Name: Sicilian Cauliflower Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets (Crunchy and versatile; blanch for perfect texture.); 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped (Provides rich, salty flavor.); 1/4 cup green olives, pitted and chopped (Contributes brightness and tang.); 2 tablespoons capers, drained (Adds a briny flavor.); 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (Sweet and bold; soak in water to mellow flavor if desired.); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (Provides a sweet, juicy burst.); 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (Adds freshness.); 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional) (Enhances aroma; can substitute dried basil.); 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (For richness and flavor.); 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar (Balances oil richness with acidity.); 1 tablespoon lemon juice (Adds fresh, zesty punch.); 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (Adds depth and creaminess.); 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (Fulfills Mediterranean flavor profile.); to taste salt and pepper (For seasoning.)

This Sicilian Cauliflower Salad comes together in about 30 minutes and is a no-cook delight for a quick weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the veggies and olives to suit your taste or use it as a ‘clean-out-the-fridge’ meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends! Trust me, with its refreshing flavors, this salad is going to be your go-to dish this season!

Ingredients Breakdown

1 medium head of cauliflower
1/2 cup Kalamata olives
1/4 cup green olives
2 tablespoons capers
1 small red onion
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup fresh parsley
1/4 cup fresh basil
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

Let’s Get Cooking!

Step 1: Blanch the Cauliflower

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in those cauliflower florets and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until they’re slightly tender but still crisp. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, nobody likes mushy cauliflower! Pat them dry with a paper towel and let’s move to the next step!

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

While the cauliflower’s cooling off, grab a small bowl or a jar, whatever you prefer. In there, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, oregano, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Give it a taste and adjust if you need more zing! A quick but oh-so-delicious task!

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the blanched cauliflower, Kalamata and green olives, capers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Oh, and don’t forget the parsley and basil if you’re using it!

Step 4: Toss with the Dressing

Pour the dressing over your colorful salad and toss to coat everything evenly. It’s going to look so vibrant! Allow it to sit for about 10-15 minutes to let those flavors mingle and develop. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve it chilled or at room temperature. The best part? This salad can be made a few hours in advance, so it’s perfect for meal prep or gatherings!

Why I Love This Sicilian Cauliflower Salad

This is my go-to recipe when I need something quick and easy, yet packed with flavor! I’m a real sucker for meals that are not just delicious but are colorful and healthy. And the best part is, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand to make it your own! It’s comfort food that looks gorgeous on the table too, what’s not to love?

If you loved this Sicilian Cauliflower Salad, be sure to check out my Chicken Blueberry Feta Salad, my Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers, or my Crispy Garlic Butter Air Fryer Shrimp!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This salad comes together in under 30 minutes! Perfect for those busy weeknights or unexpected guests, it’s a fast way to throw together a meal that looks like you put in way more effort.

Make-Ahead Friendly

Want to prep something in advance? This salad actually tastes better after sitting for a while! So go ahead and make it a few hours ahead of time or even a day ahead.

Customizable

One of my favorite things about this salad is how customizable it is! Don’t have all the ingredients? No problem! You can swap in whatever veggies or olives you have hanging out in your fridge.

Budget-Friendly

Using affordable, everyday ingredients, you can easily whip this salad up without breaking the bank. It’s so economical, especially if you buy seasonal produce!

Loaded with Flavor

Between the crisp cauliflower, salty olives, tangy capers, and fresh herbs, I promise this salad is loaded with tons of flavor. Every bite bursts with freshness!

Serving Suggestions

Now that your Sicilian Cauliflower Salad is ready, how do you serve it? Here are some ideas!

Enjoy it chilled as a light lunch or as a side dish for grilled chicken or fish.
Pair it with warm pita bread or crusty bread for a delightful Mediterranean meal.
It works beautifully next to hearty dishes, like roasted vegetables or pasta.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
Reheating: You can serve it cold or let it come to room temperature. If it’s chilling in the fridge, just give it a good stir when you take it out.
Freezer friendly: Unfortunately, this salad doesn’t freeze well due to its fresh ingredients, better to enjoy it fresh!

And there you have it a simple yet delightful Sicilian Cauliflower Salad that’s bursting with flavor and convenience. Remember, cooking should be enjoyable, so have fun with it! Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Enjoy! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!