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
Scale
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
