Description
A zesty and colorful Sicilian Cauliflower Salad also known as Insalata di Rinforzo—a traditional Italian Christmas dish made with crisp cauliflower, citrus, olives, and capers. This Mediterranean side dish is bright, briny, and packed with texture. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing, make-ahead appetizer or healthy holiday side.
Ingredients
For the Salad
-
1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
-
½ cup Castelvetrano olives, halved
-
½ cup Kalamata olives, halved
-
2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
-
¼ cup capers, drained
-
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
-
2 oranges, peeled and segmented (blood oranges if available)
-
2–3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
-
2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped (optional)
For the Dressing
-
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
-
Juice of 1 lemon
-
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
-
1 tsp Dijon mustard
-
½ tsp sea salt
-
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Blanch the Cauliflower
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add cauliflower and blanch for 1–2 minutes until tender but crisp.
• Immediately transfer to ice water. Drain and pat dry.
2️⃣ Prepare the Dressing
• In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper.
• Whisk until fully emulsified and smooth.
3️⃣ Combine the Salad
• In a large bowl, mix blanched cauliflower, olives, celery, red onion, capers, orange segments, parsley, and mint.
• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
• Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
• Optional: If you’re using halved cherry tomatoes (tomate souris) as a variation, add them just before serving to preserve their freshness and prevent them from becoming too soft.
• Toss gently once more before plating, and garnish with extra parsley or a pinch of chili flakes if desired.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature as part of a Mediterranean meal or holiday spread.
Notes
-
For best results, make the salad a day in advance. It improves in flavor as it marinates.
-
If your cauliflower is too wet, pat it dry thoroughly to avoid watering down the dressing.
-
Swap oranges for blood oranges, Cara Cara, or mandarins depending on seasonality.
-
Optional mix-ins include tuna, chickpeas, marinated artichokes, or provolone cheese.
-
Garnish with red chili flakes or pine nuts for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side
- Method: Blanching, Tossed
- Cuisine: Italian