Sicilian Cauliflower Salad 

This vibrant Sicilian salad—also known as Insalata Rinforzata—features lightly blanched cauliflower florets marinated in a zesty vinaigrette of olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and garlic. It’s mixed with a colorful array of tangy olives, capers, roasted peppers, sun‑dried tomatoes, chickpeas, red onion, and parsley, with a hint of crushed red pepper flakes. Serve it at room temperature for a refreshing side or light lunch. This salad improves over time, making it perfect for preparing ahead and ideal for entertaining or casual meals alike. 

Ingredients

• ½ cup extra‑virgin olive oil
  
  

• ¼ cup red wine vinegar (adjust to taste)
  
  

• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  
  

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
  
  

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  
  

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into small florets (7–8 cups)
  
  

• ½ large red onion, finely chopped (≈1 cup)
  
  

• 1 jar (12 oz) roasted red peppers in olive oil and garlic, drained and chopped
  
  

• ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
  
  

• 5 sun‑dried tomatoes in olive oil, drained and chopped (≈¼ cup)
  
  

• ¼ cup capers, drained
  
  

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  
  

• ¼ cup chopped flat‑leaf parsley
  
  

• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  
  

Directions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
   
   

2. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Blanch the cauliflower florets for about 1 minute, then drain well.
   
   

3. Transfer cauliflower to the vinaigrette bowl, tossing to coat evenly. Let it cool to room temperature, allowing it to marinate.
   
   

4. Once cooled, add chopped red onion, roasted red peppers, olives, sun‑dried tomatoes, capers, chickpeas, parsley, and red pepper flakes.
   
   

5. Stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra vinegar, lemon juice, salt, or pepper as desired.
   
   

(Make‑ahead: Salad keeps well for 3–4 days refrigerated—stir before serving.) 

Nutrients

(per serving; yields about 6 servings)

• Calories: ~229 kcal
  
  

• Carbohydrates: ~11 g
  
  

• Protein: ~3 g
  
  

• Fat: ~21 g (Monounsaturated ~15 g, Saturated ~3 g)
  
  

• Fiber: ~4 g
  
  

• Sugar: ~3 g
  
  

• Sodium: ~434 mg
  
  

• Potassium: ~514 mg
  
  

• Vitamin C: ~77 mg
  
  

• Vitamin A: ~348 IU
  
  

• Calcium: ~52 mg
  
  

• Iron: ~1 mg