Print

Sicilian Cauliflower Salad Recipe

Sicilian Cauliflower Salad Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 18 reviews

This Sicilian Cauliflower Salad is a vibrant, tangy, and fresh Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender blanched cauliflower florets combined with a mix of Kalamata and green olives, capers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Tossed in a zesty dressing of extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and herbs, this salad offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ideal as a light lunch or a side for grilled dishes.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Fruits

  • 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 Ingredients

  • 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 until they are just tender but still retain a crisp texture. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process. Pat the florets dry with a paper towel or a clean kitchen cloth.
  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 combined. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  3. Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched cauliflower, chopped Kalamata and green olives, drained capers, thinly sliced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes. Add the chopped fresh parsley and, if using, the fresh basil.
  4. Toss with the dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the combined salad ingredients. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure all components are coated evenly with the dressing. Allow the salad to rest for 10-15 minutes so the flavors can meld and develop.
  5. Serve: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. It can also be prepared a few hours in advance and refrigerated to enhance the flavor even more. This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a refreshing standalone dish.

Notes

  • Blanching the cauliflower briefly ensures it is tender but still crisp, preserving its texture and color.
  • This salad can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator for the flavors to deepen.
  • Use fresh herbs for the best flavor; basil is optional but adds a lovely aroma.
  • Adjust salt carefully as the olives and capers already add saltiness.
  • For a vegan-friendly version, ensure Dijon mustard doesn’t contain any animal-derived ingredients (most are vegan).

Nutrition

Keywords: Sicilian Cauliflower Salad, Mediterranean salad, cauliflower recipes, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, olive salad, capers, light lunch

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