Creamy Cauliflower Salad – A Refreshing Side Dish
Creamy cauliflower salad is a light and refreshing side dish that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a healthy addition to your everyday meals. It combines the mild, nutty flavor of cauliflower with a creamy dressing, a hint of crunch from bacon, and a burst of freshness from green onions and parsley. This salad is easy to make and a great way to enjoy the benefits of cauliflower in a delicious way. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4-5 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Creamy Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cauliflower:
- Wash the cauliflower and cut it into bite-sized florets. Steam or blanch the cauliflower until it’s crisp-tender, about 3-4 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Pat it dry with paper towels.
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a skillet, cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Once cooked, place it on paper towels to remove excess grease. Crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and garlic powder until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cauliflower florets, crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, and chopped parsley. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the Dressing:
- Pour the creamy dressing over the cauliflower mixture. Gently toss everything together until the cauliflower is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the creamy cauliflower salad as a side dish at your next meal or as a delicious and healthy addition to your picnic or barbecue spread.
Cook’s Notes:
- Fresh vs. Frozen Cauliflower: While fresh cauliflower is ideal, you can use frozen cauliflower florets if they’re more convenient. Just make sure to blanch or steam them until they are thawed and crisp-tender.
- Make It Ahead: This salad can be made a day in advance. In fact, it often tastes even better after the flavors have melded in the refrigerator.
- Variations: Feel free to customize your cauliflower salad with additional ingredients like shredded cheese, chopped red onions, or even roasted nuts for added crunch.
Creamy cauliflower salad is a wonderful way to enjoy the goodness of cauliflower in a new and tasty format. Its creamy dressing and the contrasting textures make it a delightful and healthy addition to any meal. Enjoy! 🥦🥓🥗😋
