Easy Cauliflower Chickpea Salad Recipe
A fresh and vibrant Easy Cauliflower Chickpea Salad, featuring crisp cauliflower florets, tender chickpeas, and a zesty lemon dressing. This nutritious salad combines fresh herbs, optional pickled onions, and a hint of spice for a delightful, make-ahead dish perfect for quick lunches or light dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes plus marinating time
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower, 1 ¾ to 2 pounds (6 to 7 cups small florets)
- 1 (15oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas)
- 1/2 cup fine fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or mint, chopped
- 1/2 cup pickled red onions, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice, plus more to taste
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for some heat)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare Cauliflower: Cut away the leaves and core from the cauliflower. Cut or pull the cauliflower apart into small florets and place into a large bowl. Chop the longer stems into small pieces and add them to the bowl with the florets.
- Season Cauliflower: Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper over the cauliflower. Toss well to evenly distribute the seasoning.
- Make Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt until the mixture becomes creamy and emulsified.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the drained chickpeas, chopped fresh herbs, pickled red onions (if using), and the prepared dressing to the bowl with cauliflower. Toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Sample the salad and adjust the flavor by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
- Marinate: Cover the salad and refrigerate to marinate, stirring occasionally. It tastes best after 30 minutes, ideally overnight, and keeps well for up to 5 days.
Notes
- The salad is best after marinating for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld.
- Pickled red onions add a tangy contrast but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- You can use any combination of fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or mint depending on your preference.
- This salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Keywords: cauliflower salad, chickpea salad, easy salad recipe, vegan salad, healthy salad, Mediterranean salad, make-ahead salad, lemon dressing
Find it online: https://cookedbycleo.com/easy-cauliflower-chickpea-salad-recipe/
