Buffalo Cauliflower Salad with Healthy Ranch Dressing

Full view of buffalo cauliflower salad with avocado and a tangy, herb-infused ranch dressing with Sarah in the background holding the dressing.

Buffalo Cauliflower Salad with Healthy Ranch Dressing

This nutritious and delicious salad combines spicy buffalo cauliflower with a creamy, homemade ranch dressing, perfect for a high-protein, satisfying meal.

Author Sarah Cobacho (plantbaes.com)

PREP TIME30

COOK TIME25

TOTAL TIME55

Servings 2

Course Salad

Cuisine American-Inspired

Keyword avocado, cashews, cauliflower, easy meal, garlic, High Protein, lemon, maple syrup, parsley, ranch dressing, soy milk, tofu

Season Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter

Occasion Super Bowl

Ingredients

Healthy Ranch Dressing

¼ cup cashews
1 clove garlic peeled
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp onion powder
2 dashes freshly cracked black pepper
1 dash sea salt flakes
1 tsp maple syrup optional, adds a touch of sweetness
½ cup soy milk
2 tbsp fresh dill finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
1 tsp dry chives

Buffalo Sauce

2 tbsp hot sauce I used Valentina's
2 tsp olive oil
2 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp sweet paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp maple syrup
1 pinch sea salt flakes

Salad

10 ½ oz extra-firm tofu
½ cauliflower chopped into florets
1 baby gem lettuce roughly chopped
4 mini sweet bell peppers or sub for ½ red bell pepper, diced
½ cup pickled onions
½ avocado diced
2 tbsp pecans chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Healthy Ranch Dressing: Soak the cashews in hot water for 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.
Add the soaked cashews, garlic, lemon juice, onion powder, black pepper, salt, maple syrup, and soy milk to a small blender. Blend until perfectly smooth. Transfer to a jar.
Stir in the dill, parsley, and chives. If you prefer a thicker texture, let it set in the fridge. The longer it sets, the thicker the dressing will be.
Prepare the salad: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare the buffalo coating by combining the hot sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, maple syrup, and sea salt flakes.
Line a large baking tray with parchment paper. Using your hands, break the tofu into small chunks. Spread the tofu and cauliflower onto the baking tray, and coat with the buffalo sauce. Bake for 25 minutes, on the middle rack of the oven.
In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, baked buffalo cauliflower, tofu, bell peppers, pickled onions, avocado, and pecans. Drizzle with the healthy ranch dressing, et voila!

Video

Nutritional Information - Per Serving