Warm Hearth Keto Salad (Printable)
A nutrient-packed warm salad with roasted vegetables, crispy bacon, creamy dressing, and toasted walnuts.
# List of ingredients:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
02 - 1 medium zucchini, sliced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cups baby spinach leaves
→ Protein
05 - 4 strips thick-cut bacon
→ Dressing
06 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
07 - 2 tablespoons sour cream
08 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
09 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
11 - 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
12 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F.
02 - Arrange cauliflower florets, sliced zucchini, and diced red bell pepper on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat evenly.
03 - Roast vegetables for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and golden brown.
04 - While vegetables roast, cook bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces.
05 - In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
06 - In a large bowl, combine roasted vegetables, baby spinach leaves, and chopped bacon. Add the dressing and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
07 - Divide salad among plates and garnish with toasted walnuts and freshly chopped chives. Serve warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This salad blends roasted vegetables with crispy bacon that feels like sharing a warm hug on a plate
- The creamy dressing ties every bite together making this a favorite when I crave comfort without guilt
02 -
- Tossing the salad gently is key because spinach leaves bruise easily and can become mushy if handled too roughly
- Toasting walnuts just right unlocks their rich oils and enhances crunch, which is a game-changer for texture
03 -
- Use thick-cut bacon for the best texture contrast—thin slices can get lost in the salad
- Roasting veggies in a single layer without overcrowding allows perfect caramelization instead of steaming