Description
A refreshing and healthy Marinated Cauliflower Salad featuring blanched cauliflower florets mixed with cherry tomatoes, black olives, celery, red onion, and fresh parsley tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a make-ahead veggie side dish that’s both vegetarian and gluten-free.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into small florets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins
- 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon capers
Instructions
- Blanch the Cauliflower: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and blanch them for 2 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp. Drain the cauliflower and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process completely.
- Combine the Vegetables: In a large bowl, add the blanched cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, black olives, celery, red onion, and chopped parsley. Pour the Italian dressing over the vegetables, then toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Marinate the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and deepen. Before serving, give the salad a good toss again. Garnish with additional parsley or crumbled feta cheese if desired.
Notes
- This salad is ideal for picnics, potlucks, or meal prepping as it keeps well and tastes better the longer it marinates.
- Feel free to customize with additional vegetables like diced red bell pepper or add proteins such as chickpeas or diced salami for extra heartiness.
- Use a good quality Italian dressing for maximum flavor or make your own for a fresher taste.
- The salad is best served chilled and makes a great side dish for Mediterranean or American-inspired meals.
