BLT Cauliflower Salad (Printable Version)

Roasted cauliflower meets classic BLT flavors in this hearty, creamy salad perfect for any occasion.

# What You'll 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

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 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.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
03 - 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 everything evenly.
04 - Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld together.

# Chef's Tips:

01 -
  • Roasting cauliflower transforms it into something almost meaty and satisfying
  • The creamy dressing perfectly balances crispy bacon and fresh tomatoes
  • Calls for ingredients you probably already have in the fridge
02 -
  • Letting the cauliflower cool slightly before mixing prevents the lettuce from wilting
  • The salad holds up well for a few hours but add bacon right before serving to keep it crisp
  • Chilling the dressed salad for at least 30 minutes makes the flavors really come together
03 -
  • Spread cauliflower in a single layer without crowding the pan for the best roasting results
  • The salad tastes even better after the dressing has time to soak into the cauliflower slightly