BLT Cauliflower Salad (Printable)
Fresh twist on the classic BLT featuring roasted cauliflower, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and creamy dressing.
# What You Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
02 - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
04 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
→ Meat
05 - 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
→ Dairy
06 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
07 - 1/4 cup sour cream
08 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
09 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
→ Herbs & Spices
10 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
11 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Optional
13 - 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
# How-To:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Spread cauliflower florets on the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season lightly with salt and black pepper. Roast for 20–25 minutes until golden and tender, stirring halfway through. Let cool.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
04 - Add roasted cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, romaine lettuce, green onions, crumbled bacon, and cheddar cheese (if using) to the bowl. Gently toss to coat everything in the dressing.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately or chill for up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The roasted cauliflower brings this incredible nutty sweetness you never get from raw vegetables
- Everything can be prepped ahead and tossed together in under five minutes
02 -
- Hot cauliflower will wilt the lettuce immediately, so let it cool for at least 10 minutes before tossing everything together
- The dressing thickens as it chills, so add a splash of water or extra lemon juice if needed before serving
03 -
- Crowd the cauliflower too much on the baking sheet and it will steam instead of roast, so use two pans if needed
- Warm the roasted cauliflower slightly before adding to the salad if it has been refrigerated, as the temperature contrast is magical