Creamy Ranch Cauliflower Salad
Here’s a delicious, refreshing, and low-carb recipe for Creamy Ranch Cauliflower Salad – packed with crunchy veggies, tossed in a tangy ranch dressing, and perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or make-ahead lunches.
Required time
Total Time: 20–25 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time (optional): 1 hour
Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Salad:
1 medium head of cauliflower, chopped into small bite-sized florets (about 5–6 cups)
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup chopped celery
¼ cup red onion, finely Chopped
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
2 tbsp chopped chives or green onions
Optional Add-ins:
½ cup diced cucumber or bell pepper
¼ cup sliced black olives
2 boiled eggs, chopped (for a protein boost)
For the Creamy Ranch Dressing:
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp buttermilk (or regular milk)
1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade — see below)
1 tsp lemon juice or white vinegar
Salt & pepper to taste
Homemade Ranch Seasoning (for 1 tbsp):
1 tsp dried dill
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp dried parsley
¼ tsp salt
⅛ tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Prep the Cauliflower:
Wash and chop the cauliflower into small, even florets.
Optional: Blanch the florets in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and cool – this softens the crunch slightly without making it mushy. Or leave raw for full crunch.
2. Mix the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower, tomatoes, celery, onion, cheddar, bacon, and chives.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayo, buttermilk, lemon juice, and ranch seasoning until smooth.
Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.
4. Combine:
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until all ingredients are coated.
Cover and chill for at least 30–60 minutes for best flavor, though it can be served immediately.
5. Serve:
Garnish with extra chives, cheese, or bacon before serving.
Storage
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Best served cold or at room temperature.
Variations
Keto-friendly: Use full-fat sour cream and mayo; skip tomatoes for fewer carbs.
Dairy-free: Use plant-based sour cream and mayo alternatives.
Protein-packed: Add chopped grilled chicken or chickpeas.
Nutrition information
Calories: 230
Protein: 8g
Fat: 18g
Carbs: 7g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g