Marinated Cauliflower Salad Recipe

Introduction

Marinated Cauliflower Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for gatherings or a refreshing side. Crisp cauliflower florets combined with tangy dressing and savory accents create a delightful crunch and zest in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup 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, vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and Parmesan in a jar or bowl. Whisk or shake until fully combined, then set aside.
2. Step 2: Chop the cauliflower into small florets and place them in a large bowl. Add sliced black olives, banana pepper rings, diced red bell pepper, diced red onion, and chopped fresh parsley to the bowl.
3. Step 3: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Step 4: Before serving, stir the salad well to redistribute the dressing and flavors. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• For extra texture, try adding toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds before serving.
• You can substitute white wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter tang.
• Add chopped fresh basil or oregano to enhance the herbaceous notes.
• If you prefer a creamier dressing, mix in a spoonful of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors intensify with time, making it taste even better the next day. Before serving, give it a good stir. This salad is best enjoyed chilled but can be served at room temperature as well.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this salad?

Fresh cauliflower is best for crisp texture, but if using frozen, make sure to thaw fully and drain any excess moisture to avoid a soggy salad.

How long should the salad marinate?

Marinating for at least 30 minutes is recommended to allow the flavors to meld, but you can refrigerate it for up to several hours or overnight for deeper flavor.

Marinated Cauliflower Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 207 reviews

This Marinated Cauliflower Salad is a vibrant and tangy side dish featuring crisp cauliflower florets marinated in a zesty olive oil and vinegar dressing, complemented by black olives, banana pepper rings, red bell pepper, red onion, and fresh parsley. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing accompaniment to grilled dishes.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dressing

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup 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 2.25oz. can sliced black olives
• 1/2 12oz. 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 a bowl, combine the olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk or shake vigorously until the ingredients are well emulsified. Set the dressing aside to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Prepare the salad: Chop the cauliflower into small, bite-sized florets to ensure easy eating and maximum flavor absorption. In a large mixing bowl, add the cauliflower florets along with the sliced black olives, banana pepper rings, diced red bell pepper, diced red onion, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix them together gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
3. Add dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the mixed salad ingredients. Toss thoroughly to ensure all the vegetables are well coated with the flavorful dressing. Transfer the salad to the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the cauliflower to absorb the dressing and soften slightly.
4. Serve: Before serving, give the salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing and flavors. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing and tangy side dish to complement your meal.

Notes

• For best flavor, marinate the salad overnight if possible.
• Use fresh parsley for a bright, herbal note; cilantro can be substituted if preferred.
• Adjust vinegar amount to taste if you prefer a more or less tangy salad.
• Ensure cauliflower is chopped into small florets so it absorbs the dressing well.
• This salad can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Keywords: Marinated Cauliflower Salad, Vegetarian Salad, No-Cook Salad, Healthy Side Dish, Olive Oil Dressing, Parmesan Cauliflower Salad