I have a random obsession with copying restaurant salads. I mean, it clearly stems from my general obsession with outrageously craveable salads – and a desire to replicate my cravings at home. When I tasted this cauliflower salad at a random cafe in Tel Aviv, I immediately knew it was going to be a staple on my table, and now it can be a favorite at yours too!
The salad starts with a base of finely chopped cauliflower. It’s best processed in a food processor for accuracy and speed, but you can certainly chop the cauliflower by hand if you have all day. Then, the rest of the herbs and small chopped ingredients are added to give flavor, color, and texture to the bland but deliciously crunchy cauliflower. A simple olive oil and lemon juice finish, followed by a drizzle of raw tahini on the plate, gives this salad the finishing touches it needs to shine. Oh, and perhaps most importantly– the caramelized peanuts, which can easily be swapped with any caramelized nut, are essential for the overall yumminess. Basically, stop reading and make this now!
Craveable Cauliflower Chop Salad
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower
- 1 small red onion
- 1 small bunch green onions
- 1 jalapeno pepper
- 1 large bunch cilantro roughly 1 cup
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds
- ⅓ cup candied peanuts
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 limes
- olive oil to drizzle
- tahini to drizzle
- oranges to garnish
Instructions
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Chop cauliflower in a food processor until fine, watch closely and don’t over pulse. Transfer cauliflower to a large bowl.
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Super finely chop red onion, green onions, jalapeno, cilantro, add to cauliflower.
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Process peanuts in food processor until fine, do not over process, add to cauliflower.
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Add pomegranate seeds. Season with salt and pepper. Squeeze one lime and drizzle with olive oil. Taste and the decide if it needs more seasoning.
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Use raw tahini, I like this brand. Drizzle plate with tahini. Spread cauliflower salad on top and garnish with a few orange wedges.
