Roasted Mediterranean Cauliflower Salad

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A fresh and delicious roasted cauliflower salad perfect for lunch or dinner. Packed with tomatoes, feta cheese, pine nuts, and bright Mediterranean flavors! Make it at home so simple and easy!

Roasted Mediterranean Cauliflower Salad bursts with bright flavors, featuring juicy tomatoes, salty feta cheese, and toasted pine nuts. This recipe showcases the remarkable taste of cauliflower while incorporating a medley of intricate flavors. Cauliflower holds a special place in my heart—a vegetable I’ve cherished since childhood. Its easy preparation and mild, sweet, and nutty essence has been a beloved ingredient in my family’s Middle Eastern kitchen. We often savored it fried, adorned with lemon juice and sumac, alongside other delectable fried delights like eggplant and potatoes. However, as I’ve grown and embraced a healthier lifestyle, my preference has shifted toward roasted cauliflower.

This cooking method maintains its delightful flavors while using significantly less oil and enhancing its nutty profile. Roasting also grants me the creative freedom to experiment with various seasonings and herbs, crafting exciting new flavor combinations. Roasted Mediterranean cauliflower has become my signature dish, a healthier twist on traditional Middle Eastern cuisine I adore sharing with friends and family.

Key Ingredients for This Cauliflower Salad

  • Cauliflower: Cauliflower is the star of this dish, known for its mild, sweet, and nutty flavor. When roasted, cauliflower takes on a delightful nuttiness and a satisfying crunch.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: These vibrant red tomatoes add a burst of juicy sweetness to the salad, balancing the earthy flavors of cauliflower.
  • Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese contributes a creamy and salty element, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the salad.
  • Aleppo Pepper or Smoked Paprika: A pinch of Aleppo pepper or smoked paprika provides a subtle smokiness and gentle heat, elevating the flavor profile.
  • Olive Oil: Olive oil is used for roasting the cauliflower to perfection and creating a luscious dressing that ties everything together.
  • Minced Garlic: Garlic infuses the cauliflower with its aromatic essence as it roasts, adding depth to the dish.
  • Pine Nuts: Toasted pine nuts lend a delightful crunch and a rich, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients.
  • Fresh Dill (or Mint or Parsley): Fresh herbs like dill, mint, or parsley bring freshness and herbaceous notes to the salad.

What to Pair with Your Roasted Cauliflower Salad

This Mediterranean Roasted Cauliflower Salad is a versatile dish that complements various main courses effortlessly. Its bright, tangy flavors and crunchy textures make it an ideal side dish to accompany pan-seared rosemary and garlic lamb chops, infusing your meal with a burst of Mediterranean freshness. This salad elevates your poultry dishes if you opt for chicken, succulent baked chicken breast, or flavorful oven-baked Mediterranean chicken drumsticks. Seafood lovers can enjoy the delightful contrast by serving it alongside Chilean sea bass, creating a balanced and healthful dinner.

For those craving a taste of the grill, pair it with grilled kofta to experience the perfect harmony between the roasted cauliflower and savory kofta. If you desire a heartier meal, simply incorporate grains like rice or quinoa into the salad, transforming it into a wholesome main course. Don’t forget to drizzle my signature tahini dressing to enhance the Mediterranean flavors and create a truly satisfying culinary experience.

More Delicious Salads To Try

While this Mediterranean Roasted Cauliflower Salad is a delightful choice, there’s a vast array of vibrant salads just waiting for you to explore:

How to Make Roasted Mediterranean Cauliflower Salad

Preparation

1.
Preheat the oven to 400F. Toss the cauliflower with olive oil and minced garlic in a large bowl. Season it with salt, pepper, and Aleppo pepper. Spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet pan and roast for about 20 minutes.
Mark as complete
2.
.
Toss the cauliflower again after 10 minutes to ensure browning on all sides of the florets.
Once the cauliflowers are roasted, toss the cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, half of the fresh dill, and half of the pine nuts in a large bowl.
Mark as complete
3.
To make the Tahini sauce:
In a small mason jar, add all the ingredients for the tahini sauce and shake well until well combined.
Arrange the salad on a serving platter, and sprinkle it with the rest of the herbs and toasted pine nuts. Serve next to tahini sauce! Enjoy!
Mark as complete

Ingredients:

1X 2X 3X
Adjust Servings
1 medium head cauliflower (cut into florets about 2 lb)
3 tablespoons of olive oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon of each, salt, black pepper and smoked paprika
2 tablespoons of fresh dill ( mint or parsley works too)
¼ cup toasted pine nuts
2 0z feta cheese
For the tahini dressing
1/4 cup lemon juice
3/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup tahini
1 clove garlic minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh herb ( dill, parsley, or mint)
1/4 cup water
salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation

1
Preheat the oven to 400F. Toss the cauliflower with olive oil and minced garlic in a large bowl. Season it with salt, pepper, and Aleppo pepper. Spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet pan and roast for about 20 minutes.
2
Toss the cauliflower again after 10 minutes to ensure browning on all sides of the florets. Once the cauliflowers are roasted, toss the cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, half of the fresh dill, and half of the pine nuts in a large bowl.
3
To make the Tahini sauce: In a small mason jar, add all the ingredients for the tahini sauce and shake well until well combined. Arrange the salad on a serving platter, and sprinkle it with the rest of the herbs and toasted pine nuts. Serve next to tahini sauce! Enjoy!

Recipe Tips & Suggestions

How to choose a good cauliflower:

When choosing a cauliflower, look for one that is firm and tightly packed, with bright, white florets free of discoloration or blemishes. The leaves should be fresh and green, and the stem should be sturdy and intact. Avoid any cauliflower with brown spots or signs of mold, as this can indicate it is past its prime.

How to cut cauliflower into perfect florets:

1-First, remove the leaves and trim the stem to flush with the bottom of the cauliflower head. 2-Turn the cauliflower head upside down and slice it halfway through the center. 3-Take one half of the cauliflower and slice it in half again so that you have two quarters. 4-Use your hands or a knife to break off the florets from each quarter, keeping them roughly the same size. 5-You may need to make additional cuts with your knife to separate them from the stem for larger florets. 6-Repeat this process with the other half of the cauliflower until all the florets have been removed. 7-Once you have all your cauliflower florets, rinse them under cold water to remove dirt or debris, and pat them dry with a clean towel. With these simple steps, you can easily cut your cauliflower into perfect, bite-sized florets ideal for roasting, steaming, or adding to your favorite cauliflower recipes.

How to store raw cauliflower:

Remove any leaves and break the head into florets. Avoid washing the cauliflower before storing it, as excess moisture can cause it to spoil more quickly. Rinse the florets under cold water and pat them dry. Transfer the florets to an airtight container with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Store in the fridge for up to 5-7 days. If you don't have an airtight container, use a plastic bag with small holes to allow air circulation.

Rana’s Notes!

How to Store the Mediterranean Roasted Cauliflower Salad: To store this salad, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to avoid making the salad soggy. However, it's not recommended to freeze this dish, as the texture of the cauliflower and other ingredients may become mushy after thawing.

Nutrition Information

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.

rana

By Rana

Thanks for visiting my Mediterranean food blog and welcome to my virtual kitchen! Here, you’ll find mouth-watering, wholesome, and nutritious Mediterranean recipes that will change the way you view cooking.

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