Vibrant Cauliflower and Broccoli Medley with Poppy Seed Dressing
This delightful salad, made with fresh cauliflower and broccoli, is elevated by a creamy poppy seed dressing that perfectly balances the crunch of the vegetables. A wonderful blend of colors and flavors, this recipe reminds me of the kindness of friends, as it was shared with me by Debbie during a busy wedding weekend. Ideal for gatherings, picnics, or as a nutritious side dish, it’s a refreshing addition to any meal. Allow the salad to marinate for a few hours or overnight to enhance its flavors, ensuring a tasty and vibrant experience for everyone at the table.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sugar
1/2 cup (none)
Dry Mustard
2 teaspoons (none)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Vinegar
1/2 cup (none)
Vegetable Oil
1 cup (none)
Onion
1 small, grated (grated)
Poppy Seeds
2 tablespoons (none)
Green Pepper
1, chopped (chopped)
Red Pepper
1, chopped (chopped)
Mushrooms
12, sliced (sliced)
Cauliflower
1 small, chopped (chopped)
Broccoli
1 large head, chopped (chopped)
Celery Ribs
2, chopped (optional) (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the sugar, dry mustard, salt, and vinegar. Close the lid tightly and shake vigorously until the sugar dissolves.
2
Slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil while continuing to shake, ensuring the dressing emulsifies. Stir in the grated onion and poppy seeds and set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cauliflower, broccoli, green pepper, red pepper, sliced mushrooms, and optional celery ribs.
4
Pour the prepared poppy seed dressing over the chopped vegetables.
5
Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all vegetables evenly with the dressing.
6
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Remember to mix the salad occasionally to ensure an even distribution of dressing.
7
When ready to serve, drain excess dressing if desired and enjoy this vibrant salad chilled.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary vegetables in this medley?
The primary vegetables used are cauliflower, broccoli, green pepper, red pepper, and mushrooms.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
How long should the salad marinate?
For the best flavor, allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
What ingredients are in the poppy seed dressing?
The dressing consists of sugar, dry mustard, salt, vinegar, vegetable oil, grated onion, and poppy seeds.
Should the salad be served warm or cold?
This salad is best enjoyed chilled.
What is the recommended way to emulsify the dressing?
Combine ingredients in a small jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously until the sugar dissolves and the oil is incorporated.
Are there any optional ingredients I can add?
Yes, you can optionally add two chopped celery ribs for extra crunch.
How should the onion be prepared for the dressing?
The onion should be finely grated before being added to the dressing mixture.
How much vegetable oil is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of vegetable oil.
What type of mustard is required?
You will need 2 teaspoons of dry mustard.
How many mushrooms should be included?
The recipe recommends using 12 sliced mushrooms.
What size cauliflower and broccoli should I buy?
You will need one small chopped cauliflower and one large head of chopped broccoli.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it is actually recommended to make it in advance so the flavors can meld during refrigeration.
How many poppy seeds are needed?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds.
Should I drain the dressing before serving?
If desired, you can drain excess dressing before serving to maintain the desired consistency.
What kind of vinegar should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of vinegar; usually white vinegar or apple cider vinegar works well.
Is this a good dish for a party?
Yes, its vibrant colors and crunchy texture make it an ideal side dish for gatherings and picnics.
How do I ensure the dressing is evenly distributed?
Mix the salad occasionally while it is refrigerating to ensure all vegetables stay well-coated.
How much sugar is in the dressing?
The dressing contains 1/2 cup of sugar.
Does this recipe include any dairy?
No, this recipe is dairy-free as it uses oil and vinegar for the dressing base.
How should the mushrooms be prepared?
The mushrooms should be cleaned and sliced before being added to the bowl.
What makes this salad 'vibrant'?
The combination of white cauliflower, green broccoli and peppers, and red peppers creates a very colorful presentation.
Who originally shared this recipe?
This recipe was shared by a friend named Debbie during a busy wedding weekend.
How many total ingredients are used?
There are 13 total ingredients, including the optional celery ribs.
What tags define this recipe?
It is tagged as a salad, vegetarian, healthy, side dish, party food, crunchy, and colorful.
Is the dressing shaken or stirred?
The base of the dressing is shaken in a jar, then the onion and poppy seeds are stirred in.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil?
While vegetable oil is standard, you could try a neutral-flavored oil like canola or light olive oil.
How much salt is required?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt.
Is the texture of the vegetables soft or crunchy?
The vegetables remain crunchy, which balances the creamy dressing.