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Sicilian Cauliflower Salad Recipe

Sicilian Cauliflower Salad Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 9 reviews

A vibrant and refreshing Sicilian Cauliflower Salad featuring blanched cauliflower florets, tangy Kalamata and green olives, capers, fresh herbs, and a zesty vinaigrette. Perfect as a light side dish or a healthy appetizer, this Mediterranean-inspired salad combines crisp textures with bold flavors for a nutritious and delicious treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Olives and Capers

  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
  • 1/4 cup green olives, pitted and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Blanch the cauliflower: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until slightly tender but still crisp. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Pat dry thoroughly with a paper towel or kitchen cloth to prevent excess moisture in the salad.
  2. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until the mixture is well emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed to balance acidity and saltiness.
  3. Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched cauliflower florets, chopped Kalamata and green olives, drained capers, thinly sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, chopped fresh parsley, and chopped basil if using. These ingredients provide a range of textures and robust Mediterranean flavors.
  4. Toss with the dressing: Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly coated. Let the salad rest for 10-15 minutes at room temperature or chilled, so the flavors can meld beautifully.
  5. Serve: Serve the Sicilian Cauliflower Salad chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light starter. This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead of time for enhanced flavor development and convenience.

Notes

  • Blanching the cauliflower briefly helps maintain its crunch while eliminating rawness.
  • If fresh basil is not available, fresh oregano or mint can also be used for a different herbaceous note.
  • This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days, making it a great make-ahead dish.
  • Adjust the amount of olives and capers according to your preference for saltiness and tang.
  • For a vegan version, ensure the Dijon mustard contains no honey or animal products.

Nutrition

Keywords: Sicilian cauliflower salad, Mediterranean salad, cauliflower recipe, healthy vegetarian salad, olive and caper salad, easy side dish

Find it online: https://victoriablair.com/sicilian-cauliflower-salad-recipe/