This large salad can be dressed a bit in advance, which makes it perfect for entertaining. And leftovers make a great lunch the next day! Cauliflower is the name of the game these days, it’s healthy, nutritious and there are so many ways to use it! And anyone who doubts how crazy tasty a head of cauliflower can be, just try roasted cauliflower, my rich cauliflower and chickpea stew with Moroccan-inspired flavors, Moroccan-Style Shaved Cauliflower and Chickpea Salad, or today’s fresh cauliflower salad! I can say this healthy cauliflower salad has allowed me to finally enjoy eating raw cauliflower. It’s bright, packed with flavor, and just the right texture! Best part, this salad totally belongs on the list of Mediterranean diet recipes and makes the perfect side dish next to anything I serve (a few ideas below).
Raw Cauliflower Salad
Most salad recipes using cauliflower call for bacon, sour cream or some sort of a cream-based dressing. But this healthy option defies expectations by taking on a Mediterranean twist. This salad looks and tastes bright thanks to a combination of finely chopped vegetables, fresh parsley, and a zippy dressing of fresh lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil. For me, what makes this cauliflower salad extra special is its’ tabouli-like texture!
Gluten free tabouli anyone?!
Everything in this salad is chopped real small like we do with tabouli. And even the head of cauliflower is finely chopped into a rice-like consistency that mimics the texture of the bulgur used in tabouli. And cauliflower is, of course, gluten free! So for those of you who are looking for a gluten free tabouli recipe, this one is a great option (although not traditional, obviously).
But there is a reason I actually choose to chop the cauliflower for this healthy cauliflower recipe, and it is not just because I am a big tabouli nut (although obviously I am)!
Big Tip: Finely chop the cauliflower
If you’re anything like me and have a hard time eating raw cauliflower salad, this recipe may be your solution. Raw cauliflower can be unpleasant and bland because it is hard to infuse with flavor, which is why most cauliflower salads employ heavy dressings. But you don’t have to! The trick to a flavor-packed and healthy cauliflower salad is in turning the large florets into a rice-like mixture (so easy! Just put the florets in the food processor and pulse a few times). The finer rice-like texture allows cauliflower to absorb flavor well and quickly without turning to heavy ingredients. Option: If you prefer, rather than finely chopping the cauliflower in the food processor, you can use a good knife and simply chop into very small florets.
Ingredients & Variations
Cauliflower-1 head raw cauliflower or a 2-pound bag of raw cauliflower florets (do not use frozen cauliflower) Parsley- 1 large bunch parsley (2 ounces), chopped as fine as you can get it. I only trim just the very end of the stems, that’s where all the flavor is. If you’d like to add more herbs, try a bit of fresh mint or dill, also chopped. Tomatoes– 4 Roma tomatoes, diced very small or chopped English cucumber-1 large English cucumber (seedless hot house cucumbers), chopped. You can use slicing cucumbers, but you’ll need to peel them and Red Onion- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped (or about 1/2 cup or less). You can also use shallots if red onions are too strong for your taste. Kosher Salt and black pepper- a dash to your liking Garlic- 1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced Dressing- juice of 2 lemons and a generous drizzle of a quality extra virgin olive oil (You can find the olive oils I use at our online shop here).
How to make cauliflower salad recipe
This cauliflower salad will feed a small crowd, if you have any leftovers, store in the fridge in tight-lid glass containers. It should keep for 3 days or so. Mediterranean cauliflower salad recipe step-by-step (printable recipe below)
What to serve this healthy cauliflower salad with?
This salad can make the perfect addition to a Mediterranean meal and will go with most any entree you’ll find here. But here are a few options:
With chicken or meat like chicken piccata, Greek chicken, souvlaki, kofta, or lamb chops With fish like lemon garlic salmon, baked cod, fish sticks, or grilled swordfish With other vegetarian favorites like loaded baked potato, spinach frittata, or falafel
Check out my collection of top Mediterranean diet recipes. Find all Mediterranean recipes.
