Name: Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large head cauliflower (cut into bite-sized florets); 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled); 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 2 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional); 1/4 cup chopped green onions; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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If you adore all the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich but want something a little lighter, more veggie-forward, and altogether irresistible, you’re in for a treat with this Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad. This recipe transforms simple, fresh ingredients into a bowlful of crunch, creaminess, and smoky bacon goodness, tossed together with a tangy homemade dressing. It’s the kind of dish that’s destined to become a favorite for potlucks, meal prep, or just whenever you’re craving something hearty yet refreshing.

Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad is how every component is carefully chosen to deliver texture, taste, and vibrant color in every bite. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, so don’t be tempted to skip anything—the results are so much greater than the sum of their parts!

Cauliflower florets: The perfectly crisp and mild base that soaks up the creamy dressing.
Bacon: Smoky, salty, and crunchy, bacon brings all the nostalgic BLT flavors front and center.
Cherry tomatoes: These juicy pops of sweetness add color and a fresh, tangy contrast.
Romaine or iceberg lettuce: Chopped for extra crunch and that signature BLT experience.
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): A little richness and sharpness—skip if you’re dairy-free or keeping things lighter.
Green onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor to round things out without overpowering.
Mayonnaise: The creamy foundation for a luscious dressing.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds tang and even more creaminess—choose yogurt for a lighter touch.
Apple cider vinegar: Lifts the dressing with a tart pop that balances the richness.
Dijon mustard: A secret weapon for depth and zing in the dressing.
Garlic powder: For that subtle savory kick.
Salt and black pepper: Simple but essential for bringing all the flavors to life.

How to Make Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad

Step 1: Prep and Blanch the Cauliflower

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. While it’s heating, cut your cauliflower into bite-sized florets—you want them small enough to mix easily, but hefty enough to give you a real bite. Once the water is boiling, add the florets and cook for just 2 to 3 minutes. The goal is tender-crisp, not mushy! As soon as they’re ready, scoop them into an ice bath to halt the cooking. Once cooled, drain them well and gently pat dry with paper towels. This step ensures your Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad stays crisp and never watery.

Step 2: Cook and Crumble the Bacon

While your cauliflower is cooling off, cook your bacon until it’s right at the edge of crispy—enough to hold its shape and add crunch, but not teeth-breakingly hard. Drain it on a paper towel and let it cool, then crumble or chop into bite-sized pieces. This step brings out those iconic smoky flavors that make a BLT so special.

Step 3: Chop and Combine the Veggies

Grab a large mixing bowl and add your blanched cauliflower florets. Toss in the cherry tomatoes (halved for easy eating), chopped lettuce, green onions, and cheese if you’re using it. This is where the salad really begins to come alive with color and a variety of textures.

Step 4: Whisk the Creamy Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until your dressing is smooth and glossy. Taste it—you want tang, creaminess, and a little zing. Adjust the seasonings if you need to; you can always add more vinegar for tartness or more pepper for a stronger finish.

Step 5: Toss Everything Together

Pour the dressing over the cauliflower mixture and toss everything gently to coat each piece evenly. Folding gently is key—you don’t want to mash your veggies, just cover them all in that dreamy, creamy dressing. At this point, your Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad is almost ready to enjoy!

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl and refrigerate your salad for at least 30 minutes. This short chill gives the flavors a chance to meld and soak into every bite, making the salad even better. Serve your Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad cold for the ultimate refreshing crunch.

How to Serve Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad

Garnishes

For extra color and a touch of flair, sprinkle a few more crumbles of bacon and a handful of green onions or chives right before serving. A light dusting of smoked paprika or extra cheese can really make this Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad pop—don’t be shy about letting your garnishes shine!

Side Dishes

This salad shines as a picnic or potluck hero, pairing beautifully with grilled chicken, burgers, or even a simple soup. It’s hearty enough to be a light lunch on its own, or you can serve it alongside other summery salads and barbecue classics.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful in your presentation by serving Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad in individual mason jars for picnics, or as lettuce cups for a handheld, appetizer-style option. Layer it in a trifle bowl for a pretty look at all those colorful layers or scoop it into halved avocados for an elegant upgrade.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, transfer your Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen, and the cauliflower holds up especially well without getting soggy.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad. Creamy dressings can separate and the vegetables may lose their crunch and become watery after thawing. Enjoy it freshly made or within a few days of chilling.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If needed, let it sit out for 10–15 minutes after pulling from the fridge so the dressing softens slightly. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as this can change the texture and flavors.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a few hours ahead of time allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Just wait to add extra bacon or any crunchy toppings until just before serving.

What’s the best way to cook the bacon for this salad?

Pan-frying until crisp is the classic method, but baking the bacon in the oven at 400°F on a rack is easy and yields perfectly even, crispy results. Blot with paper towels, then crumble.

Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?

Fresh cauliflower is definitely best for Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad, as it provides a much better crunch and doesn’t get watery. Frozen can be used in a pinch, but be sure to drain and dry it thoroughly.

Is there a dairy-free version of this salad?

Absolutely! Use a plant-based mayonnaise and swap the sour cream or yogurt for a dairy-free alternative. Skip the cheese or choose a vegan shredded cheese if you enjoy that extra richness.

Can I add other ingredients to make it my own?

Go for it! Diced avocado, chopped hard-boiled eggs, or even a handful of sliced black olives make delicious additions. The recipe is wonderfully flexible—feel free to customize your Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad to suit your cravings.

Final Thoughts

Whenever you need a crowd-pleaser that’s creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor, give this Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad a try. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to bring to every gathering—or maybe just enjoy all to yourself! Happy crunching!

Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful twist on the classic BLT, this Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad is a refreshing and flavorful low-carb dish perfect for any occasion. With crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and a creamy dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale

Cauliflower Salad:

1 large head cauliflower (cut into bite-sized florets)

Other Ingredients:

6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
2 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
1/4 cup chopped green onions

For the dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare Cauliflower: Blanch cauliflower florets in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes, then shock in ice water. Drain and dry.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cauliflower, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, and green onions.
Make Dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Toss and Chill: Pour dressing over salad, toss to coat, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Serve: Enjoy chilled.