Cauliflower salad

Cauliflower Salad with Mayonnaise – A Delicious Indulgence

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 12 hours (thawing)
Total time: 12 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6

The history of cauliflower salad intertwines with the culinary traditions of many cultures, where seasonal vegetables were transformed into delicious dishes meant to delight everyone's taste buds. This salad is an excellent way to bring a healthy and versatile ingredient, such as cauliflower, to the forefront. It is also a quick and simple recipe, perfect for festive meals or a light lunch.

Ingredients:
- 1 bag of frozen cauliflower (approximately 500 g)
- Salt, to taste
- 1 garlic clove (optional)
- For the mayonnaise:
- 1 raw egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon of mustard
- 100-150 ml oil (sunflower or olive)

Additionally, for a personal touch, you can add:
- 1 tablespoon of sour cream
- Finely chopped onion (as an alternative to garlic)

Step by Step:

1. Thawing the Cauliflower: Remove the cauliflower from the bag and place it in a colander with a bowl underneath. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. This step is essential to avoid excess water in the salad, ensuring the final texture is perfect.

2. Preparing the Cauliflower: Once the cauliflower has thawed, transfer it to a large bowl. Using a fork, mash the cauliflower, being careful not to puree it too finely. A slightly coarser texture will add a pleasant contrast.

3. Adding Flavor: If you choose to use garlic, crush the clove with a pinch of salt in a mortar until it becomes a paste. Add it to the mashed cauliflower and mix well. Taste and adjust the salt to your preference.

4. Making the Mayonnaise: In a small bowl, place the egg yolk and mustard. Using a mixer or whisk, start mixing, gradually adding the oil in a thin stream. Continue mixing until the mayonnaise becomes thick and creamy. It is important to add the oil slowly to help emulsification.

5. Combining Ingredients: Once the mayonnaise is ready, add it to the mashed cauliflower and gently mix to combine the ingredients. If you want to enrich the salad, now is the time to add a tablespoon of sour cream or finely chopped onion.

6. Decorating and Serving: Decorate the salad as inspired. You can use freshly chopped parsley or lemon slices for a vibrant look. Serve the cauliflower salad with toasted homemade bread or crunchy breadsticks. This combination will surely impress your guests!

Tips and Useful Advice:
- Substitute garlic with onion if you prefer a milder flavor.
- The salad can be prepared a day in advance, and the flavors will intensify overnight.
- If you want to reduce calories, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise or sour cream.
- Add olives or corn to diversify the texture and flavor of the salad.

Nutritional Benefits:
Cauliflower is a vegetable rich in vitamins and minerals, low in calories. It is an excellent source of vitamins C, K, and fiber, making it ideal for a healthy diet. By adding mayonnaise, you gain healthy fats that can contribute to a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use fresh cauliflower? Of course! If you prefer fresh cauliflower, make sure to blanch it lightly before mashing.
- What other ingredients can I add? You can experiment with fresh dill, finely chopped bell pepper, or even nuts for an added crunch.
- How can I store the salad? The salad can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

This cauliflower salad with mayonnaise is a simple and delicious recipe that will bring a touch of freshness to any meal. Don't hesitate to experiment with the ingredients to find the perfect combination that suits your taste. Enjoy!