Topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, and creamy Ranch dressing, this Loaded Bacon Ranch Cauliflower Salad recipe is a delicious low carb side dish. It’s equally as delicious as a barbecue or weeknight side any time of the year.
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It all started with a simple recipe for Loaded Cauliflower Bites. My obsession with creating low carb, keto-friendly cauliflower recipes just keeps growing.
The more flavor I can add to it, the better. And this Loaded Bacon Ranch Cauliflower Salad definitely brings the flavor!
This recipe was inspired by a somewhat similar potato dish I saw in a magazine and the fact that I often see loaded french fries served with ranch dressing. I figured if the combination works for potatoes, I could easily substitute cauliflower to make a delicious recipe suitable for low carb diets.
If you’re not following a keto or low-carb diet, but enjoy cauliflower, you will still love this recipe.
Why This Recipe Works
- This is a great dish to make as a side all year long. It’s especially delicious as a side during barbecues and cookouts.
- It’s a unique dish that you can bring to pot-lucks or a get-together with family and friends. Who doesn’t love food covered in bacon and cheese?
- This is a super easy low carb recipe that can be tossed together pretty quickly. It’s also gluten free.
How to Make Loaded Bacon Ranch Cauliflower Salad
Prep!
Cut the cauliflower into bite size pieces. Shred the cheese, dice the onion and celery, and thinly slice the green onions. If you don’t have leftover bacon to use, you will need to cook and crumble that as well.
Tip: shred the cheese from a block, rather than using pre-shredded bagged cheese, for the best results.
If you are going to steam the cauliflower in a steamer pot, you will want to get the water on the stove top to boil as soon as possible. Directions on how to steam the cauliflower in the microwave are included in the recipe card notes.
Create!
Steam the cauliflower in a steamer pot or the microwave until fork tender. Drain, and run under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Place in a medium-size bowl.
Stir together the ranch dressing, celery, cheddar cheese, and half of the bacon until well combined.
Pour over the cauliflower and toss to combine.
Present!
Place in a serving dish and top with extra cheddar cheese, the remaining bacon, and green onions.
Tip: you can easily adjust any of the ingredients to suit your own tastes. Just be aware that any changes you make to the recipe as written will affect the nutritional information.
Tips and Techniques for the Best Loaded Bacon Ranch Cauliflower Salad
- Shred the cheese from a block, rather than using pre-shredded bagged cheese, for the best results.
- Adjust any of the ingredients to suit your own tastes. Just be aware that any changes to the recipe will alter the nutritional information.
- Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3-4 days.
FAQ’s
- Is Ranch dressing keto? Ranch dressing is very low in carbs. If you are following a strict keto diet, you will want to check the ingredients before purchasing a Ranch dressing.
- Can you make Loaded Bacon Ranch Cauliflower Salad ahead of time? Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. Keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
More Low Carb Cauliflower Recipes to Try
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Loaded Bacon Ranch Cauliflower Salad
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower * cut into bite size pieces
- 8 slices bacon * cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese * shredded
- 1/4 cup celery * diced small
- 2 green onions * sliced thin for garnish
Instructions
- Set a steamer pot filled 2/3rds of the way full with water over high heat to bring to a boil.
- Add cauliflower florets and steam until fork-tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain the water, and run the cauliflower under cold water to stop the cooking process. Place in a medium-size bowl.
- Mix together the ranch dressing, celery, cheddar cheese, and half of the bacon until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the cauliflower and toss to combine.
- Place in a serving dish and top with extra cheddar cheese, the remaining bacon, and green onions, if desired.
Notes
Tips and Techniques for the Best Loaded Bacon Ranch Cauliflower Salad
- Shred the cheese from a block, rather than using pre-shredded bagged cheese, for the best results.
- Adjust any of the ingredients to suit your own tastes. Just be aware that any changes to the recipe will alter the nutritional information.
- Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3-4 days.
How to Steam Cauliflower in the Microwave
To steam cut cauliflower in the microwave, place it in a microwave-safe bowl with 1/2 cup of water. Cover with plastic wrap, leaving one edge slightly open to vent. Microwave on high for 6-8 minutes, until it reaches desired level of tenderness. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process. ** Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary.Nutrition
This recipe was originally published August 24, 2017. It was updated with new images, more thorough instructions, tips, techniques, and FAQ’s in December 2019.
