Cauliflower salad

Cauliflower Salad with Mayonnaise and Dill

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

Who doesn't love a refreshing salad, packed with vitamins and delicious flavors? Cauliflower salad is a classic dish, perfect for any meal, whether served as a side dish or as an appetizer. This simple and quick recipe will help you achieve a creamy and flavorful cauliflower salad, perfect for warm days or a family dinner.

The history of cauliflower is fascinating; it is believed that this vegetable has been cultivated for thousands of years and is now appreciated worldwide for its versatility. Rich in vitamins C and K, cauliflower is not only healthy but also offers a wonderful taste when combined with mayonnaise and dill.

Ingredients:
- 1 medium cauliflower (approximately 500-600 g)
- 2 eggs (for mayonnaise)
- 200 ml sunflower oil (or olive oil for a stronger flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for water and taste)
- 100 g sour cream (optional, for a creamier texture)
- 1 bunch of fresh dill (finely chopped)
- Pepper to taste

Step by step:

1. Preparing the cauliflower: Start by breaking the cauliflower into small florets. They should be of uniform size to cook evenly. Wash them well under cold running water to remove impurities.

2. Boiling the cauliflower: In a large pot, add water and a teaspoon of salt. Bring the water to a boil, then add the cauliflower florets. Boil them for 5-7 minutes until they are tender but not overly soft. It is important to keep a bit of crunch.

3. Draining and cooling the cauliflower: Once the cauliflower is boiled, drain it well and let it cool. You can rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process and maintain its bright white color.

4. Making the mayonnaise: In a bowl, add the two egg yolks. Use a whisk or mixer to beat them lightly. Start incorporating the oil, drop by drop, while continuously mixing to prevent the mayonnaise from curdling. Once you have added a considerable amount of oil, you can start adding it faster while continuing to mix. Add salt to taste.

5. Finalizing the salad: Once the mayonnaise is ready, add the sour cream and mix well. Then, add the cooled cauliflower to the bowl with mayonnaise and gently mix to avoid crushing the florets. Add the chopped dill and pepper to taste. Mix again to evenly distribute the ingredients.

6. Serving: The cauliflower salad can be served immediately or left in the refrigerator for about an hour to blend the flavors. It is delicious to serve it on a bed of green salad, alongside cherry tomatoes and lemon slices for a more vibrant look.

Useful tips:
- You can add other ingredients to vary the recipe, such as olives, boiled corn, or even some cubes of feta cheese for a more intense flavor.
- If you prefer a vegan version, you can replace the classic mayonnaise with a plant-based mayonnaise or mashed avocado.
- This salad pairs perfectly with grilled meat or fish, but can also be enjoyed on its own as a healthy appetizer.

Nutritional benefits: Cauliflower is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins C, K, and B6, and minerals such as potassium and magnesium. It is low in calories, making it an ideal ingredient for a balanced diet. A serving of cauliflower salad (approximately 150 g) contains about 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of mayonnaise and sour cream used.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen cauliflower? Yes, frozen cauliflower is a good alternative, but make sure to boil it according to the instructions on the package.
2. How can I store cauliflower salad? It can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
3. Is it possible to make mayonnaise without eggs? Yes, there are many vegan mayonnaise recipes that use soy milk or other alternatives.

The experience of making this cauliflower salad is enjoyable and relaxing. Imagine how the fresh aroma of dill combines with the creamy taste of mayonnaise and the slightly crunchy texture of the cauliflower. It is a dish that brings back family memories, outdoor meals, and moments of joy shared with loved ones. So, don't hesitate to start cooking! This cauliflower salad will surely become a family favorite.