Broccoli Cauliflower Bacon Salad (Printer-Friendly Version)

Crisp broccoli and cauliflower tossed with bacon, cheddar, and creamy, tangy dressing for a crunchy, flavorful dish.

# Ingredients Needed:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 head broccoli, chopped into bite-sized florets
02 - 1 head cauliflower, chopped into bite-sized florets

→ Meat

03 - 8 ounces thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled

→ Dairy

04 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
05 - 1 cup mayonnaise
06 - 1 cup sour cream

→ Pantry

07 - ½ cup granulated sugar
08 - ½ teaspoon fine salt

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Chop broccoli and cauliflower into small, uniform bite-sized florets to ensure even coating and ease of eating.
02 - Slowly cook bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until crisp; transfer to paper towels to drain and cool, then crumble.
03 - In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, and salt until smooth and creamy with no lumps.
04 - In a large bowl, gently toss chopped broccoli, cauliflower, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese to distribute evenly.
05 - Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and fold gently to coat all ingredients uniformly.
06 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and salad to firm up; garnish with extra bacon or cheese if desired before serving.

# Helpful Hints:

01 - Chill the salad before serving to enhance flavor blending and maintain crisp texture.
02 - Use freshly chopped vegetables for best crunch; frozen, thawed, and dried vegetables are acceptable in a pinch.