Description
Tangy Mediterranean cauliflower salad with cherry tomatoes, olives, feta, and fresh herbs. Make ahead for easy entertaining!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
1 large head cauliflower (about 2 pounds), cut into bite-sized florets
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
½ red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
For the Marinade:
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon honey
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Cut cauliflower into bite-sized florets – think large cherry tomato size. Bring large pot of salted water to rolling boil. While heating, prepare large bowl of ice water for ice bath.
2. Drop cauliflower florets into boiling water and cook for EXACTLY 3 minutes. Set a timer! You want tender enough to absorb marinade but still with slight bite. Immediately drain and plunge into ice water bath. Let sit 3-4 minutes to cool completely, then drain really well. Pat dry with paper towels – excess water dilutes marinade.
3. In jar with tight-fitting lid, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, honey, salt, and pepper. Put lid on and shake vigorously for 30 seconds until well combined and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning – should be bright and tangy.
4. In large serving bowl, combine blanched and dried cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, olives, and sliced red onion. Pour marinade over everything and toss really well to coat every piece. Everything should be glistening with dressing.
5. Cover bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably 4 hours or overnight. Give it a stir every hour if home – helps distribute marinade evenly. Longer it sits, better it gets!
6. About 30 minutes before serving, remove from refrigerator and let come to cool room temperature. Right before serving, fold in crumbled feta cheese, fresh parsley, and dill. Give final toss. Fresh herbs and cheese added at end keep them bright.
Notes
Don’t skip ice bath! It stops cooking and keeps cauliflower from getting mushy.
Really dry cauliflower after blanching or you’ll dilute the marinade.
This needs at least 2 hours marinating, but 4-24 hours is ideal.
Save 2 tablespoons marinade to drizzle over top before serving for fresh look.
Add feta and fresh herbs at last minute to keep them vibrant.
Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
Double marinade recipe if making double batch – vegetables absorb a lot!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Salad
- Method: Blanching, Marinating
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek