Name: Marinated Cauliflower Salad: A Refreshing Flavor Burst Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 1/2 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup red wine vinegar; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper; 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese; 1 head cauliflower, chopped into small florets; 1 (2.25 oz) can sliced black olives; 1/2 (12 oz) jar banana pepper rings; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1/3 cup diced red onion; 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

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Introduction

This Marinated Cauliflower Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for warm days or as a vibrant side. Crisp cauliflower florets are combined with tangy olives, banana peppers, and a zesty homemade dressing that brings everything together beautifully.

A white bowl filled with a colorful mix of cauliflower florets, red and yellow bell pepper strips, dark olives, and sliced purple onions, all coated in a light, glistening oil and sprinkled with chopped green herbs and red chili flakes. The cauliflower is creamy white with a slightly browned texture, the peppers add bright red and yellow accents, and the olives provide deep dark purple tones. The green herbs are finely chopped and scattered evenly on top, while the oil pools lightly at the bottom, giving the dish a fresh and flavorful look. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
2 Tbsp grated Parmesan
1 head cauliflower
1 (2.25 oz) can sliced black olives
1/2 (12 oz) jar banana pepper rings
1 red bell pepper
1/3 cup diced red onion
2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Make the dressing by combining olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan in a jar or bowl. Whisk or shake until fully blended and set aside.
Step 2: Chop the cauliflower into small florets. In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower with black olives, banana pepper rings, diced red bell pepper, red onion, and chopped fresh parsley.
Step 3: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 4: Before serving, stir the salad once more to redistribute the dressing and enjoy the refreshing burst of flavors.

Tips & Variations

For added crunch, toast some pine nuts or slivered almonds and sprinkle on top before serving.
Swap out red wine vinegar for apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter and milder tang.
Add chopped fresh basil or oregano to complement the Italian seasoning flavor.
Use green or Kalamata olives instead of black olives for a different olive flavor profile.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to deepen over time, making it even more delicious. Before serving, give the salad a good stir. This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature and does not require reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds a colorful mix of salad with several layers: large creamy white cauliflower florets on the bottom, bright red bell pepper strips, sliced green olives, and chunks of purple onion scattered among them. The salad is sprinkled with chopped green parsley and small red chili flakes, all drizzled with golden oil that pools slightly at the base. The textures range from the soft cauliflower to the juicy olives and fresh herbs, all set against a white marbled surface background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes! Simply omit the grated Parmesan or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast to maintain a cheesy flavor.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the salad and marinade it in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. This resting time helps the cauliflower absorb the dressing and improves the overall flavor.