Looking for a new low-carb or keto lunch idea that’s crunchy, satisfying, and packed with flavor? This Cauliflower Broccoli Ham Salad is exactly what you need! It features crisp, raw broccoli and cauliflower florets, savory diced ham (or salami!), juicy tomatoes, black olives, and mozzarella cheese, all tossed in a zesty Italian vinaigrette. I love making this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad for meal prep because it holds up incredibly well in the fridge and provides a nutritious, filling lunch without the carbs. It’s full of bright flavors and perfect for these lovely spring days!
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
- Keto & Low-Carb Friendly: Packed with non-starchy vegetables, cheese, and protein, perfect for low-carb lifestyles.
- Crunchy and Satisfying: Raw broccoli and cauliflower provide an amazing crunch, while ham and cheese make it filling.
- Easy No-Cook Prep: Just chopping and mixing required – no cooking needed!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad stays crisp and delicious for days in the refrigerator.
- Flavorful Vinaigrette: The simple Italian dressing is light, tangy, and complements the ingredients perfectly.
Ingredients for Cauliflower Broccoli Ham Salad
Here’s what you’ll need to make this crunchy low-carb salad. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Salad Base
- Broccoli, chopped into small florets (Vegetable)
- Cauliflower, chopped into small florets (Vegetable)
- Diced ham (or Genoa salami) (Meat) (See Variations for alternatives)
- Halved cherry or grape tomatoes (Vegetable)
- Halved black olives (Fruit/Vegetable)
- Mozzarella, cubed (Dairy)
Dressing
- White wine vinegar (Acid)
- Italian seasoning (Spice Blend)
- Garlic powder (Spice)
- Extra virgin olive oil (Oil)
- Salt (Seasoning)
- Pepper (Spice)
Garnish
- Grated Parmesan (Dairy)
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Variations
I love the combination of ham and cheese in this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad, but feel free to customize!
- Different Protein: Use chopped cooked chicken, turkey breast, pepperoni, or even chickpeas (if not strictly keto) instead of ham or salami.
- Different Cheese: Substitute cubed cheddar, provolone, or Swiss for the mozzarella. Use feta or goat cheese for a tangier flavor (adjust salt accordingly).
- Add Nuts/Seeds: Toss in some toasted sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds (pepitas), or slivered almonds for extra crunch.
- Different Veggies: Add chopped celery, bell peppers (any color), or red onion.
- Creamy Dressing: If you prefer a creamy broccoli salad, swap the vinaigrette for a ranch or creamy Italian dressing (check carb counts for keto).
How to Make Cauliflower Broccoli Ham Salad
Making this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is incredibly simple:
Prep Vegetables and Cheese
- First, I chop the fresh broccoli and cauliflower into small, bite-sized florets. I also dice the ham (or salami), halve the cherry tomatoes, halve the black olives, and cube the mozzarella cheese. Consistency in size makes the salad enjoyable to eat.
Make the Dressing
- In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid (or a small bowl), I combine the dressing ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- I shake the jar vigorously (or whisk well in the bowl) until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
Combine and Serve (or Store)
- In a large salad bowl, I combine all the prepared salad ingredients: the chopped broccoli, cauliflower, diced ham, halved tomatoes, halved olives, and cubed mozzarella.
- I pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.
- I toss everything together well, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- I taste the Broccoli Cauliflower Salad and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
- I can serve it immediately, but it’s even better if chilled! I often divide it into meal prep containers at this stage.
- Garnish with Parmesan
Tips and Tricks for the BEST Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Here are my secrets for making this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad truly exceptional, especially for meal prep:
- Small Florets: Cut the broccoli and cauliflower into small, easily manageable florets. This makes the salad easier to eat and allows the dressing to coat everything better.
- Use Fresh Veggies: Fresh, crisp broccoli and cauliflower provide the best crunch, which is key to this salad’s appeal.
- Shake Dressing Well: Vigorously shaking or whisking the vinaigrette helps emulsify the oil and vinegar for a well-balanced dressing.
- Let Flavors Meld: While edible right away, this salad benefits from chilling for at least 30 minutes (or ideally longer for meal prep) to allow the flavors to marry.
- Adjust Seasoning After Chilling: Flavors can become slightly muted when chilled, so re-taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving if made ahead.
How to Serve
This Cauliflower Broccoli Ham Salad is fantastic served chilled as:
- A Keto/Low-Carb Lunch: Perfectly portioned for easy meal prep lunches.
- A Side Dish: A crunchy and flavorful side for grilled meats, chicken, or sandwiches.
- A Potluck Salad: A unique and healthy salad option that holds up well.
- A Light Dinner: Enjoy a larger portion on its own.
Garnish with grated Parmesan just before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
This salad is designed for making ahead!
- Make Ahead: Prepare the salad completely as directed.
- Storage: Store the Broccoli Cauliflower Salad in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and crunchy for up to 4-5 days, making it perfect for weekly meal prep. The flavors even get better as it sits!
FAQs about Cauliflower Broccoli Ham Salad
- Can I use frozen broccoli or cauliflower?
- This salad relies on the crunch of raw broccoli and cauliflower. Frozen vegetables, once thawed, will be too soft and watery for this recipe. Stick with fresh!
- Is this salad really Keto?
- Yes! With ingredients like broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, ham, olive oil, and vinegar, and using low-carb additions, this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad fits well within ketogenic macros. Ensure your Italian seasoning doesn’t contain added sugars. Carrots (as a potential variation) would add more carbs.
- Can I use a different dressing?
- Absolutely! While the Italian vinaigrette is light and lets the veggie flavors shine, a creamy ranch, blue cheese, or Caesar dressing would also be delicious if you prefer (check carb counts if keto).
Enjoy this crunchy, flavorful, healthy, and incredibly easy Cauliflower Broccoli Ham Salad! It’s a perfect solution for low-carb meal prep lunches.
Print
Cauliflower Broccoli Ham Salad (Low Carb / Keto)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Salad, Side Dish, Lunch, Keto, Low Carb
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Description
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad:
- 1 head fresh broccoli, chopped into small florets
- 1/2 head fresh cauliflower, chopped into small florets
- 1 cup diced cooked ham (or Genoa salami)
- 1 cup halved cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1/2 cup halved pitted black olives
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, cubed (or cheddar, provolone)
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Salad Ingredients: Chop the broccoli and cauliflower into small, bite-sized florets. Dice the cooked ham. Halve the cherry or grape tomatoes. Halve or slice the pitted black olives. Cube the fresh mozzarella. Place all prepared salad ingredients in a large salad bowl.
- Make Dressing: In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid or a small bowl, combine the white wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Seal the jar and shake vigorously (or whisk well in the bowl) until combined. While shaking or whisking, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the dressing is emulsified.
- Combine and Toss: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill (Optional): For best flavor, cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve the broccoli cauliflower salad chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- Vegetables: Use fresh broccoli and cauliflower cut into small florets. If you prefer them slightly less crunchy, you can briefly blanch them in boiling water (1-2 minutes) and then plunge them into ice water before adding to the salad.
- Meat: Cooked diced ham or Genoa salami works well. You could also use leftover cooked chicken or turkey.
- Cheese: Fresh mozzarella pearls or cubed mozzarella work well. Substitute with cubed cheddar, provolone, or Swiss if preferred.
- Dressing: Adjust salt, pepper, and seasoning to your taste.
- Storage: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The vegetables will soften slightly over time.