Creamy Cauliflower Salad Recipe

Get ready to discover your new favorite side dish: this incredibly delicious creamy cauliflower salad! It’s a fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly satisfying option that brightens any meal. Combining crisp raw cauliflower with crunchy bacon, refreshing lettuce, and a tangy dressing, this salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple weeknight addition. You’ll love how quickly this easy cauliflower salad comes together.

Why You’ll Love This Cauliflower Salad

• Effortless Preparation: This simple cauliflower salad requires minimal cooking and comes together in minutes.
• Refreshing Flavor Profile: Enjoy the delightful crunch of fresh vegetables paired with a zesty, creamy dressing.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: It’s ideal for barbecues, family dinners, or a light and satisfying lunch.
• Packed with Healthy Goodness: You get a wonderful boost of nutrients from the fresh cauliflower and other crisp vegetables.
• Excellent Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the dressing and chop ingredients in advance for quick assembly later.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your refreshing cauliflower salad:

• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped (or any leafy greens)
• 1 head cauliflower, cored, chopped into bite-sized florets
• 1/4 of a red onion, finely chopped (or sweet onion, more if desired)
• 8-10 slices cooked bacon, chopped
• 1 cup mayonnaise (240g) (or 1/2 mayo, 1/2 Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (60mL)
• 1-2 Tablespoons granulated sugar, to taste
• 1 Tablespoon dried basil
• 2 teaspoons prepared yellow mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Dash nutmeg
• Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily customize this vibrant cauliflower dish! For a slightly different texture, roast your cauliflower florets for 15-20 minutes until tender-crisp instead of using them raw. To lighten the dressing, swap half or all the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt. Feel free to use other leafy greens like spinach or kale. Consider adding optional extras such as shredded carrots, diced celery, or a sprinkle of cheese.

Equipment

You won’t need many specialized tools for this easy recipe:

• Large mixing bowl
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or fork
• Airtight container for storage

Instructions

Creating this delightful creamy cauliflower salad is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect result every time:

1. Prepare Cauliflower: First, thoroughly wash your head of cauliflower. Remove the tough core, then chop the florets into uniform, bite-sized pieces. Set them aside in a large bowl.
2. Cook Bacon: Cook your bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until they are perfectly crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. After it cools slightly, chop the crispy bacon into small pieces.
3. Chop Remaining Veggies: Peel and finely chop the red onion. You want small, consistent pieces for the best flavor distribution in the salad.
4. Prepare Lettuce: Wash your romaine lettuce thoroughly under cold running water. Pat it dry, then chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces suitable for a salad.
5. Make Dressing: In a separate medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, and granulated sugar. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth and well combined.
6. Add Dressing Seasonings: Now, stir in the dried basil, prepared yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a dash of nutmeg. Finish with fresh cracked black pepper to taste. Whisk again to ensure all the seasonings are evenly distributed.
7. Chill Dressing: For the absolute best flavor, cover your prepared dressing and refrigerate it for at least one hour. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. You can even make it up to 5 days ahead of time.
8. Combine Salad Ingredients: In your large mixing bowl, add the chopped cauliflower, prepared romaine lettuce, finely chopped red onion, and the crispy chopped bacon.
9. Toss with Dressing: Just before serving, drizzle your desired amount of chilled dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together until the vegetables and bacon are evenly coated.
10. Serve Immediately: This fantastic cauliflower salad is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. Serve it right away to savor its crisp texture.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Chill Your Dressing Longer: For a truly superior flavor experience, let the dressing chill in the refrigerator for several hours or even overnight. The flavors deepen beautifully.
• Blanch Cauliflower for Tenderness: If you prefer a softer texture, briefly blanch your cauliflower florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately plunge them into ice water to stop cooking. Drain well before adding to the salad.
• Control Dressing Quantity: Start with a smaller amount of dressing and add more as needed. You want the ingredients coated, not swimming.
• Prevent Sogginess: To keep your cauliflower salad crisp, only dress it right before serving. This prevents the lettuce and cauliflower from becoming soggy. Proper handling and storage are key to maintaining the freshness and safety of your salad greens, as highlighted by resources like safe handling of salad greens.
• Make-Ahead Assembly: Prepare all your ingredients and the dressing separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge, then combine and toss just before you are ready to eat.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This easy cauliflower salad is incredibly versatile, making it a perfect addition to any meal.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with grilled chicken: Its crispness offers a great contrast to a savory main course.
• Serve as a BBQ side: A refreshing alternative to heavier potato or creamy macaroni salad.
• Offer as a light lunch: Add some grilled shrimp or chickpeas for a complete, satisfying meal.

