Name: Ranch Cauliflower Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 medium head of cauliflower (cut into bite-sized florets); 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 1/2 cup cucumber (diced); 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped); 1/4 cup cooked (diced turkey bacon or turkey sausage); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped); 2 tablespoons fresh chives (chopped); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; 1 teaspoon dried dill; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper (to taste)

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Whip up my Ranch Cauliflower Salad, a crunchy, refreshing star in any Cauliflower Salad Recipe collection that’s perfect for warm days or quick meals! This vibrant dish combines crisp cauliflower, fresh veggies, and a creamy homemade ranch dressing, making it an ideal side or light lunch. With just 15 minutes of prep and no cooking (beyond prepping the turkey bacon), it’s a healthy, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Ranch Cauliflower Salad

I love this Ranch Cauliflower Salad because it’s a standout Cauliflower Salad Recipe, delivering bold flavors and satisfying textures with minimal effort. The crunchy cauliflower, tangy ranch dressing, and fresh herbs create a perfect balance, while the addition of turkey bacon adds a savory twist. It’s quick, versatile, and packed with wholesome ingredients, making it a go-to for summer barbecues, potlucks, or a nutritious snack.

Ingredients for Ranch Cauliflower Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Ranch Cauliflower Salad (serves 4):

1 medium head cauliflower (about 4 cups), cut into bite-sized florets
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup cucumber, diced
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
¼ cup cooked turkey bacon, diced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped

For the Ranch Dressing:

½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tsp dried dill
1 tsp dried parsley
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
¼ tsp kosher salt
⅛ tsp black pepper

Ingredient Tips:

Cauliflower: Fresh florets ensure maximum crunch for this Cauliflower Salad Recipe; rinse and dry well.
Turkey Bacon: Adds smoky flavor; regular bacon or vegan bacon works too.
Greek Yogurt: Substitutes sour cream for a tangier, lighter dressing; use full-fat for creaminess.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley and chives boost flavor; dried herbs can work in a pinch for the salad.
Mayonnaise: Use a high-quality brand for a smooth, rich dressing base.

Directions for Ranch Cauliflower Salad

Prep Vegetables

I cut 1 medium head of cauliflower into bite-sized florets, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice ½ cup cucumber, finely chop ¼ cup red onion, and dice ¼ cup cooked turkey bacon. I combine these with 2 tbsp each of chopped parsley and chives in a large bowl for this Ranch Cauliflower Salad.

Make Ranch Dressing

In a small bowl, I whisk ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup Greek yogurt, 1 tsp dried dill, 1 tsp dried parsley, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, 1 tsp lemon juice, ¼ tsp salt, and ⅛ tsp pepper until creamy and well-blended.

Toss Salad

I pour the ranch dressing over the vegetable mixture and gently toss to coat evenly, ensuring every floret is covered in tangy flavor.

Chill

I refrigerate the Ranch Cauliflower Salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld, enhancing the taste and texture.

Serve

I serve this Cauliflower Salad Recipe chilled, perfect as a refreshing side for grilled meats or a light, healthy lunch.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~180 kcal per serving
Macros per Serving: 12g carbs, 8g protein, 22g fat, 4g fiber

Variations for Ranch Cauliflower Salad

I love mixing up this Ranch Cauliflower Salad for variety. Here are some ideas:

Meat Swap: Replace turkey bacon with crispy pancetta, regular bacon, or omit for a vegetarian Cauliflower Salad Recipe.
Veggie Add-Ins: Toss in diced bell peppers or radishes for extra crunch and color.
Lighter Dressing: Use all Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lower-calorie, tangier dressing.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeño for a subtle kick.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle in toasted almonds or sunflower seeds for added texture.

Storage

I store Ranch Cauliflower Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days to keep it fresh and crunchy. I give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing. Freezing is not recommended, as it can make the cauliflower soggy and the dressing watery. For prepping ahead, I store the vegetables and dressing separately, combining them just before chilling to maintain texture.

FAQs About Ranch Cauliflower Salad

Can I make Ranch Cauliflower Salad vegan?
Yes, use vegan mayonnaise and coconut yogurt, and swap turkey bacon for a plant-based bacon alternative or skip it entirely.

How long does Ranch Cauliflower Salad stay fresh?
It stays crisp for up to 2 days in an airtight container in the fridge, but it’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture.

Can I prep Ranch Cauliflower Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely, prepare it a few hours ahead and chill, or store veggies and dressing separately to combine before serving.

What can I use instead of turkey bacon in this Cauliflower Salad Recipe?
Try regular bacon, pancetta, or leave it out for a vegetarian version.

Is Ranch Cauliflower Salad low-carb or keto-friendly?
Yes, with low-carb cauliflower and veggies, plus a high-fat dressing, it’s suitable for low-carb or keto diets.

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Conclusion

This Ranch Cauliflower Salad is a fresh, flavorful highlight among any Cauliflower Salad Recipe, perfect for summer gatherings or quick lunches. I love how its crunchy cauliflower, vibrant veggies, and creamy ranch dressing come together in just 15 minutes, creating a versatile dish that’s both healthy and satisfying. Try this easy recipe, share your creations on social media, and explore more delicious ideas at Food and Tips. It’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!