Zesty Broccoli, Cauliflower, Corn, and Bacon Salad Recipe

Nothing beats a hearty broccoli and cauliflower salad that combines unexpected flavors with creamy textures.

Crisp vegetables mingle with smoky bacon bits for an irresistible combination.

Fresh corn kernels add sweet crunch to every delightful bite.

Each spoonful promises a symphony of tastes that dance across your palate.

Lean ingredients come together in a surprisingly light yet satisfying dish.

Crunchy vegetables and savory bacon create a perfect balance of nutrition and indulgence.

You’ll want to make this salad again and again.

Why Creamy Broccoli, Cauliflower, Corn, And Bacon Salad Is So Satisfying

• Simplify Meal Prep: This recipe requires minimal chopping and cooking, making it a quick and straightforward dish to prepare for busy families or individuals.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with colorful vegetables, crispy bacon, and creamy dressing, this salad appeals to both kids and adults, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings.
• Nutrient-Rich Comfort Food: Combining broccoli, cauliflower, and corn provides a delicious way to enjoy multiple vegetables in one tasty dish, boosting overall nutrition while satisfying comfort food cravings.
• Make-Ahead Magic: The salad can be prepared in advance and chilled, allowing flavors to develop and making it an ideal option for meal planning or stress-free entertaining.

What You’ll Need For Creamy Broccoli, Cauliflower, Corn, And Bacon Salad

• Broccoli: A crisp green vegetable that adds nutritional value and texture to the salad.
• Cauliflower: A mild-flavored vegetable that complements the broccoli and provides additional crunch.
• Corn Kernels: Sweet and juicy corn that brings a burst of flavor and color to the dish.
• Red Onion: Sharp and tangy onion that provides a zesty accent to the salad.

• Bacon: Crispy and savory meat that adds richness and depth to the salad.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and creamy cheese that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy base ingredients that create a smooth and rich dressing.
• White Vinegar, Sugar, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that balance and enhance the dressing's flavor, providing a perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and savory notes.

How To Make Creamy Broccoli, Cauliflower, Corn, And Bacon Salad

Step 1: Blanch the Veggies

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Drop in broccoli and cauliflower pieces, cooking them for about 2 minutes until they turn bright green and slightly tender.

Quickly transfer the vegetables to a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process and preserve their crisp texture. Drain thoroughly using a colander.

Step 2: Combine Primary Ingredients

• Fresh corn kernels
• Crispy crumbled bacon

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Dressing

• Smooth mayonnaise
• Rich sour cream
• Tangy white vinegar
• Granulated sugar
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Blend until the dressing becomes silky and well incorporated.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Pour the creamy dressing over the vegetable and bacon mixture.

Use a large spoon to toss and coat every morsel evenly, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.

Step 5: Add Final Touches

• Finely chopped red onion
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Step 6: Chill and Marinate

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

This resting time allows the flavors to mingle and develop a more complex taste profile.

Serve chilled and enjoy the delightful blend of textures and flavors.

Tips For A Better Creamy Broccoli, Cauliflower, Corn, And Bacon Salad

• Blanch vegetables briefly to maintain crisp texture and vibrant color, ensuring they don't become mushy.
• Chill the salad for at least an hour to enhance flavor development and allow ingredients to blend perfectly.
• Drain vegetables thoroughly after blanching to prevent watery dressing and maintain the salad's creamy consistency.
• Use crispy bacon for added crunch and consider turkey bacon as a lighter alternative for health-conscious eaters.
• Adjust seasoning to taste, experimenting with additional herbs like dill or chives for extra flavor complexity.

Fun Variations Of Creamy Broccoli, Cauliflower, Corn, And Bacon Salad

• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace bacon with grilled halloumi cheese, add sun-dried tomatoes, and swap white vinegar for lemon juice in the dressing.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Include diced jalapeños, replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese, and mix in chopped cilantro with a dash of chipotle powder.
• Asian-Inspired Crunch: Substitute mayonnaise with sesame-soy dressing, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, and add sliced green onions for extra flavor.
• Herb Garden Edition: Incorporate fresh chopped dill, parsley, and chives into the dressing, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and add sliced almonds for texture.

