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BLT Cauliflower Salad

BLT cauliflower salad with roasted cauliflower, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing. Golden cauliflower, juicy cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheddar come together as a low-carb, keto-friendly side.
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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: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

cauliflower
  • 1 large head cauliflower
olive oil
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
seasoning
  • 0.25 tsp Salt and pepper
bacon
  • 10 slice bacon Cooked and crumbled
cherry tomatoes
  • 2 cup cherry tomatoes Halved
romaine lettuce
  • 2 cup romaine lettuce Chopped
ranch dressing
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
mayonnaise
  • 0.25 cup mayonnaise
lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese Shredded

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Roast the cauliflower
  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and set out a sheet pan. You want the pan ready so the cauliflower roasts quickly for a golden color.
  2. Toss the cauliflower with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Coat the florets evenly so they brown and stay tender.
  3. Roast for 20-25 minutes at 425°F until golden and tender. Look for browned edges and a pierceable core.
  4. Let the cauliflower cool completely. The salad dressing won’t thin out or get watery if the cauliflower is fully cool.
Assemble and chill
  1. Combine the cauliflower, bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce in a bowl. Toss gently so everything is distributed before dressing.
  2. Mix the ranch dressing, mayonnaise, and lemon juice in a separate bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy for an even coat.
  3. Toss the salad with the dressing and top with cheddar. Keep the cheddar on top so it stays visibly sprinkled.
  4. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving. The flavors meld and the salad holds its texture.

Notes

Pro tip: roast the cauliflower on a preheated sheet pan and spread into a single layer for deeper golden spots. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; the salad does not freeze well. For a lower-carb swap, use a ranch dressing made with sugar-free ingredients to keep it keto-friendly.