Who knew raw cauliflower could be so good?! This easy, flavorful Grated Cauliflower Salad with Ginger Lime Dressing packs a punch of flavor.
If you had told me as a kid that I would be eating raw cauliflower salads in the future, I would have sworn that you were some terrifying vision, like the ghost of Christmas present, who had come to scare me into being a well-behaved, submissive child. Never would I have believed that I'd actually be digging into piles of raw cauliflower voluntarily...willingly...with gusto, even!
From the first time that I tasted this Grated Cauliflower Salad with Pepper, Carrots and Capers, I was hooked. The flavors, the texture, everything screamed for me to eat "more".
When grated, the cauliflower takes on a light, feather texture that complements other crunchy, raw vegetable really well. I'm not usually a big fan of raw zucchini, but after eating it in my Tricolor Thai Salad with Zucchini, Summer Squash & Red Pepper, I had a feeling that it would work really well in this salad. Be sure to dice all of the vegetables finely so that maintain that light texture. Who wants to crunch through a big chunk of carrot in a delicate salad?!
If you've seen some of my favorite recipes, such as Mini Hoisin Turkey & Zucchini Meatloaf Muffins and Spicy Asian Slaw, you likely know that I am a fan of recipes that are even remotely Asian-inspired. There is a constant supply of fresh ginger, garlic and soy sauce in my fridge, and it seemed only right to use some of that ginger for the dressing, along with the tang of lime juice and a little heat from some diced jalapeño.
Serve this versatile salad alongside any chicken, fish or pork dish, or on its own as a light lunch. It's vegan and gluten free, too. It would also be fantastic alongside my one of my favorite ground turkey recipes (an awesome weeknight skillet meal!)
Other healthy cauliflower recipes:
Cauliflower in Puttanesca Sauce
Whole Wheat Orzo, Cauliflower & Kale Soup {Vegan}
Printable Recipe
Grated Cauliflower Salad with Ginger Lime Dressing
Ingredients
The Salad:
- 3 cups grated cauliflower
- ½ finely diced carrot
- ½ cup finely diced red bell pepper
- â…“ cup finely diced zucchini
- ¼ cup minced flat-leaf parsley
The Dressing:
- 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
- 2 teaspoons agave nectar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon minced jalapeño pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
The Salad:
- In a large bowl, stir together the cauliflower, carrot, red bell pepper, zucchini and parsley.
The Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, ginger, jalapeño, agave nectar, salt and pepper.
- Toss with the dressing. Serve.
Susan
This sounds really wonderful. I'll add it to my list of recipes to try.
Heather | girlichef
It almost looks like rice or cheese, I don't think I would have known what it was at first glance if I hadn't read the title first. I'm so intrigued! I've always liked crunching on cauliflower raw, so I know I have to try it this way. I love the sound of this salad.
Martha @ A Family Feast
What a great salad - I've never tried grating the cauliflower before!
Lana | Never Enough Thyme
That is one gorgeous salad! And that dressing...wow, what a flavor bomb!
Kim
Hi ! I really like your recipe ideas ! I have some allergies to vegetables like carrots and celery, (because I'm allergic to the Birch tree) so what do you suggest I replace the carrots in this recipe ? Also I would like to know what is agave nectar ?
Thanks !
Jo
Hi Kim, agave nectar is like a sugar syrup but it's made from the agave plant. It's really delicious and can be bought from most supermarkets and health food shops. It's not too expensive either. 🙂
Liz
I love this salad. Thanks so much.
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet
I LOVE this idea! This salad happening soon!
Jenny @ The Peachy Pair
I don't usually care for cauliflower, but this looks good! Has enough stuff in it to make me like it. 🙂
Kim (Feed Me, Seymour)
I've never really thought to have grated cauliflower. But this salad looks amazing and that ginger lime dressing is calling my name.
GiGi Eats
Cauliflower is the best! I never thought about grating it though, just putting it in a food processor, but this looks so much easier (clean up wise!)... I am going to NEED to try this! 🙂