Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a Salad Recipe that’s a total game-changer. This Broccoli Cauliflower Corn Bacon Salad isn’t just any salad; it’s the kind that disappears in minutes at potlucks and family gatherings. Think of it as the cooler, more delicious cousin of potato salad – it’s got that same satisfying creaminess and hearty texture, but with a burst of fresh veggies and, let’s be real, BACON! I swear, even the pickiest eaters in my family gobble this one up. This salad has become a staple at our summer barbecues, and I just know it will be yours too!
What is Broccoli Cauliflower Bacon Salad?
Broccoli Cauliflower Corn Bacon Salad is essentially a celebration of all things delicious and slightly crunchy, tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s a vibrant mix of, you guessed it, broccoli, cauliflower, and sweet corn, brought to life with crispy bacon and a touch of red onion for that little bit of zing. The whole thing is coated in a creamy dressing, usually made with mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek Yogurt, my personal preference!), and a little bit of sweetener. I think of it as a supercharged veggie side dish that even bacon lovers will adore.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons to fall head-over-heels for this Broccoli Cauliflower Corn Bacon Salad, but let me highlight a few of my favorites. First, the flavor is just *chef’s kiss*. You’ve got the earthy broccoli and cauliflower, the sweetness of the corn, the saltiness of the bacon, and the tangy creaminess of the dressing all playing together in perfect harmony. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite!
Second, it’s SO easy to make. Seriously, this is one of those recipes where you can throw everything together in a bowl, and you’re done. Perfect for those busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. No fancy cooking skills required, I promise!
Third, it’s surprisingly cost-effective. Broccoli, cauliflower, and corn are usually pretty budget-friendly, especially when they’re in season. And a little bacon goes a long way in adding flavor. Plus, you can easily customize the ingredients to fit your budget and preferences.
What I love most about this salad is its versatility. You can serve it as a side dish at a barbecue, bring it to a potluck, or even enjoy it as a light lunch. It pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, burgers, or even just a simple sandwich. This recipe reminds me a lot of another family favorite, coleslaw, but with a little extra something special. It’s the kind of recipe that everyone always asks for, and I’m always happy to share it!
How do I make Broccoli Cauliflower Corn Salad?
Quick Overview
Making this Broccoli Cauliflower Corn Bacon Salad is as easy as 1-2-3! You’ll start by prepping your veggies, cooking your bacon until it’s crispy perfection, and then whipping up a quick and easy dressing. Toss everything together, chill for a bit to let the flavors meld, and boom – you’ve got a crowd-pleasing salad that’s sure to impress. The beauty of this method is that it requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Seriously, it’s almost foolproof!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 cup frozen corn, thawed (or fresh corn kernels)
• 8 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled. • 4 slices ham, sliced and served.
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
For the Dressing: For The Dress
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar (or honey, or maple syrup)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prep the Broccoli and Cauliflower
Start by washing your broccoli and cauliflower thoroughly. Then, cut them into bite-sized florets. I like to make sure the florets are relatively uniform in size so that they cook evenly and are easy to eat. If you’re short on time, you can even buy pre-cut broccoli and cauliflower florets at the store. I’ve done this many times and it saves a lot of time, especially when you need to prep for a larger party.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy and golden brown. Once it’s cooked, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess grease. Then, crumble it into small pieces. I find that using thick-cut bacon gives the best results, as it adds a nice hearty flavor to the salad. Plus, who doesn’t love crispy bacon?!
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), apple cider vinegar, sugar (or honey/maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you prefer a tangier dressing, add a little more apple cider vinegar. If you like it sweeter, add a little more sugar. Sometimes I like to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick!
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, thawed corn, crumbled bacon, and finely chopped red onion. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Be careful not to overmix, as you don’t want to crush the broccoli and cauliflower. You want to keep all those crispy bits!
