Creamy Cauliflower & Lettuce Salad Delight
This Creamy Cauliflower & Lettuce Salad Delight is a beloved dish that boasts a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for potlucks and family gatherings. Its rich, creamy dressing pairs beautifully with the crunchy cauliflower and crisp lettuce, while the savory bacon bits provide a delightful contrast. Whether served at holiday festivities or casual get-togethers, this salad impresses with its vibrant colors and refreshing taste. To elevate its appearance, consider serving it in a beautiful cut glass bowl, making every occasion feel special. For added crunch, slivered almonds can be included, enhancing its appeal. Prepare this salad the night before to allow the flavors to meld, making your culinary preparations easier for larger crowds.
8-10
Servings
80
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
mayonnaise
1 cup (Use Hellmann's or your favorite brand.)
parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons (Grated.)
sugar
2 tablespoons (Granulated.)
cauliflower
1 medium head (Broken into florets.)
lettuce
1 medium head (Torn into bite-sized pieces.)
red onion
1 medium (Thinly sliced.)
bacon bits
1/2 cup (Use high-quality or homemade for best results.)
Instructions
1
In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, and sugar to create a smooth dressing. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
2
In a large mixing bowl, break the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Tear the lettuce into manageable pieces, ensuring they will mix well with the other ingredients.
3
Slice the red onion thinly and add it to the bowl along with the crispy bacon bits.
4
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients evenly, and gently toss to combine without bruising the lettuce.
5
Cover the salad tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, allowing the flavors to develop.
6
Just before serving, give the salad a final toss to distribute the dressing, then serve in a decorative bowl for an appealing presentation.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
4g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cauliflower & Lettuce Salad Delight?
It is a flavorful salad known for its balance of crunchy cauliflower, crisp lettuce, and a rich, creamy Parmesan dressing, making it a favorite for potlucks and gatherings.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve between 8 and 10 people.
What are the main ingredients in the dressing?
The dressing is made from 1 cup of mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
How should the cauliflower be prepared?
One medium head of cauliflower should be broken into small, bite-sized florets.
How do I prepare the lettuce for this salad?
You should take one medium head of lettuce and tear it into manageable, bite-sized pieces.
What type of onion is recommended?
The recipe calls for one medium red onion, which should be thinly sliced.
Can I use any brand of mayonnaise?
Yes, you can use your favorite brand, though the recipe specifically mentions Hellmann's as a good option.
What kind of bacon bits should I use?
For the best results, use 1/2 cup of high-quality store-bought or homemade bacon bits.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 80 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 6 grams of fat in each serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this salad?
Each serving contains 4 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this salad provide?
There are 2 grams of protein per serving.
How long should the salad refrigerate before serving?
The salad needs to be refrigerated for at least 8 hours to allow the flavors to develop properly.
Can I make this salad the night before?
Yes, preparing the salad the night before is recommended to help the flavors meld and make serving easier for large crowds.
What can I add for extra crunch?
You can include slivered almonds to provide an extra layer of crunch and visual appeal.
How should I serve the salad for a special occasion?
Serving the salad in a beautiful cut glass bowl is recommended to elevate its appearance for holidays or special events.
What is the first step in making the dressing?
In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, and sugar to create a smooth mixture and set it aside.
How do I avoid bruising the lettuce while mixing?
Drizzle the dressing over the ingredients evenly and toss gently to ensure the lettuce remains crisp and unbruised.
Should I toss the salad again before serving?
Yes, give the salad a final toss just before serving to redistribute the dressing evenly.
Is this salad suitable for holiday menus?
Absolutely, its vibrant colors and refreshing taste make it a great fit for holiday festivities.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe requires 7 main ingredients.
Is this a vegetarian recipe?
While it is tagged as vegetarian, it contains bacon bits; to make it strictly vegetarian, ensure you use meatless bacon substitutes.
What type of cheese is used?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
Is there any sugar in the recipe?
Yes, there are 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar in the dressing.
What is the preparation time like?
While the active prep is quick, you must factor in the 8-hour refrigeration time for the best results.
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Fresh cauliflower is highly recommended to maintain the crunchy texture that defines this salad.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any remaining salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, the recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings or potlucks.
How should I cover the salad while it chills?
Cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a secure lid.
Why is the dressing made in a separate bowl first?
Mixing the dressing separately ensures a smooth consistency and allows the Parmesan and sugar to integrate fully into the mayonnaise before tossing.