Description
Mediterranean Marinated Cauliflower Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines the crisp crunch of cauliflower with zesty Mediterranean flavors. This salad bursts with tangy lemon, fragrant garlic, and colorful cherry tomatoes, making it perfect for summer barbecues or as a delightful centerpiece at any gathering. With its bold flavors and beautiful presentation, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends while offering a healthy option for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium head of cauliflower (about 4 cups florets)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the cauliflower thoroughly and cut it into small florets.
- Blanch the florets in boiling salted water for about 2 minutes until they turn bright white but remain crisp. Transfer immediately to an ice bath to cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Add the cooled cauliflower florets, cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, olives, and herbs to the bowl with dressing. Toss gently until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta over the salad and toss lightly again.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Blanching
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: For more flavor depth, consider roasting the cauliflower for about 25 minutes before mixing it with the dressing. Feel free to customize by adding ingredients like chickpeas or roasted bell peppers for variety.