Buffalo Cauliflower Chopped Salad with Hemp Seed Ranch
This buffalo cauliflower chopped salad is full of crispy buffalo cauliflower, lots of crunchy veggies, spices and herbs, and topped with the creamiest hemp seed ranch dressing. Buffalo sauce isn't just for wings! It works amazingly with cauliflower and adds a little fun to this salad!
Ingredients
Buffalo Cauliflower
- 1 small head cauliflower
- 1 1/2 tbsp tapioca flour *or arrowroot flour. Can also use cornstarch
- 1/3 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 1/2 tbsp melted ghee or olive oil
- pinch sea salt & pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika *optional
Hemp seed ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup hemp seeds
- 1 1/2 tbsp nutritional yeast *optional but so good!
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp Forager sour cream *or regular sour cream or greek yogurt
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- good pinch black pepper
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder and onion powder
- 3-4 tbsp plant-based milk, as needed
Salad
- 1/2 red onion, diced thin
- 1/2 cup chopped grape tomatoes
- 3ish cups chopped greens (romaine, arugula)
- 1 medium cucumber, diced small
- 2 celery stalks, diced small *optional
- Protein of choice *Optional. Chickpeas, rotisserie chicken, air fryer salmon, etc.
- chopped chives, fresh parsley, red pepper flakes
Instructions
Buffalo Cauliflower
- Cut the cauliflower into tiny florets. Add them to a large bowl.
- Drizzle over the ghee or olive oil, spices, and buffalo suace. Toss well. Then sprinkle over the tapioca flour and toss again.
- Spread the cauliflower out in your air fryer basket (i like to put parchment paper down) and air fry on 375F for 15ish minutes, flipping half way through, until crispy. Some air fryers are stronger than others so I always recommend a lower heat setting on recipes. However, if your cauliflower isn't done, up the heat a little and cook longer.
- Oven: Spread the cauliflower out on your baking sheet. Bake in the oven at 450F for 20 or so minutes, flipping half way.
Hemp seed ranch dressing
- Blend all of the ingredients in a blender until smooth. You may want to add more milk to make it thinner, or less milk to keep it thick. It's up to your preference! Start with the lesser amount and adjust. Taste and adjust as you'd like. Store in the fridge until ready to use.
Assembling the Salad
- Add the lettuce and chopped veggies to your bowl. Top with the cauliflower. Drizzle over the dressing. I Like to add some chopped chives on top of mine or some fresh parsley. Enjoy!
Notes
*For extra protein, add your favorite! Grilled chicken, tofu, chickpeas, grilled salmon, etc!
*Dressing will last a week in the fridge!