Cauliflower Salad

Name: Cauliflower Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 large head cauliflower, (chopped); 1 head romaine lettuce, (chopped); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, (halved); 1 cup black olives, (sliced); ½ cup red onion, (chopped); ¼ cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 garlic cloves, (minced); 1 teaspoon honey; 1 teaspoon basil; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon onion powder

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This Cauliflower Salad recipe takes fresh cauliflower, amongst other vegetables, and combines it with a tangy, slightly sweet, slightly savory dressing. Make this great recipe for lunch, as a perfect side dish, or to add a fresh crunch to your next cookout.

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This easy recipe is a great option for a healthy Cauliflower Salad. It provides delicious crunches all the while being healthy and full of lots of flavor. Not only does it have cauliflower, but this vegetable salad also gets its flavors from lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and black olives. Pair all this with a zesty dressing and you’ll have a new favorite salad!

You can also add in your favorite things to make this the perfect salad for you! Whether it’s adding more crunch and additional colors like red bell pepper or green olives, or toppings to add more texture and flavor like sunflower seeds or red pepper flakes.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe:

Fresh and crunchy: The combination of parboiled cauliflower, crisp romaine, and juicy cherry tomatoes provides the perfect balance of texture.
Flavor-packed dressing: A zesty, herby vinaigrette made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, and seasonings ties everything together beautifully.
Easy and quick: With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this salad comes together in under 20 minutes.
Healthy and nutritious: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, this salad is a guilt-free way to enjoy a satisfying meal.
Customizable: Easily add grilled chicken, feta cheese, avocado, or toasted nuts to make it your own.
Perfect for meal prep: The flavors get even better over time, making this a great make-ahead salad for lunches or gatherings.

Ingredients to Make Cauliflower Salad:

cauliflower. Parboiling for 2-3 minutes softens it slightly while keeping a bit of crunch. An ice bath stops the cooking process and locks in texture.
romaine lettuce. Adds crispness and freshness to balance the heartiness of the cauliflower.
cherry tomatoes. Provides natural sweetness and juiciness; grape tomatoes work as a substitute.
black olives. Adds a salty, briny contrast; kalamata olives can be used for a stronger flavor.
red onion. Gives a sharp bite and color; soak in cold water for a few minutes if you prefer a milder taste.
dressing. A combination of olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, garlic, and herbs creates a tangy, slightly sweet, and well-balanced flavor. Adjust seasonings to taste.

How to Make Cauliflower Salad:

In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic clove, honey, basil, oregano, onion powder. Whisk or shake well until fully combined. Let the dressing sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the chopped cauliflower florets and boil for 2-3 minutes—just until slightly tender but still firm.
Drain and immediately transfer the cauliflower to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes, then drain and pat dry with a paper towel.
In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped cauliflower, romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and red onion.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

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Recipe Notes & Tips:

Parboiling cauliflower: Boil for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. This keeps it tender-crisp without becoming mushy.
Chilling the dressing: Let the dressing sit for at least 5 minutes before tossing with the salad. This allows the flavors to meld together for a more balanced taste.
Adjusting the dressing: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad. If you prefer more tang, add extra vinegar or lemon juice; for a touch more sweetness, increase the honey slightly.
Make-ahead option: Prep the cauliflower, chop the veggies, and make the dressing in advance. Store them separately and combine just before serving to keep the salad fresh.
Serving suggestion: Let the dressed salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving so the flavors can develop. If adding cheese or nuts, sprinkle them on just before serving for the best texture.
Customizations: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, feta, or toasted nuts for extra protein and flavor. For a heartier dish, mix in cooked quinoa or couscous.

Serving Suggestions:

How to Store:

Refrigeration: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The romaine may wilt slightly, but the cauliflower will hold its texture.
Dressing: If making the salad ahead, keep the dressing separate in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake or whisk before using.
Meal Prep: To keep the salad fresh longer, store the cauliflower, lettuce, and other veggies separately and mix them just before serving.
Avoid freezing: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing will change the texture of the cauliflower and lettuce.

FAQs:

Can I use raw cauliflower instead of parboiling it?

Yes, raw cauliflower works well if you prefer extra crunch. Parboiling softens it slightly while keeping some bite.

What can I use instead of romaine lettuce?

Spinach, arugula, or mixed greens work well as substitutes, though they may wilt faster once dressed.

Can I use a different dressing?

Absolutely! Try a balsamic vinaigrette, lemon tahini dressing, or a creamy Greek yogurt-based dressing for a different flavor profile.

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