Mediterranean Marinated Cauliflower Salad
A bright, crunchy, and tangy salad perfect for meal prep or as a fresh side dish, featuring cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, and a flavorful herb dressing.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 head Cauliflower
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes
- 1/2 medium Red Onion
- 1/4 cup Black Olives
- 1/4 cup Green Olives
- 1/4 cup Parsley
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 clove Minced Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Basil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut the head of cauliflower into small bite-size florets. If you prefer a slightly tender texture, blanch the florets in salted boiling water for 2–3 minutes, then drain and cool completely.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, black and green olives, and chopped parsley.
- In a smaller bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until thick and glossy.
- Add the cooled cauliflower to the bowl with the veggies and pour the dressing over everything. Toss well until all ingredients are coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2–4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
Serving
- Before serving, give the salad a quick toss. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
This salad can be made a day ahead and stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. It's perfect for meal prep and can be enjoyed cold. Adjust the ingredients based on personal preferences, and feel free to add proteins like chickpeas or grilled chicken to make it a complete meal.