Name: Mediterranean Marinated Cauliflower Salad: A Fresh, Flavorful Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: PT-487991H33M15S
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into 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)

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If you’re looking to add a vibrant, healthy dish to your meal lineup, this Mediterranean Marinated Cauliflower Salad is an excellent choice. Bursting with fresh vegetables, tangy olives, and a zesty herb dressing, this salad offers a wonderful balance of textures and flavors. It’s easy to prepare, visually stunning, and perfect for warm-weather meals or as a colorful side for any gathering.

Mediterranean Marinated Cauliflower Salad: A Fresh, Flavorful Delight

Why You’ll Like This Recipe

This salad shines with its crisp cauliflower and juicy cherry tomatoes, while the olives bring a pleasant briny tang that complements the fresh herbs and aromatic spices. It’s incredibly versatile — serve it chilled for a refreshing summer side or at room temperature to highlight the complex marinade flavors. It’s also packed with nutrients and low in carbs, making it a great fit for a variety of diets including Mediterranean, keto, and gluten-free.

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)

Tip: You can find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Instructions

Blanch the cauliflower florets in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their crunch.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched cauliflower with the cherry tomatoes, red onion, black and green olives, and chopped parsley.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients.
Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Variations

Add crumbled feta cheese or diced cucumbers for extra Mediterranean flair.
Use lemon juice instead of red wine vinegar for a brighter, citrusy dressing.
Incorporate toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for added crunch.
Swap olives for capers or sun-dried tomatoes for different flavor profiles.
Add fresh mint or basil leaves to the herb mix for a fresh twist.

Heating and Storage

This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen with time, making it a great make-ahead dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?

Fresh cauliflower is preferred for the best texture, but you can use frozen if thawed and well-drained.

How long can I store this salad?

It will keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Can I prepare the salad entirely in advance?

Yes, but add fresh herbs just before serving to maintain their vibrant flavor.

Is this salad keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s low in carbs and fits well into keto and low-carb diets.

Can I omit the olives?

Olives add essential flavor, but you can omit or substitute with capers if preferred.

What if I don’t have red wine vinegar?

White wine vinegar or lemon juice make good substitutes.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, cucumbers, bell peppers, or zucchini work well.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How spicy is this salad with red pepper flakes?

The optional red pepper flakes add mild heat; adjust quantity to your taste.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Just increase ingredient quantities proportionally.

Conclusion

Mediterranean Marinated Cauliflower Salad is a deliciously fresh and healthy dish that offers vibrant flavors and textures in every bite. Its ease of preparation and adaptability make it an excellent choice for casual meals, potlucks, or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired feast. Give this recipe a try for a colorful, nutritious addition to your table that everyone will love.

Chef sara