Rainbow Vegetable Delight Salad
This vibrant Rainbow Vegetable Delight Salad is a family favorite that has been passed down through generations. Originating from my daughter's workplace, this salad has become a staple at our summer BBQs and gatherings, receiving rave reviews every time! Packed with a colorful medley of fresh broccoli and cauliflower, it offers a delightful crunch and compelling flavor in every bite. With the perfect balance of sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a hint of sweetness from raisins, this salad is a true crowd-pleaser. Don't forget to bring copies of the recipe for all the friends who will be asking for it! Remember, cutting your vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces is key to ensuring everyone enjoys a mouthful of all the delicious ingredients. This makes it a truly enjoyable experience for everyone at your table!
N/A
Servings
147
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
broccoli
5 cups (cut into small pieces (size of a nickel to a quarter, stems discarded))
cauliflower
5 cups (cut into small pieces (size of a nickel to a quarter, stems discarded))
onion or green onions
2/3 cup (diced or chopped)
cheddar cheese
2 cups (shredded)
cooked bacon
6 pieces (crumbled)
sunflower seeds
1/4 cup (raw or toasted)
raisins
1/3 cup (none)
sugar
1/2 cup (none)
mayonnaise
1 cup (none)
cider vinegar
1 tablespoon (none)
red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli and cauliflower, ensuring they are cut into small pieces around the size of a nickel to a quarter, discarding any stems.
2
Add the diced onion or chopped green onions to the vegetable mixture and stir well.
3
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, cider vinegar, and red wine vinegar to create a smooth dressing.
4
Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and mix thoroughly to coat all the veggies.
5
Just before serving, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled cooked bacon, sunflower seeds, and raisins to maintain their crunchiness.
6
Toss the salad gently to combine, and serve immediately or within an hour for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
11.6g
Fat
8.4g
Carbs
3.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rainbow Vegetable Delight Salad?
The Rainbow Vegetable Delight Salad is a vibrant, crunchy side dish featuring broccoli, cauliflower, bacon, and cheese, known for being a family favorite at BBQs.
What are the primary vegetables used in this salad?
The primary vegetables are fresh broccoli and cauliflower, totaling 10 cups of produce.
How should I cut the broccoli and cauliflower?
Vegetables should be cut into small, bite-sized pieces roughly the size of a nickel to a quarter.
Should I include the stems of the broccoli and cauliflower?
No, the recipe recommends discarding the stems and only using the florets cut into small pieces.
What kind of onion is best for this recipe?
You can use either diced regular onion or chopped green onions depending on your preference.
What ingredients make up the dressing?
The dressing is a smooth blend of mayonnaise, sugar, cider vinegar, and red wine vinegar.
How do I prepare the dressing?
In a separate small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, sugar, and both vinegars together until the mixture is smooth.
What type of cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to provide a sharp, savory flavor.
How is the bacon prepared for the salad?
The recipe uses 6 pieces of cooked bacon that have been crumbled into small bits.
Should the sunflower seeds be raw or toasted?
You can use either raw or toasted sunflower seeds depending on the level of crunch you prefer.
What provides the sweetness in this salad?
The sweetness comes from a combination of 1/2 cup of sugar in the dressing and 1/3 cup of raisins.
When is the best time to add the cheese and bacon?
Fold in the cheese, bacon, sunflower seeds, and raisins just before serving to maintain their crunchiness.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
You can prep the vegetables and dressing, but for the best texture, serve the completed salad immediately or within an hour of mixing.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 147 calories per serving of this salad.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains about 11.6 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 8.4 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
This salad provides 3.7 grams of protein per serving.
Is this salad considered an easy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe because it primarily involves chopping and mixing.
What is the origin of this recipe?
The recipe originated from the workplace of the creator's daughter and has since become a multi-generational family staple.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 11 total ingredients required for the salad and dressing.
What vinegars are used in the dressing?
The dressing uses a 1:1 ratio of cider vinegar and red wine vinegar.
How should the final salad be tossed?
The salad should be tossed gently to combine all ingredients without breaking the delicate florets or losing the crunch of the toppings.
Why is it called 'Rainbow' salad?
It is called 'Rainbow' because of the colorful medley of green broccoli, white cauliflower, yellow cheese, and red/purple onion.
Is this salad suitable for large groups?
Yes, it is specifically described as a crowd-pleaser and a staple for summer gatherings and BBQs.
What makes this salad crunchy?
The crunch comes from the fresh raw vegetables, crispy bacon bits, and sunflower seeds.
Should the vegetables be cooked?
No, the broccoli and cauliflower are used raw to provide the signature delightful crunch.
How much mayonnaise is used?
The dressing requires 1 cup of mayonnaise.
Can I use green onions instead of white onions?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 2/3 cup of either diced onion or chopped green onions.
What should I do if guests ask for the recipe?
The description suggests bringing extra copies because friends will likely ask for it after tasting it.
How do you ensure the vegetables are well coated?
Pour the dressing over the broccoli, cauliflower, and onion mixture and mix thoroughly before adding the final toppings.