Mediterranean Marinated Cauliflower Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Mediterranean Marinated Cauliflower Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish that’s perfect as a side or a light meal. Combining tender-crisp cauliflower with juicy tomatoes, tangy olives, and a zesty herb dressing, it’s full of bold flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into small florets
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup black olives (Kalamata)
- ⅓ cup green olives
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Blanch cauliflower florets in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until tender-crisp. Transfer immediately to an ice bath to stop cooking.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine blanched cauliflower with cherry tomatoes, red onions, olives, and parsley.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh herbs like basil or dill instead of dried for a brighter flavor.
- Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra crunch and richness.
- For a creamier dressing, stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt before tossing.
- Substitute red wine vinegar with lemon juice for a lighter, citrusy taste.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more with time, making it a great make-ahead dish. Before serving, give it a good stir and add fresh herbs if desired. It is best served chilled but can be brought to room temperature if preferred.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower for this salad?
While fresh cauliflower is ideal for crispness, frozen cauliflower can be used if thawed and drained well. Blanch it briefly to prevent sogginess.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this Mediterranean marinated cauliflower salad is naturally vegan, using only plant-based ingredients without any animal products.
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Mediterranean Marinated Cauliflower Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 47 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A vibrant and healthy Mediterranean Marinated Cauliflower Salad featuring tender-crisp cauliflower florets, cherry tomatoes, olives, and a tangy, herb-infused dressing. Perfect as a refreshing side dish or light meal, this salad combines fresh Mediterranean flavors with simple, wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into small florets
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup black olives (Kalamata)
- ⅓ cup green olives
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Blanch Cauliflower: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and blanch them for 1-2 minutes until they become tender-crisp. Immediately transfer the cauliflower to an ice bath to halt the cooking process and preserve their crunch.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the blanched cauliflower along with halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, black and green olives, and chopped fresh parsley. Gently toss to combine.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes until well emulsified.
- Toss Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Marinate: Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill before serving.
Notes
- Blanching the cauliflower briefly ensures it retains a nice crunch without being raw.
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add freshly ground black pepper.
- This salad can be prepared a day ahead; just keep it refrigerated in an airtight container.
- Use fresh herbs if available to enhance flavor, substituting dried oregano and basil accordingly.
- Olives add a salty, briny depth; choose high-quality Kalamata and green olives for best taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Blanching
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Mediterranean cauliflower salad, marinated cauliflower, healthy salad, vegetable salad, olive salad, easy summer salad, gluten free salad
