YaYa’s Cauliflower Salad
This old-fashioned cauliflower salad is light, crunchy, and full of fresh flavor. The crisp romaine lettuce is tossed in a creamy Parmesan dressing with garlic and lemon, topped with buttery bread crumbs, and finished with grated cauliflower for a delightful contrast of texture. It’s the perfect make-right-before-serving salad that’s both beautiful and refreshing.
Ingredients
- ½ head cauliflower grated
- 1 cup dry bread crumbs
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 13 oz romaine lettuce 9–10 cups bite-size pieces
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 small clove garlic mashed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small skillet, brown bread crumbs in melted butter until golden. Set aside to cool.
- Tear romaine into bite-size pieces and place in a large salad bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and mashed garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the lettuce and toss well to coat.
- Sprinkle browned bread crumbs on top but do not toss.
- Grate cauliflower and sprinkle it evenly over the top.
- Serve immediately without tossing to maintain texture and freshness.
Yaya’s Tips for Success
To keep your salad crisp and flavorful, always wait until just before serving to add the bread crumbs and cauliflower. This keeps them from softening too quickly.
- Use freshly grated cauliflower for the best crunch.
- Chill the dressing before mixing to enhance flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Yaya’s Customization Ideas
You can easily make this recipe your own by changing up a few ingredients.
- Try adding diced bacon or shredded cheddar for a heartier version.
- A touch of red onion or cherry tomatoes also adds beautiful color and tang.
For another refreshing salad, try Southern Cole Slaw or Apple Chicken Salad. Both pair beautifully with summer meals or holiday spreads.
Yaya’s Original Recipe Card
