comment icon 135 more comments Cheese and pasta and Greek pork pitas are all so super delicious and – I do not say this lightly – they have been exactly what my body and soul have needed throughout the last three months. I see them, I acknowledge their place, and I thank them for helping me heal my broken heart. But now it’s April, and my body and soul are asking for some new things. Mostly: Vegetables. Fruits. Healthy proteins. And more vegetables and more fruits. And if that could happen in a way that does not make me hate my life, that would be awesome k thanks.
How To Make Our Cauliflower Salad:
So it works out pretty nicely then that a few days ago, when I was deep in a Google rabbit hole, I came across THIS SALAD from the ultra-inspiring-plant-based-goals blog known as The First Mess. It’s old. Like, 2014 old. Which is only fitting for Google rabbit holes, right? Where else can you expect to find such hidden gems? But it’s still as crunchy, tangy, nutritious, and buttery (s/o to the perfect avocados) as it must have been in 2014 when it was a newbie to the internet. When this detoxy cauliflower salad materialized for lunch at the studio, we crunched in blissful silence and all agreed: it’s strange, maybe even unpredictable, but ridiculously delicious. Here’s what we’ve got in this unicorn of a cauliflower salad:
RAW cauliflower rice. RAW, thank you very much. Apples. Mint and parsley. Shallots. Super thinly sliced, like paper. Roasted chickpeas. Big chunks of buttery avocado. A two-second honey-olive oil-mustard dressing. Lime juice and zest. because WHY NOT.
It feels kitchen-sinky in the best possible way. Raise your hand if you need some spring detox in your life? Right there with you, girlfriend. Cauliflower Salad to our delicious rescue.
One More Thing!
This recipe is part of our best healthy summer salads page. Check it out! 4.9 from 38 reviews
1 14-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed chili powder, salt, and pepper 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets 1 apple, sliced thin 1 shallot, sliced thin a handful of parsley and mint, chopped 2 firm avocados, cut into chunks
Jar Dressing:
2 tablespoons grainy mustard 2 tablespoons honey 1/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup water juice and zest of one lime salt and pepper, to taste
I like to reserve a few chickpeas and herbs to top the salad, just to make it pretty. This salad doesn’t last long once tossed together, so if you’re prepping in advance, keep everything separate. Maple syrup or agave would be a perfect sub to make this recipe vegan.
