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BLT Cauliflower Salad

BLT cauliflower salad with roasted golden cauliflower, crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, and a creamy ranch dressing. Roasted cauliflower stays tender but firm, making this low-carb BLT salad hearty and satisfying.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
chilling 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cauliflower salad base
  • 1 large head cauliflower
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 salt and pepper
  • 10 bacon slices
  • 2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 2 cup romaine lettuce chopped
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Roast the cauliflower
  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F, and set a sheet pan inside to heat up. You want the pan hot so the florets brown as they roast.
  2. Toss the cauliflower with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread it in a single layer so the edges get golden.
  3. Roast for 20-25 minutes at 425°F until golden and tender. Halfway through, spread the florets for even browning.
  4. Let the cauliflower cool completely on the sheet pan. Cooling prevents the salad from getting watery when you add the tomatoes and lettuce.
Assemble the BLT salad
  1. Combine the cauliflower, bacon, cherry tomatoes, and romaine lettuce in a bowl. Fold gently so the lettuce stays crisp.
  2. Mix the ranch dressing, mayonnaise, and lemon juice in a separate bowl until smooth. The lemon keeps the creamy dressing bright.
  3. Toss the salad with the dressing. Make sure every bite is coated, then top with shredded cheddar.
  4. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving. Chilling helps the flavors meld and slightly softens the roasted cauliflower without losing its bite.

Notes

Pro tip: roast the cauliflower on a preheated sheet pan and cool it fully before assembling to keep the romaine from wilting. Store covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days; it also freezes poorly due to the fresh lettuce. For a dairy-light option, swap cheddar and ranch for a lactose-free or dairy-free version if desired while keeping the rest the same.