Description
Ranch Cauliflower Salad is a crisp and creamy side dish featuring cauliflower florets tossed with ranch dressing, bacon, cheddar cheese, and fresh vegetables. It’s a low-carb, colorful, and flavorful alternative to traditional side salads.
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3/4 cup ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cut cauliflower into small florets and steam or blanch for 2–3 minutes. Let cool completely.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled cauliflower, bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, celery, and cherry tomatoes.
- Pour ranch dressing over the mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Before serving, toss the salad again and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Blanch cauliflower briefly to retain crunch and color.
- Use thick-cut bacon for added texture.
- Homemade or store-bought ranch dressing can be used.
- Salad can be made a day ahead for enhanced flavor.
- Add nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
