- 1 head broccoli, chopped into florets
Adds crunch and bright green color; raw broccoli is classic in broccoli–cauliflower holiday salads. - 1 head cauliflower, chopped into florets
Provides mild flavor and snowy white contrast that looks especially festive next to the broccoli and tomatoes. - 1 red onion, thinly sliced
Brings sharp, savory bite and vivid color; thin slices ensure the flavor doesn’t overpower. - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
Add juiciness and sweetness plus red color for a Christmas look.
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
Forms the creamy base; regular mayo is standard in broccoli–cauliflower salads. - 1/2 cup sour cream
Adds tang and extra richness so the dressing tastes lighter and more balanced than mayo alone. - 1 tablespoon sugar
Softens the acidity and onion bite, giving the dressing a gently sweet edge common in holiday broccoli salads.
Step-by-step instructions
Prep the vegetables
Cut the broccoli and cauliflower into small, bite-size florets. Thinly slice the red onion and halve the cherry tomatoes. Place all the vegetables into a large salad bowl. This “chop and bowl” method is how similar Christmas broccoli–cauliflower salads are assembled.
Make the creamy dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and sugar until smooth. This simple three-ingredient dressing mirrors the creamy dressings used in many broccoli–cauliflower salads, sometimes with vinegar added for extra tang.
Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
Toss the salad
Pour the dressing over the vegetables in the salad bowl. Toss gently until all the florets, onion slices, and tomatoes are evenly coated and the salad looks creamy. Recipes recommend fully coating the veggies so the flavors meld as the salad chills.
Chill and serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and slightly softens the raw broccoli and cauliflower while keeping them crisp, a step emphasized in similar Christmas and holiday salads.
Serve cold, straight from the fridge, heaping generous spoonfuls alongside your holiday mains.
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