Description
A vibrant and refreshing Mediterranean Cauliflower Salad featuring crisp cauliflower florets, juicy cherry tomatoes, cool cucumber, tangy feta cheese, and Kalamata olives, all tossed in a zesty red wine vinegar and oregano dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 medium head cauliflower (about 1.5 pounds, cut into small florets)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 medium cucumber (diced)
- 1/2 medium red onion (finely chopped)
Other Salad Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and sliced)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Blanch the cauliflower: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and blanch them for about 5 minutes, until just tender but still crisp. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely.
- Combine the vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.
- Add the cauliflower: Once the cauliflower is cooled, add it to the mixing bowl with the other vegetables, ensuring even distribution.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together to combine, making sure the dressing coats all ingredients evenly.
- Final seasoning and chill: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately for a fresh crunch or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Blanching the cauliflower softens it slightly while keeping some crunch, avoiding a raw, sharp taste.
- Chilling the salad enhances the flavors, making it ideal to prepare ahead of time.
- For a vegan version, substitute feta cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or omit it.
- Use fresh parsley for the best flavor, but fresh mint can be substituted for a different herbaceous note.
- Adjust red wine vinegar quantity according to your taste preference for acidity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Blanching and Tossing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: Mediterranean salad, cauliflower salad, vegetarian salad, healthy salad, feta cheese salad
