If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing salad, this Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad is about to become your new obsession. It’s a fresh, flavor-packed twist on the classic BLT, but with tender-crisp cauliflower standing in for bread, letting all those glorious bacon, lettuce, and tomato flavors shine through—and bathing them in a tangy, creamy dressing that pulls everything together. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or keto lovers, this dish brings color, crunch, and utter deliciousness to your table in every bite.

Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad is made from simple, familiar ingredients, each offering a unique touch—whether it’s texture, flavor, or creaminess. Trust me, every ingredient really earns its place in this bowl.

Cauliflower: Swapping out bread for bite-sized cauliflower florets makes this salad both hearty and low-carb, without skimping on satisfaction.
Bacon: Six slices of crispy bacon, cooked and crumbled, deliver irresistible smoky-salty flavor in every forkful.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy bursts of tomato add color and a summery kick to balance the richness of the dressing.
Romaine or Iceberg Lettuce: A cup of chopped greens brings an essential crispness—just like the lettuce in your favorite BLT.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional): Cheddar offers creamy, cheesy depth; totally optional but absolutely delicious if you’re a cheese lover.
Mayonnaise: The foundation for the creamy dressing, lending classic deli-salad richness.
Sour Cream: A half cup brings a touch of tang and lightness, keeping the dressing from feeling too heavy.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Its gentle acidity brightens everything up and keeps the salad tasting lively and fresh.
Dijon Mustard: Just a teaspoon amps up the flavor and adds subtle heat, making the dressing more interesting.
Garlic Powder: This little pinch gives savory depth to the dressing, echoing classic ranch flavors.
Salt and Black Pepper: Don’t skip these—seasoning is essential to tie all the flavors together brightly and boldly.

How to Make Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad

Step 1: Blanch the Cauliflower

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your cauliflower florets and let them cook for just two to three minutes—they should be fork-tender but still a little crisp. Drain them right away and shock the florets under cold running water to halt the cooking and lock in that gorgeous color. Pat dry with paper towels so the salad doesn’t get watery later on.

Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Dressing

While the cauliflower dries, grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a generous pinch each of salt and black pepper. The result is a velvety, tangy dressing that clings perfectly to every ingredient.

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

Now it’s time for the magic! Add the cooled cauliflower florets, chopped lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, crispy bacon, and cheddar cheese (if you’re using it) right into the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything to ensure every piece is coated in that luscious creamy sauce—it’s what turns everyday ingredients into the signature Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad experience!

Step 4: Chill and Serve

To really let the flavors meld, cover your salad and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time makes all the difference, marrying all of those smoky, savory, creamy notes together. Serve the salad cold and enjoy every dreamy, refreshing bite!

How to Serve Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad

Garnishes

A handful of fresh chives, more crumbled bacon, or a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar makes a beautiful finishing touch. For a little color, add a few more halved cherry tomatoes right before serving—so eye-catching!

Side Dishes

This salad is a star all on its own, but it pairs with all your summer favorites. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, or burgers at your next cookout for a complete meal that satisfies absolutely everyone.

Creative Ways to Present

Tired of the same old serving bowls? Try spooning Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad into lettuce cups for party-perfect bites, mound it high on a platter lined with more romaine leaves, or layer it in mason jars for a fun and portable lunch option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have extra Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad? Just store it in an airtight container in your refrigerator—it’s best enjoyed within two days for optimal crunch and flavor. The bacon may soften a bit the second day, but the taste will still be spot-on.

Freezing

Salads with mayonnaise-based dressings like this one don’t freeze well, since the creamy texture can break and turn watery after thawing. For best results, make only as much as you’ll enjoy within a couple of days.

Reheating

This dish is all about cool, creamy refreshment, so skip the reheating. Just give it a quick stir before serving if any dressing has separated or settled, and enjoy it straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the sour cream for a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free mayonnaise. Skip the cheddar or substitute your favorite vegan cheese to keep all that creamy goodness without any dairy.

What’s the best way to keep the salad from getting soggy?

Be sure to thoroughly dry the cauliflower after blanching—this really helps the salad stay crisp. Also, avoid chopping the lettuce too fine, as bigger pieces hold up better in the dressing.

Is there a lighter way to make Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad?

Definitely! Substitute Greek yogurt for the mayo or sour cream, or use a mix of half and half. This tweak keeps the salad creamy while lightening up the calories and adding a bit of extra tang.

Can I prepare the salad in advance for a party?

You can prep all your ingredients and even make the dressing the day before—just store everything separately. Toss it all together no more than an hour before serving for the freshest, crispest results.

How can I add more veggies?

Feel free to customize—diced cucumber, red onion, or even chopped bell peppers are all amazing additions. Just make sure the overall crunch of the salad still shines!

Final Thoughts

Give yourself (and your lucky friends!) a reason to crave salad with this easy, flavor-packed Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad. It brings together everything you love about a classic BLT, plus a healthy, hearty twist thanks to the cauliflower. I hope you love each crunchy, creamy bite as much as I do—don’t be surprised when it disappears in a flash!

Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy BLT Cauliflower Salad is a delightful low-carb dish that combines the flavors of a classic BLT sandwich with the freshness of cauliflower. This creamy salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

Ingredients

Scale

Cauliflower Salad:

1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

Additional Ingredients:

6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Blanch Cauliflower: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cauliflower florets and blanch for 2–3 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Drain and rinse with cold water. Pat dry.
Make Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine Ingredients: Add cauliflower, lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, and cheddar cheese to the bowl. Toss gently to coat.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve chilled.