A Vibrant, Refreshing Salad Combining Roasted Cauliflower, Creamy Feta, And Sweet Dates – The Perfect Balance Of Savory And Sweet!
This Cauliflower Salad with Feta and Dates is a unique and flavorful twist on the classic salad. I decided to make it because I wanted something that combined the hearty texture of roasted cauliflower with the creaminess of feta and the natural sweetness of dates.
The combination of savory and sweet, paired with a light dressing, makes this salad incredibly refreshing and satisfying. My family loves it because it’s not only delicious but also a great way to enjoy cauliflower in a new way. It’s perfect as a side dish for grilled meats, a light lunch, or even a great addition to a potluck.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?
A: Yes! If you don’t like feta, you can swap it for goat cheese, ricotta, or even mozzarella for a creamier texture.
Q: Can I use dried fruit instead of dates?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute the dates with raisins, dried cranberries, or apricots, depending on your flavor preference.
Q: How do I roast the cauliflower?
A: Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, until they’re golden brown and tender.
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the roasted cauliflower and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh.
Q: How long does this salad last?
A: The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The cauliflower may lose some of its crispness, but it will still taste great.
What You Need to Make Cauliflower Salad with Feta and Dates
For the Salad:
- 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup dates, pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Cauliflower Salad with Feta and Dates
1. Roast the cauliflower:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden brown and tender. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
2. Prepare the dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
3. Assemble the salad:
In a large bowl, combine the roasted cauliflower, crumbled feta, chopped dates, and toasted almonds (if using). Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Serve:
Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve. This salad can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Tips
- For extra flavor: Add fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or cilantro for a burst of freshness.
- Make it vegan: To make this salad vegan, substitute the feta with a plant-based cheese or leave it out altogether.
- Add greens: For an extra layer of texture, you can add some spinach or arugula to the salad.
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Sophie R. – “This salad is fantastic! The roasted cauliflower with the sweetness of the dates is a perfect combo. It’s so light and refreshing – I made it twice already!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Lena B. – “What a unique and delicious salad! The flavors work so well together, and I love the added crunch from the almonds. I’ll definitely make this again.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma T. – “I made this for a dinner party, and it was a huge hit! The feta and dates add such great flavor to the cauliflower. This is a keeper!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Rachel M. – “So easy to make, and the flavors are so fresh. The sweetness of the dates really makes this salad stand out.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica W. – “I’ve never made a salad like this before, but it turned out amazing! The roasted cauliflower is so flavorful, and the dressing is the perfect touch.”
Printable Recipe
Cauliflower Salad with Feta and Dates
This Cauliflower Salad with Feta and Dates is a vibrant and refreshing dish with roasted cauliflower, sweet dates, creamy feta, and a light, tangy dressing. Perfect as a side dish or a light lunch.
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup dates, pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds (optional)
- For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Roast the cauliflower:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden brown and tender. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Prepare the dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Assemble the salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the roasted cauliflower, crumbled feta, chopped dates, and toasted almonds (if using). Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Serve:
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve. This salad can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved this Cauliflower Salad with Feta and Dates, please share it with your friends and family! It’s a light and delicious dish that’s perfect for any meal. Share it on social media and tag me – I’d love to see how your salad turns out!
