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Fresh Mediterranean Marinated Cauliflower Salad

Mediterranean marinated cauliflower salad - featured image

A vibrant and healthy Mediterranean-inspired cauliflower salad marinated in a tangy lemon and olive oil dressing, perfect as a light side dish or for warm-weather meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash the cauliflower thoroughly and cut into small, even florets about 1 to 1.5 inches in size.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  3. Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every piece with the marinade.
  4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1 to 2 hours, to allow the cauliflower to soak up the flavors.
  5. When ready to serve, stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion (if using), chopped parsley, and dill.
  6. Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese and Kalamata olives if desired.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
  8. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Marinate the cauliflower for at least 30 minutes but no longer than 2 hours to maintain a satisfying crunch. For a vegan version, omit feta and olives or use plant-based alternatives. Roasting the cauliflower before marinating adds a smoky flavor. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: cauliflower salad, Mediterranean salad, marinated cauliflower, healthy side dish, easy salad, vegetarian, gluten-free