Perfect Pairings For Creamy Broccoli, Cauliflower, Corn, And Bacon Salad

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc's bright acidity and herbal notes perfectly complement the creamy, smoky salad, cutting through the richness of bacon and cheese while enhancing the fresh vegetable flavors.
• Serve with Crusty Artisan Bread: Rustic sourdough or ciabatta provides a delightful textural contrast, allowing diners to soak up the creamy dressing and add a satisfying crunch to each bite.
• Match with Chilled Pilsner Beer: A light, crisp beer balances the salad's creamy texture, with its hoppy finish cutting through the mayonnaise and bacon's richness, creating a refreshing palate experience.

How To Store Creamy Broccoli, Cauliflower, Corn, And Bacon Salad

• Refrigerate: Store the salad in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep it sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Freeze: Not recommended due to mayonnaise and sour cream base, which can separate and become watery when thawed, compromising texture and taste.
• Serve Cold: Enjoy directly from the refrigerator. Stir gently before serving to redistribute dressing and ingredients evenly.
• Refresh: If salad seems dry after storage, add a small amount of fresh mayonnaise or sour cream and mix well to revive creaminess.

FAQs On Creamy Broccoli, Cauliflower, Corn, And Bacon Salad

• Can I use frozen vegetables for this salad?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, cauliflower, and corn. Just thaw and drain them completely before mixing to prevent excess water in the salad.

• Is there a way to make this salad healthier?

Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream, use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, and add more vegetables like diced bell peppers for extra nutrition.

• How can I add more protein to this salad?

Mix in grilled chicken chunks, hard-boiled eggs, or roasted chickpeas to increase the protein content and make it more filling.

• What alternatives can I use if I don't like mayonnaise?

Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, ranch dressing, or a light vinaigrette for a different flavor profile while keeping the creamy texture.

Creamy Broccoli, Cauliflower, Corn, and Bacon Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets freshness in this irresistible Creamy Broccoli, Cauliflower, Corn, and Bacon Salad that blends crisp vegetables with smoky, savory bacon. Delightful textures and rich flavors invite you to savor each delectable bite of this crowd-pleasing side dish.

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Ingredients

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Main Vegetables:

• 2 cups broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups cauliflower, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen (thawed)

Protein and Dairy:

• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Immerse broccoli and cauliflower florets in rapidly boiling water for precisely 2 minutes, ensuring a crisp-tender texture, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to halt cooking and preserve vibrant color.
2. Thoroughly drain the blanched vegetables, allowing excess water to evaporate completely.
3. Combine the cooled broccoli, cauliflower, sweet corn kernels, and crispy crumbled bacon in a spacious mixing vessel.
4. Craft a creamy dressing by whisking mayonnaise, sour cream, tangy white vinegar, delicate sugar, and seasoning until smooth and well-integrated.
5. Gently cascade the dressing over the vegetable and bacon mixture, carefully folding to ensure uniform coating without crushing the delicate ingredients.
6. Incorporate finely diced red onion and generously sprinkled sharp cheddar cheese, distributing evenly throughout the salad.
7. Seal the bowl and nestle in the refrigerator for a minimum of 60 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and intensify.
8. Prior to serving, give the salad a light toss to redistribute the dressing and revive the ingredients’ vibrant textures.

Notes

• Crisp the bacon in a skillet for extra flavor and crunchier texture, ensuring it’s not too greasy before crumbling into the salad.
• Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich alternative that maintains the creamy consistency while reducing calories.
• Keep vegetables slightly firm by blanching exactly 2 minutes to preserve nutrients and prevent mushiness, immediately shocking in ice water to halt cooking process.
• Customize this salad for vegetarian diets by replacing bacon with smoked almonds or roasted sunflower seeds for similar smoky, crunchy elements.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg