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Marinated Cauliflower Salad — Make Ahead, Better Overnight & Absolutely Addictive Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 141 reviews
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Marinated Cauliflower Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that benefits from a make-ahead marination for enhanced taste and texture. Featuring grape-sized cauliflower florets, roasted red peppers, kalamata olives, red onion, and fresh parsley, all tossed in a vibrant homemade Italian dressing, it’s a perfect side or light meal that’s both healthy and delicious.


Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 1 head cauliflower, broken down into small, grape-sized florets
  • ½ (12oz) jar roasted red peppers, sliced
  • ½ cup halved kalamata olives
  • ½ small red onion, diced
  • 2 tbsp fresh minced parsley

Dressing

  • ¾ cup Simple Homemade Italian Dressing or your favorite vinaigrette (see note)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dressing: If using Homemade Italian Dressing, prepare it first so the flavors can meld together properly before assembling the salad.
  2. Prep the Vegetables: Break down a whole head of cauliflower into small, grape-sized florets. Dice the red onion, mince the fresh parsley, and slice the roasted red peppers and kalamata olives if needed.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss together the cauliflower florets, diced red onion, minced parsley, sliced roasted peppers, and halved kalamata olives.
  4. Add Dressing: Pour the Italian dressing over the salad ingredients and gently combine with a wooden spoon until all components are evenly coated.
  5. Marinate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. For best flavor and texture, allow the salad to marinate for up to 24 hours.

Notes

  • This salad is best made 24 hours in advance for maximum flavor and texture.
  • At minimum, allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  • For the dressing, a Simple Homemade Italian Dressing is recommended for the best taste.