Cauliflower salad

Cauliflower Salad with Olives - a Simple and Tasty Recipe

If you are looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful salad, cauliflower salad with olives is the perfect choice! This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also adds a touch of sophistication to your table, making it ideal for both lunch and a light dinner. With a rich and varied history, cauliflower salad is a versatile dish that can be adapted to your tastes.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooling time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups of fresh cauliflower florets
- 1 green onion
- 10 large black olives
- 2-3 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Water (for boiling)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the cauliflower: Start by washing the cauliflower florets well under cold running water to remove any impurities. Then, bring a large pot of water to a boil. When the water reaches a boiling point, add a little salt.

2. Boiling the cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the boiling water and let them cook for about 2-3 minutes. The goal is to achieve slightly tender cauliflower that still retains its crunchy texture.

3. Cooling the cauliflower: After the cauliflower has boiled for a bit, immediately transfer it to a bowl of cold water or, even better, to a bowl of ice water. This process is called "blanching" and helps preserve the vibrant color of the cauliflower and stop the cooking process.

4. Preparing the ingredients: While the cauliflower cools, clean the green onion and slice it very thinly. Make sure to use only the green part, which is much more delicate and flavorful.

5. Mixing the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled cauliflower florets, sliced green onion, and black olives. The olives add a salty note and intense flavor, while the cauliflower provides a crunchy and nutritious texture.

6. Seasoning: Add 2-3 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The olive oil is an essential ingredient that ties all the flavors together and adds a touch of sophistication to your salad.

7. Serving: Gently mix everything so that the ingredients combine evenly. The cauliflower salad is best served immediately, but it can also be enjoyed after resting at room temperature for a few minutes, when the flavors meld even better.

Useful tips:
- Garlic version: If you love the taste of garlic, add a crushed clove of garlic to the mix for an intense flavor.
- Additions: You can experiment with various ingredients such as chopped cherry tomatoes or green olives to diversify the recipe.
- Serving: This salad pairs perfectly with grilled fish or chicken, bringing a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors.

Nutritional benefits:
Cauliflower is an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, with a low calorie content. Olives add healthy fats to your diet, beneficial for cardiovascular health.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen cauliflower? While it is recommended to use fresh cauliflower for this recipe, you can also use frozen cauliflower. Just make sure to fully thaw it before using.
- Can the salad be stored in the fridge? It is best to consume the salad immediately, but if you have leftovers, you can store it in the fridge for 1-2 days. The flavors will intensify, but the texture of the cauliflower will soften.

I wish you great success in preparing this cauliflower salad with olives! It is an excellent choice for a healthy and delicious meal, and the variability of ingredients allows you to adapt it to your tastes. Enjoy!