Marinated Cauliflower Salad: A Refreshing Flavor Burst! Recipe

Introduction

Marinated Cauliflower Salad is a vibrant, tangy dish that combines fresh vegetables with a zesty dressing. It’s perfect as a side or a light lunch, bursting with bold flavors and satisfying textures.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan
• 1 head cauliflower
• 1 2.25 oz. can sliced black olives
• 1/2 12 oz. jar banana pepper rings
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1/3 cup diced red onion
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: Make the dressing by combining olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and Parmesan in a jar or bowl. Whisk or shake until fully combined. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Chop the cauliflower into small florets. In a large bowl, add the cauliflower, sliced black olives, banana pepper rings, diced red bell pepper, red onion, and chopped parsley.
3. Step 3: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss well to coat everything evenly. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Step 4: Before serving, stir the salad to redistribute the dressing and flavors. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts just before serving.
• Swap banana pepper rings for pickled jalapeños if you prefer a spicier kick.
• Use fresh garlic minced instead of garlic powder for a more robust taste.
• Make the salad a day ahead to deepen the marinated flavors.

Storage

Store the marinated cauliflower salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It tastes best chilled. Stir well before serving again. Avoid freezing as the texture of the vegetables may change.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this salad?

Fresh cauliflower is preferred for its crisp texture, but if using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain it well so the salad doesn’t become soggy.

Is this salad suitable for vegans?

To make it vegan, omit the Parmesan or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative.

Marinated Cauliflower Salad: A Refreshing Flavor Burst! Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 77 reviews

This Marinated Cauliflower Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish packed with tangy flavors from a zesty dressing and a variety of crunchy vegetables. Perfect as a light side or a healthy snack, it combines marinated cauliflower florets with olives, banana peppers, and fresh herbs for a delightful flavor burst.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dressing

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan

Salad

• 1 head cauliflower
• 1 (2.25 oz) can sliced black olives
• 1/2 (12 oz) jar banana pepper rings
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1/3 cup diced red onion
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Make the dressing: In a jar or bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and grated Parmesan. Whisk or shake the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended. Set the dressing aside to allow flavors to meld.
2. Prepare the salad: Chop the cauliflower into small, bite-sized florets. Add the cauliflower florets into a large bowl along with the sliced black olives, banana pepper rings, diced red bell pepper, diced red onion, and chopped fresh parsley. This mix provides a colorful and crunchy base for the salad.
3. Add dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the mixed vegetables in the bowl. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure the dressing coats all the salad ingredients evenly. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to marinate and blend beautifully.
4. Serve: Before serving, give the salad a final stir to redistribute the dressing and combine the ingredients evenly. Serve chilled as a flavorful side dish or a refreshing snack.

Notes

• For best flavor, marinate the salad for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
• Feel free to add a splash of lemon juice to enhance the freshness.
• Can be made vegan by omitting the Parmesan or substituting with a vegan cheese alternative.
• Great for potlucks and meal prep as it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Marinated cauliflower salad, cauliflower salad recipe, Mediterranean salad, healthy cauliflower recipes, no-cook salad