As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, food blogger Meggan Hill is promoting a nostalgic broccoli and cauliflower salad, often served at family gatherings and beloved for over 50 years. The creamy dish, rich with mayonnaise and cheese, exemplifies Midwestern cuisine and is poised to be a favorite at holiday cookouts, reports BritPanorama.
Hill, author of “The Culinary Hill Cookbook: Modern Home Cooking With a Midwestern Heart,” insists that Midwestern foods deserve more recognition beyond the stereotype of being overly reliant on mayonnaise. “Not because we’re trying to impress anyone. Just because we’re trying to feed them well and hopefully leave them with a happy memory — or at least happy taste buds,” she stated.
This broccoli and cauliflower salad is not only indulgent but also appealing enough to convert even those averse to vegetables. Emphasizing its importance at gatherings, Hill recalls how food has always been central to family occasions, with memories tied to specific dishes. She fondly remembers trying raw mushrooms with dill dip as a child, marking her love for food.
The recipe’s roots trace back to the grocery chain Piggly Wiggly, where Hill’s family made the dish long before she was born. During annual camping trips, she recalls enjoying pre-made versions, which inspired her to recreate it at home. Now, it is a staple at every event, from summer barbecues to Christmas gatherings. “My family can’t get enough of it, and I still make it for every holiday to this day,” she explained. “It hits all the notes and is a great standby.”
Midwestern foods hark back to a simpler time
Hill expresses a yearning for the familiar comforts of Midwestern cooking, as she often reflects on her childhood memories. Even though she now resides in California, the connection to her Midwest roots remains strong through her cooking. “I love eating, so my passion for cooking comes naturally,” she remarked, noting that visits to Wisconsin keep her grounded.
During her studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she began collecting recipes, leading to the creation of her original “Culinary Hill Cookbook.” What started as a small self-published collection has grown into a comprehensive food blog featuring 1,379 recipes, combining a mix of traditional dishes with modern twists.
Hill further honed her culinary skills in 2016, enrolling at the College of the Canyons Institute for Culinary Education. Her training allows her to provide meticulously tested recipes, some of which are included in her latest book. She emphasizes that Midwestern flavors are experiencing a renaissance, appealing to those craving a taste of the past.
Nostalgic Midwestern broccoli and cauliflower salad
If you’re crunched for time, consider swapping in bacon bits.
Yield: 12 ½-cup servings
Total time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
● 2 cups mayonnaise
● 1 cup granulated sugar
● ¼ cup white vinegar
● 4 cups bite-size broccoli florets (from 2 bunches)
● 4 cups bite-size cauliflower florets (from 1 head)
● 2 cups shredded mild yellow cheddar
● 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
● 1 small red onion, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar.
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, bacon and onion.
- Pour dressing mixture to taste over the salad ingredients and toss well until evenly coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Some separation may occur, so stir to combine before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Hill encourages culinary creativity: “You have my permission to make this creamy salad recipe your own. Because these are your memories, and you can make new ones starting now.” Midwestern salads like this one cater to a desire for connection to simpler times, proving an enduring staple for gatherings, especially in the summer.
As culinary trends evolve, the recognizability of traditional dishes reinforces their place at the table, perpetuating a cycle of shared memories through food.
