Summer Garden Delight Salad
This vibrant Summer Garden Delight Salad combines fresh vegetables and creamy dressing for a refreshing side dish perfect for warm weather gatherings. Inspired by a beloved family recipe, this salad features a delightful mix of crunchy broccoli and cauliflower, accented with hints of onion and savory bacon bits. The creamy dressing, sweetened with sugar and enriched with parmesan, ties everything together. Ideal for summer barbecues, picnics, or even as a tasty snack on a hot day, this salad is sure to impress your family and friends!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 small (sliced thin and separated)
broccoli
1 head (cut into bite-sized florets)
cauliflower
1 head (cut into bite-sized florets)
bacon bits
1 tablespoon (optional, for topping)
mayonnaise
1 cup (for dressing)
sugar
1/3 cup (for dressing)
parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (grated)
vinegar
1 tablespoon (for dressing)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the vegetables: wash and chop the broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Thinly slice the onion and separate the rings.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, cauliflower, and sliced onion.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and well combined.
4
Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and fold gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
5
Stir in the bacon bits and grated parmesan cheese, mixing until incorporated.
6
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
7
Before serving, give the salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Summer Garden Delight Salad?
It is a vibrant, refreshing side dish featuring fresh broccoli, cauliflower, and onions tossed in a sweet and creamy parmesan dressing.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients include broccoli, cauliflower, onion, bacon bits, mayonnaise, sugar, parmesan cheese, and vinegar.
How should I prepare the broccoli and cauliflower?
Wash and chop both the broccoli and cauliflower into small, bite-sized florets.
How is the onion prepared?
Thinly slice one small onion and separate the pieces into rings.
What is in the salad dressing?
The dressing is made by whisking together mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
How long does the salad need to refrigerate?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 4 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Is the bacon mandatory for this recipe?
No, the bacon bits are optional and used as a savory topping or mix-in.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
How much mayonnaise is required?
The recipe uses 1 cup of mayonnaise for the creamy dressing.
Is this salad sweet or savory?
It is a balance of both, featuring a sweetened dressing with savory notes from the parmesan and bacon.
Can I make this salad for a BBQ?
Yes, it is specifically described as an ideal side dish for summer barbecues and picnics.
How much sugar is in the dressing?
The dressing contains 1/3 cup of sugar.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 10 ingredients in this recipe.
What should I do right before serving?
Give the salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing and ingredients evenly.
What type of vinegar should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of vinegar; white or apple cider vinegar typically works well.
How much broccoli is used?
You will need 1 head of broccoli cut into florets.
How much cauliflower is used?
You will need 1 head of cauliflower cut into florets.
Is the salad crunchy?
Yes, the raw broccoli and cauliflower provide a delightful crunch.
Can I add salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and pepper should be added to the dressing to taste.
Is this recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, it is classified as an easy recipe involving simple chopping and mixing.
How do I mix the dressing?
Whisk the liquid ingredients in a separate bowl until smooth before pouring over the vegetables.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is preparing the vegetables by washing and chopping them into bite-sized pieces.
Can I use this as a snack?
Yes, it is described as a tasty snack option for hot days.
Is this a family recipe?
Yes, it is inspired by a beloved family recipe.
Does the recipe use a large mixing bowl?
Yes, a large mixing bowl is recommended to combine the vegetables.
How do I ensure the vegetables are well coated?
Fold the dressing gently over the vegetable mixture to coat all ingredients evenly.
Should I cover the salad while it's in the fridge?
Yes, cover the bowl with plastic wrap while it refrigerates.
What size onion is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1 small onion.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, since it requires 4 hours of chilling, it is a great make-ahead dish.
Is the parmesan mixed in or just a topping?
It is stirred into the salad along with the bacon bits until incorporated.