Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower and Ranch Salad Bowls
Spicy, crispy cauliflower bites nestled in a vibrant salad, drizzled with cool ranch dressing—a crowd-pleasing bowl that's both satisfying and fresh.
Total: 40 minPrep: 20 minCook: 20 min4 servingsDifficulty: Easy⭐ 4.8 (120+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup Frank's RedHot Sauce
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1 recipe homemade or store-bought ranch dressing
Steps
- 1 Preheat oven to 425°F.
- 2 Toss cauliflower florets with flour, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- 3 Spread seasoned cauliflower on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- 4 In a bowl, mix Frank's RedHot Sauce with melted butter.
- 5 Toss hot cauliflower in the buffalo sauce until well-coated.
- 6 In large bowls, layer mixed greens and cherry tomatoes.
- 7 Top with buffalo cauliflower and crumbled blue cheese.
- 8 Drizzle with ranch dressing before serving.
Equipment
- baking sheet
- mixing bowls
- tongs
Variations
- Substitute blue cheese with feta for a tangy twist.
- Add avocado slices for extra creaminess.
Substitutions
- Use almond flour for a gluten-free option.
- Swap ranch dressing with Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative.
Pairings
- Serve with a chilled glass of lager.
- Perfect alongside garlic knots or warm pita bread.
Nutrition
Calories:
350 kcal
Fat:
22g fat
Carbs:
28g carbohydrates
Protein:
8g protein
Fiber:
6g fiber
Sugar:
6g sugar
Sodium:
700mg sodium
Tips
- For extra crispiness, soak cauliflower in ice water for 30 minutes before seasoning.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your spice tolerance.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing: Does not freeze well due to the salad components.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with warm breadsticks for a complete meal.
- Add grilled chicken for extra protein.
FAQ
Can I make this vegan?
Yes, omit the blue cheese and use a vegan ranch dressing.
Can I use another hot sauce?
Certainly! Any hot sauce will work, but adjust quantities to taste.