Description
This Marinated Cauliflower Salad combines fresh cauliflower florets with a tangy and flavorful dressing made from olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning, complemented by savory Parmesan, black olives, banana pepper rings, red bell pepper, red onion, and fresh parsley. Perfectly chilled to allow the flavors to meld, this refreshing salad makes a wonderful side dish or light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan
Salad
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped into small florets
- 1 (2.25 oz) can sliced black olives
- ½ (12 oz) jar banana pepper rings
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- â…“ cup diced red onion
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a jar or bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan. Whisk or shake well until fully combined and emulsified. Set aside to allow flavors to marry.
- Prepare the salad: Chop the cauliflower into small florets, then add it to a large mixing bowl. Add the sliced black olives, banana pepper rings, diced red bell pepper, diced red onion, and chopped fresh parsley into the bowl with the cauliflower. Mix gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Marinate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes, allowing the cauliflower and vegetables to absorb the marinade and develop deeper flavors.
- Serve: Stir the salad once more before serving to redistribute any dressing that may have settled. Serve chilled as a refreshing and vibrant side dish or light meal.
Notes
- For best results, allow the salad to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but it can be refrigerated for up to 4 hours to intensify flavors.
- This salad is great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.
- Use fresh Parmesan for the best flavor; pre-grated works in a pinch.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning to taste, especially the salt and pepper levels.
