Craving a salad that’s fresh, crunchy, and totally satisfying? This Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad is the answer! It brings all the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich—bacon, lettuce, and tomato—but with a twist that makes it feel light yet indulgent. The cauliflower is the perfect substitute for the usual greens, giving it a satisfying crunch and a creamy dressing that brings everything together. Trust me, you’re going to fall in love with this one. It’s a refreshing and indulgent dish that feels like comfort food, without the heaviness!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why You’ll Love Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad
This recipe isn’t just about tossing some ingredients together; it’s about making a dish that feels indulgent but is still packed with fresh, wholesome goodness. Whether you’re prepping for lunch, looking for a great side dish, or just craving something light yet satisfying, this salad is a total winner. Here’s why:
Versatile: It works perfectly as a side dish at a BBQ, a healthy lunch option, or a lighter dinner. It’s the kind of salad that goes with everything—just imagine serving this alongside grilled chicken or as part of a summer spread.
Simple and Quick: With just a handful of ingredients, this salad comes together in no time. You won’t find yourself fussing over any complicated steps, but the result? Totally impressive.
Light Yet Satisfying: The cauliflower offers a refreshing crunch, while the creamy dressing gives the salad that satisfying richness. It’s the best of both worlds—light but full of flavor.
Crowd-Pleasing: This salad is always a hit! Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or sophisticated palates, everyone loves the familiar comfort of a BLT with the twist of cauliflower. Plus, the creamy dressing makes it even more irresistible!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this light and creamy salad:
Cauliflower: The star of the show! Fresh cauliflower florets provide the crunch you need to make this salad feel hearty and satisfying.
Bacon: The crispy, smoky goodness of bacon takes this salad to the next level, adding that irresistible BLT flavor.
Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy, sweet cherry tomatoes add a burst of color and flavor that’s the perfect complement to the creamy dressing.
Lettuce: Fresh, crisp lettuce brings that classic BLT texture and flavor, balancing the richness of the dressing and bacon.
Green Onions: For a little kick and freshness, chopped green onions are just the thing to tie everything together.
Mayonnaise: The base of the creamy dressing, providing that rich and smooth texture we all crave in a salad like this.
Greek Yogurt: Adds a tangy twist to the dressing while keeping things light and refreshing.
Lemon Juice: For a little zing! Lemon juice brightens up the dressing and enhances all the flavors.
Garlic Powder: To round out the dressing with a savory depth.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to make this salad? Let’s dive right in!
Cook the Bacon: Start by cooking the bacon until crispy. You can do this in a pan or bake it in the oven—either way, make sure it’s nice and crispy! Once done, crumble it into bite-sized pieces and set it aside.
Prepare the Cauliflower: While the bacon is cooking, cut the cauliflower into small florets. You want them to be bite-sized, so they mix well with the other ingredients.
Mix the Dressing: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed!
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower, bacon, cherry tomatoes, and green onions. Pour the creamy dressing over the top and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Serve and Enjoy: This salad is best served chilled, so if you have time, let it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve and enjoy the creamy, crunchy, and flavorful goodness!
How to Serve Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad
This salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes and is a great option for any occasion. Here are some suggestions:
Grilled Meats: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and fresh.
Sandwiches: It’s also a fantastic side to a classic BLT sandwich (or any sandwich, really). The creamy dressing and bacon flavor complement any hearty sandwich beautifully.
Fresh Bread: Enjoy it with a slice of warm, crusty bread to scoop up the creamy dressing and add an extra layer of comfort.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, this salad is perfect on its own. Just grab a bowl and enjoy the crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and creamy dressing.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Make Ahead: You can prepare the salad ahead of time, but I recommend adding the bacon and tomatoes just before serving to keep them fresh and crunchy.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before serving.
Dietary Adjustments: If you need a dairy-free version, swap the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for dairy-free alternatives like avocado mayo and coconut yogurt.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The dressing may thicken a bit, so just give it a good stir before serving again.
Double the Batch: This salad makes a great meal prep option. Double the recipe and enjoy it throughout the week for an easy, satisfying lunch or dinner.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?
A1: Fresh cauliflower works best for the crunch, but if you only have frozen cauliflower, make sure to thaw and dry it thoroughly before using.
Q2: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare everything except the bacon and tomatoes in advance. Just add them right before serving to keep things fresh.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s still delicious the next day!
Q4: Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
A4: Absolutely! Turkey bacon will still give you that smoky flavor with a lighter touch.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this salad?
A5: This salad is best served cold, so I recommend keeping it chilled. However, if you prefer it warm, you can heat the cauliflower slightly in the microwave and add the bacon after.
Q6: Can I add other veggies to this salad?
A6: Yes! You can add cucumbers, bell peppers, or even avocado for extra flavor and texture.
Q7: Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
A7: Yes, you can omit the bacon and replace it with roasted chickpeas or a sprinkle of crispy fried onions for that extra crunch.
Q8: Can I freeze this salad?
A8: This salad is best served fresh, so I don’t recommend freezing it. However, you can freeze the dressing separately and thaw it when ready to serve.
Q9: How do I make this dish spicier?
A9: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the dressing or sprinkle some hot sauce on top before serving for an extra kick!
Q10: Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
A10: Yes! You can use regular yogurt if you prefer a lighter texture, though Greek yogurt gives it that extra creaminess.
Conclusion
This Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad is a delicious, fresh take on a classic flavor combo that’s sure to impress. With its creamy dressing, crispy bacon, and crunchy cauliflower, it’s the kind of dish that you’ll want to make over and over again. Whether you’re serving it at a BBQ, enjoying it for lunch, or just craving something light yet satisfying, this salad has you covered. I can’t wait for you to give it a try—you’re going to love it!
Print
Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
Description
This Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad is a delicious and low-carb twist on the classic BLT. Featuring crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a creamy dressing, this salad is perfect as a side dish or a light meal. It’s a guaranteed hit at any gathering!
Ingredients
-
1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized pieces
-
8 slices bacon, fried and crumbled
-
1 cup diced tomatoes
-
1 cup roughly chopped fresh spinach
-
1/2 cup keto mayonnaise
-
1/2 cup sour cream
-
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
-
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
-
In a large mixing bowl, add cauliflower, bacon, tomatoes, and spinach. Toss to combine.
-
In a small mixing bowl, add the remaining ingredients (keto mayonnaise, sour cream, rice vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper). Stir to combine.
-
Pour the dressing over the cauliflower mixture and toss to combine.
-
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
-
You can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
-
For added flavor, try sprinkling some shredded cheese on top before serving.
-
This salad is perfect for meal prep and can be made a day ahead!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg