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Mediterranean Marinated Cauliflower Salad

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Discover the irresistible appeal of Mediterranean Marinated Cauliflower Salad. Roasted florets, tender-crisp and caramelized, meet a bright, zesty lemon-garlic-oregano marinade.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head cauliflower (about 2 lbs), cut into florets
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus 1 tablespoon for roasting
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for roasting
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cauliflower florets with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and black pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender-crisp and lightly caramelized, stirring halfway through.
  2. Step 2: While the cauliflower roasts, prepare the marinade. In a large bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt.
  3. Step 3: Once roasted, immediately add the hot cauliflower florets to the bowl with the prepared marinade. Toss gently to ensure all florets are well coated. Allow the cauliflower to cool in the marinade for about 15-20 minutes, absorbing the flavors.
  4. Step 4: Add the Kalamata olives to the marinated cauliflower. If desired, you can also stir in 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup diced cucumber, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion for added freshness and texture. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
  5. Step 5: Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese. For optimal flavor development, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • This delicious salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it an excellent choice for a fresh, flavorful meal prep option.
  • No need to reheat this vibrant salad; it's perfectly designed to be enjoyed either chilled straight from the fridge or allowed to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for optimal flavor.
  • Serve this versatile salad as a light main course, a delightful side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish, or incorporate it into a mezze platter with hummus, pita, and other Mediterranean delights.
  • For the most intense flavor, be sure to toss the hot, freshly roasted cauliflower directly into the marinade; its warmth helps the florets truly absorb all those zesty Mediterranean notes as they cool.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://snackioo.com/mediterranean-marinated-cauliflower-salad/