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Easy Cauliflower Rice Salad Recipe with Fresh Mediterranean Flavor

Easy Cauliflower Rice Salad

A crisp Mediterranean-style salad made with cauliflower rice, fresh vegetables, herbs, feta, and a lemon olive oil dressing. It is ready in 15 to 20 minutes and can be served immediately or chilled briefly.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad
  • 4 cups Cauliflower rice
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup Cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup Red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup Fresh mint, chopped
  • 1/2 cup Crumbled feta cheese
Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
  • 1 small clove Garlic, finely grated or minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
Optional Additions
  • 1/2 cup Canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dried oregano
  • 1/4 cup Toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. If using a whole cauliflower, remove the leaves and stem, cut the florets into pieces, and pulse them in a food processor until they look like small grains of rice. Do not process too long, or the cauliflower will become a smooth paste.
  2. Place the cauliflower rice in a large bowl and pat or spin it very dry. For a softer texture, microwave it uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes, then spread it on a plate or tray and cool completely.
  3. Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, mint, and feta to the cooled cauliflower rice. Add any optional chickpeas, olives, oregano, or toasted nuts and seeds at this stage.
  4. Whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until combined. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until the vegetables are evenly coated.
  5. Taste the salad and adjust the lemon juice, salt, and pepper as needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Dry the cauliflower rice thoroughly to prevent a watery salad. Raw cauliflower rice gives the crispest texture; if using frozen cauliflower rice, thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing. Refrigerate leftovers for about 1 day, knowing the vegetables will soften and release some liquid.