Cauliflower Pea Salad Recipe
Welcome to lovewithrecipes.com, where we delight in bringing you fresh, flavorful recipes that are easy to prepare and sure to impress. Today, we’re excited to share with you a vibrant and crunchy Cauliflower Pea Salad. This dish is a perfect medley of fresh vegetables and a creamy dressing, making it an ideal side for any meal or a light lunch on its own. Let’s dive into the details of how to create this delightful salad! 🥗
Ingredients
To create this refreshing Cauliflower Pea Salad, you will need the following ingredients:
- Cauliflower – 2 cups, chopped into bite-sized florets
- Celery – 1 cup, finely diced
- Onion – 2 medium, finely chopped
- Frozen Peas – 1 cup, thawed
- Ranch Dressing Mix – 0.5 packet (approx. 2 tablespoons)
- Mayonnaise – 1 cup
Nutrition Information
Each serving of this Cauliflower Pea Salad provides:
- Calories: 198.8 kcal
- Fat Content: 13.4 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 2 g
- Cholesterol Content: 10.2 mg
- Sodium Content: 350.9 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 17.7 g
- Fiber Content: 3 g
- Sugar Content: 5.7 g
- Protein Content: 3.5 g
Preparation Steps
Preparation of this delightful salad is straightforward and can be completed in about 20 minutes. Here’s how to make it:
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | Begin by preparing your vegetables. Chop the cauliflower into small, bite-sized florets. Dice the celery finely. Finely chop the onions. |
| 2 | In a large mixing bowl, combine the cauliflower florets, diced celery, chopped onions, and thawed peas. Ensure that all the vegetables are evenly distributed. |
| 3 | In a separate smaller bowl, blend the Ranch dressing mix with the mayonnaise. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. |
| 4 | Pour the creamy dressing over the vegetable mixture in the large bowl. |
| 5 | Toss the salad gently to ensure that all the vegetables are well coated with the dressing. |
| 6 | Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. |
Serving Suggestions
This Cauliflower Pea Salad can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal or as a side dish to complement a variety of main courses. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a refreshing contrast.
- Pair it with a hearty sandwich for a well-rounded lunch.
- Add some cooked and crumbled bacon on top for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
- Serve it as part of a potluck spread; it’s sure to be a hit with its colorful presentation and delightful taste.
Tips and Variations
To make your Cauliflower Pea Salad even more exciting, consider these tips and variations:
- Cheese Lover’s Twist: Add some shredded cheddar or crumbled feta cheese for a rich and tangy flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in some fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives for an aromatic lift.
- Crispy Crunch: Toss in some sunflower seeds or chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for added texture.
- Health Boost: Substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce the fat content and add a protein boost.
Storage
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Before serving again, give it a quick toss to redistribute the dressing.
Summary
This Cauliflower Pea Salad is a delightful blend of crisp vegetables and creamy dressing that comes together in just 20 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish or a light and nutritious meal, this salad is a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. The combination of cauliflower, celery, peas, and onions with a smooth Ranch dressing makes for a dish that is both visually appealing and delicious. Enjoy the crunch and the burst of flavors with each bite. Happy cooking! 🌟🍽️
