Mediterranean Marinated Cauliflower Salad Recipe
A vibrant and refreshing Mediterranean Marinated Cauliflower Salad featuring tender-crisp cauliflower florets, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy olives, and a flavorful herb-infused dressing. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish, packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 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: Blanch cauliflower florets in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until they become tender-crisp. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and retain their crispness.
- Combine Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched cauliflower with cherry tomatoes, red onions, black and green olives, and chopped parsley, mixing gently to integrate all 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 optional red pepper flakes until the dressing is emulsified and flavorful.
- Toss Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss well to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving. Serve chilled for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Blanching the cauliflower briefly preserves its texture and color, preventing it from becoming mushy.
- The salad can be prepared a few hours in advance, making it ideal for gatherings or meal prep.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder flavor.
- This salad is delicious served cold as a side dish or light main course.
- Use fresh herbs if available for an enhanced flavor profile.
Keywords: Mediterranean salad, cauliflower salad, marinated vegetables, healthy salad, vegetarian Mediterranean recipe
