Mediterranean Marinated Cauliflower Salad Recipe
A vibrant Mediterranean marinated cauliflower salad featuring tender-crisp cauliflower florets combined with fresh cherry tomatoes, olives, red onions, and a zesty herb dressing. Perfect as a refreshing side dish or light meal rich in flavors and textures.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Blanching and No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
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 cook for 1-2 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Immediately transfer the cauliflower into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve the crisp texture.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the blanched cauliflower, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, Kalamata and green olives, and chopped fresh parsley. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and if using, red pepper flakes until well combined and emulsified.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are coated evenly with the flavorful dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve cold as a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired side dish or light meal.
Notes
- Blanching the cauliflower helps maintain a tender yet crisp texture and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- For extra flavor, allow the salad to marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted to your preferred spice level.
- Use fresh herbs if available to enhance the salad’s vibrant taste.
- This salad can be made ahead and keeps well for up to 2 days refrigerated.
Keywords: Mediterranean salad, cauliflower salad, marinated salad, healthy side dish, vegetarian salad, olives, cherry tomatoes
