Cauliflower Summer Salad 🥗
Description: A wonderful full flavor salad, perfect for summer when the vegetables are in season. This salad is great for picnics, potlucks, or any family outing. The longer it sits, the better the flavor becomes.
Recipe Category: Lunch/Snacks 🍽️
Keywords: Cauliflower, Vegetable, Kid Friendly, Potluck, Summer, Weeknight, Refrigerator, < 4 Hours, Easy
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 716
- Fat Content: 58.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 19.6g
- Cholesterol Content: 117.2mg
- Sodium Content: 1523.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 28.1g
- Fiber Content: 3.8g
- Sugar Content: 17.4g
- Protein Content: 21.1g
Recipe Yield: 1 large bowl
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Cauliflower |
| 1 | Broccoli |
| 1/3 cup | Parmesan cheese |
| 1/3 cup | Onion |
| 1/4 cup | Sugar |
| 2 slices | Bacon |
| 1 | Carrot |
Instructions:
- Prepare the Salad Dressing:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the salad dressing, ranch mix, Parmesan cheese, diced onion, and sugar. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a skillet, brown the bacon until crispy. Once done, drain the excess fat and crumble the bacon into small pieces. Add the bacon to the salad dressing mixture and set aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Clean the cauliflower and broccoli, cutting them into bite-sized pieces. Drain them well to remove excess moisture.
- Slice the Carrot:
- Peel the carrot and slice it thinly. Mix the sliced carrot with the other prepared vegetables.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the prepared vegetables to the salad dressing mixture. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill the Salad:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste of the salad.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once properly chilled, serve the cauliflower summer salad as a refreshing side dish or a light meal. Enjoy the crisp textures and vibrant flavors of this delightful summer salad.
Recipe Notes:
- For added crunch, you can sprinkle some toasted nuts or seeds on top before serving.
- Feel free to customize this salad by adding other seasonal vegetables or your favorite toppings.
- This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon or substitute it with crispy tofu or tempeh.
- Adjust the sweetness of the salad dressing according to your taste preferences by adding more or less sugar.
- Don’t skip the chilling step, as it allows the flavors to develop and ensures that the salad is refreshing when served.
- This cauliflower summer salad is not only delicious but also nutritious, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the fresh vegetables. Enjoy it as a wholesome addition to your summer menu!
