Description

This Sicilian Cauliflower Salad is a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender blanched cauliflower florets tossed with a zesty dressing of olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and garlic. Enhanced with briny olives, capers, sweet raisins or currants, fresh parsley, and optional toasted pine nuts for crunch, this salad is perfect served chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish that complements grilled meats and seafood beautifully.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

1 medium head cauliflower, cut into small florets
1/4 cup raisins or currants
1/4 cup sliced green or black olives
2 tablespoons capers, rinsed
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts (optional)

Dressing

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Blanch Cauliflower: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and blanch them for 2 to 3 minutes until they are just tender but still crisp. Drain the florets and immediately rinse them under cold water to halt the cooking process. Pat them dry thoroughly and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the raisins or currants, sliced olives, rinsed capers, and chopped fresh parsley to the blanched cauliflower in the mixing bowl.
Toss with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the cauliflower mixture and toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. Let the salad sit for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the salad for added crunch and texture, if desired. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature as a bright and flavorful side dish.

Notes

This Mediterranean-inspired salad is ideal for making ahead and tastes even better after resting.
Pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats, fish, or seafood dishes.
For a richer flavor and texture variation, try roasting the cauliflower instead of blanching it.
To toast pine nuts, warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Blanching
Cuisine: Sicilian / Mediterranean