Looking for a dish that’s equal parts fresh, satisfying, and bursting with crave-worthy flavor? Let me introduce you to my all-time favorite Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad. This salad reimagines the classic BLT into a low-carb, veggie-packed showstopper that’s creamy, crunchy, and absolutely addictive. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, light lunches, and meal prepping, all while delivering an unbeatable combination of smoky bacon, tangy dressing, and crisp cauliflower in every mouthwatering forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every component in this Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad brings something wonderful to the table — from color and crunch to creaminess and flavor. These staples come together super quickly and the end result is sheer magic.
- Cauliflower: The star of the show, cut into small florets for just the right bite and blanched so it’s crisp-tender.
- Bacon: Eight slices, cooked crisp and crumbled, give this salad that irresistible smoky-salty note.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy bursts of flavor and color, halved for easy scooping.
- Cheddar Cheese: One full cup, shredded, to add richness and body.
- Lettuce: Romaine or iceberg, chopped for that signature BLT crunch and cool freshness.
- Green Onions: Sliced for a gentle oniony bite and a pop of green.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the dressing—use your favorite brand for the best flavor.
- Sour Cream: Lightens the dressing and lends a little tang.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: For an acidic punch that cuts through the richness and brightens the salad.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds depth and a subtle kick to the dressing.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
How to Make Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad
Step 1: Blanch the Cauliflower
Start with a large pot of boiling water and add those cauliflower florets. Just two minutes does the trick for a perfect crisp-tender bite. Quickly drain and move the florets into an ice bath to lock in their color and stop the cooking process. Drain again and pat them as dry as you can — moisture is not your friend here!
Step 2: Prep the Salad Base
In your biggest mixing bowl, combine the blanched cauliflower with the irresistible crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar, chopped lettuce, and green onions. You’ll already smell how tempting this salad is going to be!
Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing
Grab a small bowl and whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, plus a hit of salt and pepper. You want the dressing to be silky smooth — it should look lush and inviting, exactly right for coating every nook and cranny of the veggies.
Step 4: Toss it All Together
Pour the creamy dressing over the salad mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated. Take your time — you want every piece to get a generous blanket of dressing and all those flavors mingling together.
Step 5: Chill and Let Flavors Mingle
This is the hardest part: cover your salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. The wait lets the flavors meld and develop, making the Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad even more delicious. Serve it chilled and get ready for rave reviews.
How to Serve Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad
Garnishes
Sprinkle on extra crispy bacon bits, a handful of fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives, or extra shredded cheese for a little flair. Even a grind of black pepper or a few halved cherry tomatoes on top can instantly dress it up.
Side Dishes
The Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad makes a standout side for just about anything — think grilled chicken, burgers, or light summer soups. Serve it alongside a crusty loaf of bread or as a hearty filling for lettuce wraps if you’re keeping things low-carb.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon the salad into lettuce cups for a playful, hand-held appetizer, or layer in mason jars for picnics and easy meal prep. A big colorful platter is always welcome at potlucks, and individual bowls feel extra special for a lunch gathering with friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got some Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad left? Just cover and store it in the fridge for up to two days. You’ll notice the flavors get even deeper as it sits, and it makes for a super easy grab-and-go lunch.
Freezing
This isn’t a salad that loves the freezer, since the creamy dressing and crisp veggies can lose their texture when thawed. For best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated within a couple of days.
Reheating
Since it’s meant to be served chilled, there’s no need for reheating! Just spoon it straight from the fridge, give it a quick toss, and it’s ready to go. If things have separated, a gentle stir will bring everything back together.
FAQs
Can I make Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, letting the salad chill for a while makes it even tastier as the flavors blend together. Simply keep it covered in the fridge and serve within 48 hours for best results.
Is this salad keto-friendly or low-carb?
Yes — the Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad is a fantastic option if you’re watching carbs, thanks to the cauliflower base and minimal sugar. Just be mindful of your dressing ingredients and toppings if you’re counting every gram!
What’s the best bacon for this salad?
Aim for a smoky, thick-cut bacon cooked until it’s properly crisp. You can use turkey bacon for a lighter touch, but classic pork bacon delivers the traditional BLT punch.
Can I substitute the mayo or sour cream?
Definitely! Feel free to swap in Greek yogurt for sour cream or use light mayonnaise to make things a little leaner. The texture will be a bit tangier but still delicious.
Can I add other veggies or mix-ins?
Of course! Diced avocado, red onion, or even some sliced radishes all play nicely in this salad. Just make sure not to overload the bowl, so the main BLT flavors still shine.
Final Thoughts
Give this Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad a try and I promise, it’ll turn any meal into a celebration. It’s creamy, crunchy, packed with classic flavors, and just so satisfying. Share a big bowl with friends or save the leftovers for a special treat — either way, you’ll be hooked!
Print
Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes plus chilling
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook (with brief blanching)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad is a delicious low-carb twist on the classic BLT sandwich. This salad features tender cauliflower florets, crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese, all tossed in a creamy dressing. It’s the perfect side dish for picnics, barbecues, or as a light lunch option.
Ingredients
Cauliflower Salad:
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into small florets
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 3 green onions, sliced
Dressing:
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Blanch Cauliflower: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add cauliflower and blanch for 2 minutes. Drain and transfer to an ice bath. Pat dry.
- Prepare Salad: In a large bowl, combine cauliflower, bacon, tomatoes, cheddar, lettuce, and green onions.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Toss Salad: Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Enjoy chilled.
Notes
- For a lower-fat option, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or part of the mayo.
- This salad stays fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days, making it great for meal prep or outings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
