Welcome to my kitchen, where flavors come alive and busy schedules find a little breathing room! If you’re like me—juggling family, work, and everything in between—you understand how precious time is. This Sicilian Cauliflower Salad is a delicious gem that’s quick to prepare, bursting with color, and layered with zesty Mediterranean flavors. Whether you serve it as a side or a light lunch, it’s sure to be a favorite on warm days or busy nights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Vibrant & Fresh: Packed with crisp veggies and bold briny notes.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal prep.
- Vegan & Gluten-Free: Naturally plant-based and allergen-friendly.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Flavors develop beautifully after chilling.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup green olives, pitted and chopped
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Blanch the cauliflower: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower and cook for 2–3 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Drain and rinse under cold water. Pat dry thoroughly.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper until well emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, mix the blanched cauliflower, olives, capers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, parsley, and basil.
- Toss with dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Let sit for 10–15 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Serve: Enjoy chilled or at room temperature. It’s even better after a few hours in the fridge!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with grilled fish, lamb skewers, or roast chicken for a complete meal.
- Serve with crusty sourdough or flatbread as a light Mediterranean lunch.
- Top with toasted almonds or pine nuts for extra crunch.
Nutrition Information (Approx. Per Serving)
Servings: 4
Calories: 150 kcal
Carbs: 10g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Sodium: 300mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 2g
Tips & Variations
- Add protein: Toss in chickpeas, lentils, or canned tuna for a heartier salad.
- No capers? Substitute with chopped pickles or omit altogether.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced chili.
Keywords
Sicilian Cauliflower Salad, Mediterranean salad, vegan salad, Italian side dish, cauliflower salad recipe, no-lettuce salad, healthy summer salad
Make It Ahead
This Sicilian Cauliflower Salad is the perfect make-ahead dish for meal prep, parties, or potlucks. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavor only gets better!