If you’re craving a fresh twist on a classic comfort food favorite, the Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad Recipe is here to delight your taste buds with a burst of flavor and texture. This salad brilliantly combines crunchy cauliflower with crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a luscious, tangy dressing that wraps everything in creamy goodness. It’s easy to whip up in just 20 minutes and makes for a perfect side dish or a light meal that feels indulgent without the heaviness. Whether you’re a cauliflower enthusiast or a BLT lover, this salad will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for casual dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients come together to make this salad sing. Each element serves a distinct purpose, whether it’s the crispness of the cauliflower, the smoky bacon flavor, or the creamy dressing that brings everything into harmony. Getting these staples ready ensures your Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad Recipe is as vibrant as it is delicious.
- 1 medium head of cauliflower: Choose fresh cauliflower with firm florets to achieve the perfect crunchy bite.
- 6 slices cooked bacon: Crispy bacon adds a smoky, savory punch that balances the cool veggies.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes: Halved for juicy bursts of sweetness and a pop of bright color.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base of the dressing; keto-friendly mayo works well for low-carb options.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle tanginess that lifts the dressing’s flavor.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Brings brightness and slight acidity to balance the creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a subtle savory depth without overpowering the salad.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a mild, sweet onion note.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out each ingredient’s best qualities.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley: Chopped for a fresh, herbal finish and pretty garnish.
How to Make Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower
Start by cutting the cauliflower into small, bite-sized florets—this makes the salad easier to eat and ensures even distribution of the dressing and bacon bits. Blanching the cauliflower briefly in boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes softens it just slightly while preserving its crunch. Immediately transferring it to ice water stops the cooking and keeps that lovely firm texture. Drain and pat dry thoroughly to avoid a watery salad. If you prefer extra crunch, feel free to skip blanching and use the cauliflower raw—both ways are delicious!
Step 2: Cook and Crumble the Bacon
Next, fry the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until they reach that irresistible crispiness, usually around 5 to 7 minutes. This step is key to infusing the salad with that classic smoky, salty flavor. Once cooked, place the bacon on paper towels to drain excess grease and crumble it into small pieces. The crisp bacon adds crucial texture contrast that makes this salad exciting with every bite.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Creamy Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. This dressing is the heart of the Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad Recipe, carrying each ingredient with a lovely tangy creaminess that makes the whole dish sing. Taste after mixing and adjust seasoning as needed—sometimes a little extra vinegar or mustard can brighten the flavor beautifully.
Step 4: Combine All Ingredients
Gather the cauliflower florets, crumbled bacon, and halved cherry tomatoes in a large mixing bowl. Pour the creamy dressing over the mixture and toss everything gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated. This step brings all the flavors together, allowing the dressing to meld with the crunch of the veggies and the smoky bacon bits seamlessly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad Recipe by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley on top. This adds a fresh herbal note and a splash of green that makes the dish visually inviting. Serve immediately for the best texture, or chill for a short time if you prefer it cold.
How to Serve Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley is a classic choice, but you can also sprinkle some finely chopped chives or a bit of shredded sharp cheddar for extra flavor and color. A light dusting of smoked paprika can amplify the bacon’s smoky notes. These simple garnishes elevate your salad’s presentation and add that final pop of freshness.
Side Dishes
This salad works beautifully alongside grilled chicken, juicy burgers, or even a hearty steak. It’s a marvelous low-carb companion for classic barbecue fare or a chilled glass of white wine on a warm day. Pairing it with crusty bread also makes for a satisfying lunch that’s both substantial and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in individual mason jars or small bowls topped with an extra bacon crisp. It’s perfect for picnics or potlucks. You can also scoop it onto lettuce leaves to make light, handheld wraps. The versatility of this Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad Recipe makes it a crowd-pleaser in many settings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad holds up well for 2 to 3 days, but the texture of the cauliflower may soften slightly over time. Keeping the salad chilled ensures the bacon stays crisp for as long as possible.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended. The creamy dressing combined with fresh vegetables like cauliflower and tomatoes tends to separate and become watery after thawing, which would compromise the salad’s texture and flavor.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature. Reheating is not necessary and may cause the creamy dressing to break down. Instead, enjoy it fresh for that satisfying crunch and creamy taste combo.
FAQs
Can I use raw cauliflower instead of blanched?
Absolutely! Using raw cauliflower gives a crunchier, more crisp texture, which some people prefer. Blanching softens it slightly but is optional depending on your taste.
Is there a dairy-free version of the dressing?
Yes, you can substitute the mayonnaise with a dairy-free or vegan mayo to keep the dressing creamy without dairy. Just be sure your other ingredients are compatible with your dietary needs.
How can I make this salad keto-friendly?
This Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad Recipe is naturally quite keto-friendly, especially if you use a low-carb mayonnaise. The ingredients are low in carbs and high in fat, making it a perfect fit for keto diets.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Diced cucumbers, sliced radishes, or diced avocado can add freshness and more texture. Just be mindful to adjust the dressing and seasonings accordingly.
What can I do if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?
You can substitute with white wine vinegar or lemon juice. Both alternatives provide a similar tanginess that brightens the dressing.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give this Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad Recipe a try soon — it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy, flavorsome meal without fuss. The balance of creamy, crunchy, smoky, and fresh elements makes it simply irresistible. Once you taste it, this recipe might just become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!
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Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This creamy BLT cauliflower salad is a fresh and flavorful twist on the classic BLT sandwich, featuring tender blanched cauliflower florets, crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a tangy, creamy dressing. It comes together quickly in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect low-carb, satisfying side dish or light main course that’s both easy to prepare and delicious.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into small florets
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (use a keto-friendly mayo if desired)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into small, bite-sized florets. Blanch them by boiling in water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer to an ice water bath to cool and stop cooking. Drain thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels. For a crunchier texture, you may skip blanching and use raw cauliflower.
- Cook the bacon: Place bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat and cook until crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet, crumble it into small pieces, and set aside.
- Make the creamy dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched cauliflower florets, crumbled bacon, and halved cherry tomatoes. Pour the creamy dressing over the mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Garnish the salad with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. This salad works well as a refreshing side dish or a light main course.
Notes
- You can use raw cauliflower for a crunchier texture instead of blanching.
- For a keto-friendly version, use a low-carb mayonnaise.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
- If you want to make it vegetarian, omit the bacon and add toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste.