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect balance of flavors. Before serving, give it another gentle toss and adjust the seasonings if needed. Serve cold and enjoy! The longer it sits, the better it tastes. Seriously, try to make this salad a few hours ahead of time. It’s so worth it!
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best salads to serve with Broccoli and Cauliflower? What are some of my favorite serving suggestions?
For a Barbecue:Serve it alongside grilled burgers, hot dogs, chicken, or ribs. Is it the perfect complement to grilled meats?
For a Potluck: Bring it to your next potluck or picnic. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and is sure to disappear quickly.
For a light lunch:What is a good lunch for chilly days? Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein to make it a bit more hearty.
What is a side dish?What are some great Side Dishes to serve on a weeknight? What are some good recipes to serve with everything from baked chicken to salmon?
Growing up, we always had this salad with some sort of barbecued meat. My dad was the grill master, and this salad was my mom’s contribution. What is the perfect summer meal? Now, I make it for my own family, and it brings back all those warm, happy memories. What makes a salad so nostalgic?
How do I prepare a Broccoli Cauliflower Corn Bacon Salad?
What are some of the best ways to make Broccoli Cauliflower? Corn Bacon Salad. What are my top secrets?
What is the best way to blanch broccoli and cauliflower?For a slightly softer texture and brighter color, blanch the broccoli and cauliflower florets in boiling water. Is it necessary to boil water for 2-3 minutes before adding them to salad? How do I get rid of bitterness?
How do I use fresh corn? If corn is in season, definitely use fresh corn kernels instead of frozen. The flavor is so much sweeter and more vibrant.
Crispy Bacon is Key: Don’t skimp on the bacon! Make sure it’s cooked until it’s nice and crispy, as this adds a wonderful crunch and salty flavor to the salad.
Don’t Overdress: Be careful not to overdress the salad, as it can become soggy. Start with a smaller amount of dressing and add more as needed. You want the salad to be nicely coated, but not swimming in dressing.
Let it Chill: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or even longer) before serving is essential for allowing the flavors to meld together. I usually try to make it the day before so that it’s ready to go. Trust me, it’s so worth it!
Ingredient Swaps: If you’re not a fan of red onion, you can substitute green onions or chives. For a bit of sweetness, try adding some dried cranberries or raisins. And if you want to add some extra crunch, try adding some chopped walnuts or pecans. I’ve tested so many swaps and it always turns out great!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Broccoli Cauliflower Corn Bacon Salad is best served cold, so you won’t need to reheat it. However, proper storage is essential for maintaining its freshness and flavor. Here are my top storage tips:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will actually meld together even more over time, making it even more delicious!
Room Temperature: Don’t leave the salad at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as this can cause it to spoil. Especially if you’re at a hot outdoor event, keep it chilled as much as possible.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the texture of the broccoli, cauliflower, and dressing can change when thawed. However, if you must freeze it, be sure to use a freezer-safe container and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. But honestly, it’s so easy to make fresh that I’d just advise making it when you need it.
Glaze Timing Advice: Since there’s no glaze, this isn’t an issue, yay!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, my friends! My go-to recipe for Broccoli Cauliflower Corn Bacon Salad that I know you will just adore. It’s easy, delicious, and always a hit, I promise. Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue, bringing it to a potluck, or just enjoying it as a light lunch, this salad is sure to impress. And if you love this recipe, be sure to check out some of my other salad recipes, like my classic coleslaw or my creamy cucumber salad. Let me know in the comments how yours turns out! I can’t wait to hear from you.
Broccoli Cauliflower Corn Bacon Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 head Broccoli
- 1 head Cauliflower
- 1 cup Corn Frozen or fresh
- 4 slices Bacon Cooked and crumbled
- 0.5 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Vinegar
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cut broccoli and cauliflower into florets. Steam or boil until tender-crisp.
- Cook bacon until crisp, crumble and set aside.
- Combine broccoli, cauliflower, corn, bacon, mayonnaise, and vinegar in a large bowl. Toss to combine.
- Serve chilled.
