Loaded Cauliflower Salad
This Loaded Cauliflower Salad is creamy, cheesy, and packed with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, green onions, and ranch dressing. It’s the perfect low-carb side dish for BBQs, potlucks, holidays, and family dinners.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 HOUR
- Cook Time: 5 MINUTES
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Blanching
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Low-Carb
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 10 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 1½ cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced red onion
- ½ cup sliced green onions
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 3–4 minutes until just fork tender.
Step 2
Immediately drain and rinse with ice-cold water to stop the cooking process. Pat the cauliflower completely dry with paper towels.
Step 3
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 4
In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled cauliflower, bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, and green onions.
Step 5
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
Step 6
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Step 7
Garnish with extra bacon, cheddar cheese, green onions, and parsley before serving.
Notes
- Do not overcook the cauliflower or it will become soft.
- Dry the cauliflower thoroughly so the dressing stays thick and creamy.
- Freshly shredded cheddar melts into the dressing better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Chilling the salad before serving gives the flavors time to develop.
- Add a little extra bacon and green onions just before serving for the best presentation.
Find it online: https://www.firsthomelovelife.com/loaded-cauliflower-salad/