Description
This Sicilian Cauliflower Salad is a fresh and vibrant Mediterranean dish featuring tender cauliflower tossed with olives, golden raisins, pine nuts, and a bright lemon dressing. It is perfect as a refreshing side dish or a light main course.
Ingredients
1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup red onion, finely sliced
1/3 cup green olives, sliced
2 tablespoons capers, drained
1/4 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 5–7 minutes until tender but still slightly firm. Drain well and allow to cool completely.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Place the cooled cauliflower in a large mixing bowl. Add the red onion, sliced olives, capers, golden raisins, toasted pine nuts, and chopped parsley.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
For deeper flavor, roast the cauliflower at 400°F until golden and tender instead of boiling.
Add chickpeas or white beans for extra protein.
Substitute pine nuts with toasted almonds for a different crunch.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Let sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes and toss gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
