A hearty, creamy, and colorful salad packed with fresh broccoli, cauliflower, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, quinoa, and a tangy homemade dressing. This crowd-pleasing salad is perfect for BBQs, potlucks, meal prep, and holiday gatherings.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes (for bacon and quinoa)
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8–10

Ingredients

For the Salad

4 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 cups cauliflower florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups cooked quinoa, cooled
1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
10 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
½ cup red onion, finely diced
½ cup dried cranberries (optional)
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped chives (optional)

Creamy Dressing

¾ cup mayonnaise
½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Once cooled, crumble into small pieces.

Step 2: Cook the Quinoa

Rinse ⅔ cup uncooked quinoa.
Combine with 1⅓ cups water in a saucepan.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes.
Fluff with a fork and cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

Mayonnaise
Greek yogurt
Apple cider vinegar
Dijon mustard
Honey (if using)
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt
Black pepper

Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine:

Broccoli
Cauliflower
Cooked quinoa
Cheddar cheese
Red onion
Dried cranberries (if using)
Parsley
Half of the bacon

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.

Step 5: Chill

Cover and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Step 6: Garnish

Just before serving, sprinkle with:

Remaining bacon
Extra cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley or chives

Serve chilled.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs perfectly with:

Grilled chicken
BBQ ribs
Burgers
Steak
Pulled pork
Roasted turkey
Smoked brisket
Sandwiches and wraps

Tips for Success

Cut the broccoli and cauliflower into small, even pieces for easy eating.
Let the quinoa cool completely before mixing to keep the salad crisp.
Add the bacon just before serving for maximum crunch.
For extra flavor, use smoked cheddar cheese.
Refrigerating the salad for at least 30 minutes enhances the taste.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Not recommended, as the vegetables and dressing will lose their texture.

Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: 385
Protein: 16 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 560 mg
Calcium: 220 mg

Nut Information

This recipe is naturally peanut-free and tree nut-free.

Always check the labels on:

Mayonnaise
Greek yogurt or sour cream
Cheddar cheese
Dijon mustard
Dried cranberries
Bacon

Some packaged ingredients may be processed in facilities that also handle peanuts or tree nuts.

Nut-Free Tips

Skip any candied nut toppings.
If additional crunch is desired, use roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds only if they are safe for your dietary needs.

Variations

Keto Version: Omit the quinoa and dried cranberries for a lower-carb option.
Vegetarian: Leave out the bacon and add roasted chickpeas for extra protein.
Protein-Packed: Add diced grilled chicken, turkey, or ham.
Extra Veggies: Mix in diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or sliced celery.
Different Cheese: Try Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, or Gouda.
Sweet & Savory: Add diced apples or seedless grapes for a refreshing twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes. It can be prepared up to one day in advance. For the best texture, add the reserved bacon just before serving.

Can I use frozen broccoli or cauliflower?

Fresh vegetables are recommended for the best crunch. If using frozen, thaw and drain them thoroughly before mixing.

Is quinoa necessary?

No. You can omit it or substitute cooked couscous, cooked farro, or cauliflower rice for a different texture.

Can I make it lighter?

Yes. Replace part or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, higher-protein dressing.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, provided all packaged ingredients, especially bacon, mustard, and mayonnaise, are certified gluten-free if needed.

Can I add more protein?

Absolutely. Grilled chicken, diced turkey, ham, crispy tofu, or extra chickpeas are all excellent additions.

How long does it stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 4 days.

What can I serve with loaded broccoli cauliflower salad?

It’s delicious with grilled meats, burgers, BBQ dishes, sandwiches, picnic foods, or as a satisfying stand-alone lunch.

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Salad