BLT Cauliflower Salad (Printable version)
Fresh and hearty salad with 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 make it:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
02 - Spread cauliflower florets on the prepared 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 cooking. Allow to cool before assembling.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until completely smooth and well combined.
04 - Add roasted cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, romaine lettuce, green onions, crumbled bacon, and cheddar cheese (if using) to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
05 - Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld together.
# Expert tips:
01 -
- The roasted cauliflower brings this incredible nutty sweetness that you never knew you were missing from traditional BLTs
- Everything gets better with bacon, and when those crispy bits mingle with cool romaine and creamy dressing, pure magic happens
02 -
- Hot cauliflower will wilt your lettuce instantly, so let those florets cool completely before tossing everything together
- The salad tastes significantly better after the flavors have had time to hang out in the fridge for at least 30 minutes
03 -
- Cook your bacon in the oven on the same sheet as your cauliflower to save time and minimize cleanup
- If you're taking this somewhere, keep the lettuce separate and toss it in right before serving to maintain that perfect crunch