Why Make This Recipe
Marinated Cauliflower Salad is a fresh and flavorful dish that brings a twist to your typical salad. It’s perfect for those looking for a lighter meal or a tasty side dish. The combination of crunchy vegetables and zesty dressing makes it a hit for gatherings, picnics, or just a healthy snack. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, and the flavors only get better as it marinates.
How to Make Marinated Cauliflower Salad
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine 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 (2.25oz.) 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
Directions:
- Make the Dressing: In a jar or bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan. Whisk or shake until well mixed. Set it aside.
- Prepare the Salad: Chop the cauliflower into small florets. In a large bowl, add the cauliflower along with the sliced black olives, banana pepper rings, chopped red bell pepper, diced red onion, and parsley.
- Add Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything together until well coated.
- Refrigerate: Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to marinate.
- Serve: Stir the salad again before serving to make sure the flavors are evenly distributed.
How to Serve Marinated Cauliflower Salad
This salad is great as a side dish for grilled meats or served at BBQs and potlucks. You can also enjoy it as a light lunch on its own or as a snack in between meals. The bright colors and fresh ingredients make it an appealing option for any occasion.
How to Store Marinated Cauliflower Salad
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. The flavors may intensify as it sits, making it even tastier the next day.
Tips to Make Marinated Cauliflower Salad
- Make the dressing ahead of time to save time when preparing the salad.
- Adjust the ingredients based on what you have; you can add other veggies like carrots or celery for added crunch.
- For extra flavor, let the salad marinate longer than 30 minutes.
Variation
You can easily customize this salad by adding other ingredients like chickpeas for protein, feta cheese for a creamier texture, or even some chopped nuts for crunch.
FAQs
What can I serve with Marinated Cauliflower Salad?
This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or as part of a larger buffet spread.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better when made ahead of time and allowed to marinate in the fridge.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this Marinated Cauliflower Salad are gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Marinated Cauliflower Salad
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A fresh and flavorful Marinated Cauliflower Salad that brings a twist to your typical salad, perfect for gatherings and picnics.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine 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
- In a jar or bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan. Whisk or shake until well mixed. Set it aside.
- Chop the cauliflower into small florets. In a large bowl, add the cauliflower along with the sliced black olives, banana pepper rings, chopped red bell pepper, diced red onion, and parsley.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything together until well coated.
- Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to marinate.
- Stir the salad again before serving to make sure the flavors are evenly distributed.
Notes
This salad is great as a side dish or as a light meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cooking Required
- Cuisine: American