Storage Instructions

• Store dressing separately: Keep any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Keep salad ingredients un-dressed: Un-dressed salad components can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed container.
• Refrigerate tossed salad: A tossed cauliflower salad will last about 1-2 days, but its crispness will diminish over time.

Variations

• Add cheese: Sprinkle in shredded cheddar, crumbled feta, or goat cheese for extra flavor.
• Propose nuts: Toasted pecans, walnuts, or slivered almonds add a lovely crunch.
• Include other veggies: Diced bell peppers, thawed frozen peas, or shredded carrots are great additions.
• Different herbs: Swap dried basil for fresh dill, chives, or parsley for a different aromatic twist.

Nutrition

This creamy cauliflower salad offers a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Cauliflower is known for being rich in vitamins C and K, and fiber. For detailed nutritional information, the USDA offers comprehensive data on various produce items, including nutritional information on cauliflower. While the exact nutritional content can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, this salad provides a good balance of healthy fats, protein, and complex carbohydrates. You can easily customize it to fit various dietary needs, such as using lighter mayonnaise or adding extra lean protein.

Please note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient modifications.

FAQ

• Can I use frozen cauliflower? Yes, you can. Thaw it completely and pat it very dry before chopping and adding it to the salad to prevent excess moisture.
• How long does this salad last? When dressed, this creamy salad is best enjoyed on the day it’s made, though it can last 1-2 days in the fridge. Un-dressed components last up to 3 days.
• Can I make it vegan? Absolutely! Simply swap the mayonnaise for a vegan mayonnaise alternative and omit the bacon, perhaps replacing it with smoked tofu bits or roasted chickpeas.
• What other proteins can I add? Cooked shredded chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or canned tuna are all excellent additions to boost the protein content of this delightful cauliflower salad.
• Is it gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, provided you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce. Always check ingredient labels to be sure.

Conclusion

This creamy cauliflower salad truly shines as a versatile, flavorful, and incredibly easy dish to prepare. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy fresh vegetables, offering a satisfying crunch and a delightful creamy dressing that everyone will love. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick side or a beginner cook seeking a foolproof recipe, this simple cauliflower salad is perfect for you. Give it a try, share it with your loved ones, and let us know what you think!

Creamy Cauliflower Salad

This vibrant, creamy cauliflower salad combines crisp raw or roasted cauliflower, smoky bacon, lettuce, and a tangy dressing, the perfect refreshing side for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6 people

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 head cauliflower, cored and chopped into florets
• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
• 8–10 slices cooked bacon, chopped
• 1 cup mayonnaise (or half Greek yogurt)
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1–2 tablespoons granulated sugar, to taste
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 dash nutmeg
• to taste fresh cracked black pepper

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Chef's knife
• Cutting Board
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Whisk or fork
• Airtight container for dressing or leftovers

Method

 

1. Wash the cauliflower, remove the core, and chop into bite-sized florets. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
2. Cook the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, cool slightly, then chop into small pieces.
3. Finely chop the red onion and wash and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, and sugar until smooth.
5. Stir in dried basil, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, nutmeg, and cracked pepper. Mix well.
6. Cover the dressing and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld.
7. In a large bowl, combine cauliflower, lettuce, red onion, and bacon.
8. Just before serving, pour desired amount of dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
9. Serve immediately chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Roast or blanch the cauliflower if you prefer a softer texture. Use Greek yogurt to lighten the dressing. Add cheese, toasted nuts, or other veggies like carrots or peas to customize.

Emily Thompson

Emily Thompson is a home cook and food enthusiast who believes that great meals bring families together. She loves exploring creative twists on classic American comfort food, always testing new ideas in her kitchen. Emily is passionate about sharing simple, practical recipes and time-saving tips to help busy people enjoy cooking at home. Her approachable style makes every dish accessible, delicious, and perfect for those seeking inspiration for everyday meals and special occasions. Find Emily’s latest creations and kitchen wisdom on yumeasymeals.com.