Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad

Have you ever tried the Cold Broccoli Salad from Sweet Tomatoes Restaurant? It’s absolutely delicious, but I must admit, my Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad definitely gives it a run for its money. This sweet and salty salad is the perfect addition to your next party or gathering. And for the record, everything tastes better with a little bit of cheese and bacon!

I’m feeling extremely old right now! I just had one of those moments where I came to the realization that I’m not a spring chicken anymore. How in the world can a recipe for Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad make me feel over-the-hill? I probably should explain.  

When I sat down to write my post today, my original opening line was: “Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad is a dish that has been showing up at our family gatherings for quite a few years now.” In my mind, I was thinking that this recipe couldn’t have been more than 5 or 6 years old. The more I thought about it though, the more I realized “a few years” might be underestimating it just a teeny, tiny bit.

Once I did the math, a few years is actually more like over 20 years. Yikes! I’m not going to lie, this is completely freaking me out at the moment. I mean, I’m only a day over 21 so how in the world can these numbers make sense?!?!

What a reality check for me! Time sure does fly by. It’s only when I stop and really think about things like this that I see how fast time truly goes. In a world where everyone is constantly competing to be the best at everything, am I doing what I can to appreciate all the amazing things I already have in my life? Am I moving too fast? Can I slow down the hands of time?

The truth of the matter is I can’t slow down time. And unless you have some super powers that I don’t know about, either can you. We can only control what we do with the time we do have and make every minute count.

Yes, Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad may just be an amazing recipe I’ve been eating since I was a child, but the feelings and connections I get from this recipe go way above that. It brings me back to my childhood and fun times with my crazy family. Those were the days!

As a mom and a wife, I try to create that same life for my own family. And the true reason behind me creating Lake Life State of Mind? To share these experiences with you so that you too can live a life of beautiful memories that are filled with family and friends. Because really, isn’t that what life is all about?

So what do I need to make Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad?

1 head of broccoli (cut into florets), 1 head of cauliflower (cut into florets), 1 lb. bacon (crumbled), 1 small red onion (chopped), 2 cups mayo, 1 cup grated parmesan cheese (the powdered stuff with the green lid!), ⅔ cup sugar, 2 tbsp vinegar

Begin by cutting the head of broccoli into florets. You’ll want to cut them into bite-size pieces just like so.

Place the broccoli in a large mixing bowl and start chopping the head of cauliflower into the same bite-size pieces as the broccoli.

Add the cauliflower to the mixing bowl.

Chop a small red onion and add it to your veggies.

Next, crumble up a pound of bacon and add it to the bowl.

In a different mixing bowl, add your mayonnaise, grated parmesan cheese, sugar, and vinegar.

Stir all the ingredients for the salad dressing together and pour it into the broccoli/cauliflower mixture.

Combine all the ingredients together and place in the refrigerator overnight for best results.

This Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad is to die for! Not many recipes can stay on the menu for 20 plus years and still be considered a hit. From my family’s kitchen to yours, I hope this recipe helps you make memories that will last a lifetime.

Want to remember this? Post this recipe for Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad to your favorite Pinterest board!

DOWNLOAD A COPY OF “MY FAMILY’S FAVORITE RECIPES” PRINTABLE. IT’S THE PERFECT WAY TO KEEP ALL THOSE SPECIAL RECIPES IN ONE PLACE!