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This easy Cauliflower Salad recipe is loaded with bacon, red onion, and a sweet lemon basil dressing that ties it all together. It’s the perfect make-ahead side dish for potlucks, barbecues, or any weeknight dinner.
Our Cauliflower Salad deserves the hype!
Our Cauliflower Salad deserves the hype!I love everything about this simple cauliflower salad recipe; It’s fresh, crunchy, and loaded with flavor thanks to the crispy bacon, sharp red onion, and the most delicious sweet lemon basil dressing that ties it all together. This recipe comes from my Mom and whether I’m bringing it to a potluck or serving it with dinner at home, it’s always a hit! People go back for seconds and always ask for the recipe.
Don't miss my other easy side dish recipes like Orzo Salad, Grilled Sweet Potatoes, Rice Pilaf, and Shredded Brussels Sprouts!
How to make Cauliflower Salad:
Cut Cauliflower: Remove the leaves, then cut around the stem to release the florets. Slice any large pieces into bite-sized chunks.
Prepare the Dressing: Whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth. Cover and refrigerate. (It can be made several days in advance.)
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower, bacon, and onion. Drizzle with your desired amount of dressing and toss to coat. Add the lettuce and gently toss again until everything is evenly combined. Serve this old fashioned cauliflower salad immediately and enjoy!
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Cauliflower Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 head romaine lettuce, , chopped, or any leafy greens
- 1 head cauliflower, , cored, chopped
- 1/4 of a red onion, , chopped, or sweet onion, more if desired
- 8-10 slices cooked bacon, , chopped
Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise, (240g), (or ½ mayo, ½ Greek yogurt)
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice, (60mL)
- 1-2 Tablespoons granulated sugar, , to taste
- 1 Tablespoon dried basil
- 2 teaspoons prepared yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- dash nutmeg
- fresh cracked black pepper, , to taste
Instructions
- Mix dressing ingredients together. For best results, refrigerate dressing for at least an hour or up to 5 days ahead of time.1 cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice, 1-2 Tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 Tablespoon dried basil, 2 teaspoons prepared yellow mustard, ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, dash nutmeg, fresh cracked black pepper
- Add salad ingredients to a bowl. Toss with desired amount of dressing. Enjoy.1 head romaine lettuce, 1 head cauliflower, ¼ of a red onion, 8-10 slices cooked bacon
Notes
- Vegetarian Cauliflower Salad: Leave out the bacon.
- Add more veggies: Try adding shredded Brussels sprouts, chopped broccoli or carrots with the cauliflower for some extra crunch!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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I originally shared this recipe April 2013. Updated July 2021 and September 2021.
The best salad dressing ever which made the salad a delight. Thank you!
Do you have any suggestion for substitute. My husband doesn’t bacon or pork.
You could do turkey bacon!
Hi Lauren, yesterday I picked up a couple of cauliflowers but are jumbo sized. Can you tell me how many cups of cauliflower would be a good amount to use. Thank you❤️
The most delicious cauliflower salad I have ever tried.
As a follower of Paleo style eating, I had to make a few adjustments. I used coconut aminos in lieu of Worcestershire and only 1/2 teaspoon of coconut sugar. I’m not a fan of anything too sweet. I also used avocado oil mayonnaise by Primal Kitchen.
I had a bag of cauliflower rice from the refrigerated section of the grocery so I used that. I added some shredded carrots for a snap of color.
Everything turned out great! Salads are a staple for me so I’m always on the lookout for new ideas. I find plenty of recipes but most cannot easily be converted to Paleo. You nailed this one!
This was delicious and everyone that tried it wanted more! Thank you for such a delicious recipe! I have made it twice now in two days!
So glad I found this recipe!! Followed the recipe, only substituting a granular sugar substitute for the sugar (my husband is Type 2 Diabetic). Dressing so delicious on it! Took this to a church meal, and some who don’t like cauliflower asked for the recipe. My husband really likes it – he’s a raw cauliflower fan. Thank you!
Worcestershire isn’t vegetarian, so to make it vegetarian you would need to leave out the bacon and Worcestershire sauce.
I made it for my wife’s 81st birthday. Left out the nuts because of allergies. Everyone loved it. Will make it again. Thanks.
I used celery instead of lettuce and pork sausage pieces instead of bacon, only because that’s what I had around. This is absolutely delicious. Even the men of the house enjoyed it! Thank you
My husband and I made this. We also added broccoli! It was fantastic!