Description
This vibrant and flavorful cauliflower salad combines roasted or steamed cauliflower with crunchy vegetables, creamy mayo, and a tangy Dijon mustard dressing, making it a perfect side dish or snack.
Ingredients
1 small head of cauliflower, trimmed and broken into small florets
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, for roasting or tossing
2–3 green onions, finely sliced
2–3 celery stalks, finely diced
2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
½ cup diced dill pickles, sun-dried tomatoes, or sweet relish (choose based on desired flavor profile)
½ cup mayonnaise (regular or light, based on preference)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, for a tangy kick
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if roasting the cauliflower. Trim and discard the cauliflower core, then break the head into small florets.
- Arrange the florets in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss well to coat.
- Roast for about 15 minutes, or until tender and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
- Alternatively, for steamed cauliflower, bring a pot of water to a boil and place a steamer basket over it. Trim and cut the cauliflower into small florets and steam for no more than 5 minutes until tender. Drain thoroughly and let cool.
- Finely dice the green onions, celery, hard-boiled eggs, and pickles, sun-dried tomatoes, or relish.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled cauliflower with the chopped vegetables and eggs. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard, and gently fold everything together until well coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Roasting provides a deeper flavor while steaming preserves the cauliflower’s crisper texture.
- Pickle options like dill pickles or sweet relish give a tangy flavor, or opt for sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean touch.
- For a vegan version, use vegan mayo and substitute the eggs with chickpeas or tofu.
- This salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld over time, making it even tastier the next day.
- While typically served chilled, it can be reheated if you prefer warm cauliflower, but avoid reheating the whole salad as the mayo may separate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting or Steaming
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg