BLT Cauliflower Salad (Printable)

Roasted cauliflower meets classic BLT flavors in this hearty, satisfying dish.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
02 - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
04 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced

→ Meat

05 - 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled

→ Dairy

06 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
07 - 1/4 cup sour cream
08 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
09 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

→ Herbs & Spices

10 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
11 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Optional

13 - 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Spread cauliflower florets on the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season lightly with salt and black pepper. Roast for 20–25 minutes until golden and tender, stirring halfway through. Let cool.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
04 - Add roasted cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, romaine lettuce, green onions, crumbled bacon, and cheddar cheese (if using) to the bowl. Gently toss to coat everything in the dressing.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately or chill for up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The roasted cauliflower gets these golden crispy edges that make it feel substantial, not like sad diet food
  • You can prep everything ahead and toss it together right before serving, which is a lifesaver for busy weeknights
02 -
  • Let the roasted cauliflower cool completely before tossing, or it'll wilt the romaine into something sad and limp
  • The flavors actually get better after an hour or two in the fridge, so this is perfect for meal prep
03 -
  • Don't overcrowd the baking sheet when roasting cauliflower, or you'll steam it instead of getting those crispy edges
  • Taste the dressing before adding it, smoked paprika brands vary wildly in intensity