressing, a classic vinaigrette with olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and herbs. For a touch of exotic flair, consider an infused dressing with lemongrass, adding a fragrant and citrusy note to the dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the dressing that suits your taste preferences while keeping the focus on enhancing the fresh and crisp qualities of the vegetables.

How do I clean cauliflower and broccoli?

Remove any outer leaves. Soak the cauliflower and broccoli in salt or vinegar water for about thirty minutes. This will remove any dirt or unwanted pests and impurities from the vegetables, leaving them pure and clean. Next, rinse them well, and add them to your salad.

Before you dive into preparing this delicious Cauliflower Broccoli Salad, we have some helpful tips and suggestions! For more insights on ingredient variations, dressing ideas, and additional ways to elevate the flavors of this salad, be sure to check out the “Tips” section just below the recipe card.

Ingredient List

Preparation

1.
Prepare the vegetables: Using a food processor or by hand, chop the cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, red cabbage, celery, and fennel into small, bite-sized pieces.
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2.
Combine in a large bowl: Transfer the chopped vegetables into a large bowl. Add the slivered almonds, toasted pumpkin seeds, and a generous amount of fresh herbs such as parsley, mint, dill, and cilantro.
Mark as complete
3.
Enhance the flavors: Mince a garlic clove and add it to the bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the salad and squeeze the juice of two tablespoons of lemon. Grate the zest of one lemon directly into the mixture. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
Toss and mix: Use salad tongs or clean hands to toss and mix all the ingredients together, ensuring they are well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.
Serve and enjoy
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Ingredients:

Adjust Servings
¼ head cauliflower (8 oz)
1 large head broccoli (5 oz)
2 carrots
¼ head red cabbage (7 oz)
4 celery stalks
½ fennel
¼ cup toasted almond slivered (1 oz)
¼ cup toasted pumpkin seeds (.5 oz)
½ cup fresh herbs like parsley, mint, dill, cilantro
1 garlic clove
2 tablespoons olive oil
Zest from one lemon plus two tablespoons of lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

1
Prepare the vegetables: Using a food processor or by hand, chop the cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, red cabbage, celery, and fennel into small, bite-sized pieces.
2
Combine in a large bowl: Transfer the chopped vegetables into a large bowl. Add the slivered almonds, toasted pumpkin seeds, and a generous amount of fresh herbs such as parsley, mint, dill, and cilantro.
3
Enhance the flavors: Mince a garlic clove and add it to the bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the salad and squeeze the juice of two tablespoons of lemon. Grate the zest of one lemon directly into the mixture. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Toss and mix: Use salad tongs or clean hands to toss and mix all the ingredients together, ensuring they are well combined and evenly coated with the dressing. Serve and enjoy

Recipe Tips & Suggestions

Freshness is key:

To ensure the best flavor and texture, use fresh vegetables for this salad. Look for firm cauliflower and broccoli heads, vibrant carrots, and crisp celery and fennel.

Customize the crunch:

If you prefer a more tender texture, blanch the cauliflower and broccoli florets in boiling water for a couple of minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This will slightly soften the vegetables while still retaining their crispness.

Get creative with herbs:

Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of fresh herbs. Try parsley, mint, dill, cilantro, or a mix of your favorites to add a burst of freshness and aroma to the salad.

Toasted nuts and seeds:

Toasting slivered almonds and pumpkin seeds before adding them to the salad enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Place them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and become fragrant.

Dressing ahead of time:

You can prepare the dressing in advance and refrigerate it. Allow it to come to room temperature before tossing it with the salad to ensure the flavors are well distributed.

Make it a complete meal:

To turn this salad into a heartier meal, consider adding some protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas. This will provide a satisfying boost of protein and make it a more substantial dish.

Storage and freshness:

This salad is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Remember that the vegetables may lose some of their crispness over time.

Nutrition Information

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.

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