Cauliflower “Couscous” Salad

I got the inspiration for this couscous salad while I was on a flight. I was thinking of different Mediterranean dishes when I decided to give this a try. Instead of using quinoa, I have decided to go for a lower carb option and incorporating cauliflower rice into this recipe. You can barely tell the difference and will save yourself a ton of calories and carbs! Feel free to add feta or goat cheese to this salad. I found an amazing vegan feta cheese by Violife that I highly recommend and it tastes so good in the mix! For more of a filling meal, top the salad with grilled chicken or grilled salmon and enjoy!

Cauliflower “Couscous” Salad

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

• 1 head cauliflower
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 leek, thinly sliced
• 1 cup asparagus spears
• 4 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1 Persian cucumber, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp kalamata olives, cut in half
• 1 cup baby arugula
• 1/2 cup vegan feta cheese or goat cheese (optional)

For The Dressing:

• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/4 tsp chili flakes
• 1 tsp sumac
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

DIRECTIONS

• STEP 1. Cut the cauliflower into florets and add to a food processor. Chop until it forms rice consistency.
• STEP 2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cauliflower rice and leeks. Cook for about 8 minutes, until soft.
• STEP 3. Place the cauliflower rice mixture in a large serving bowl.
• STEP 4. Heat a pot of water and add in the asparagus spears. I like to buy frozen as they cook in 2 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Add the asparagus spears to the cauliflower bowl.
• STEP 5. Add the remaining of ingredients to the cauliflower mix and gently stir with a spoon.
• STEP 6. Prepare the dressing by combining all of the ingredients in a small bowl. Mix well and toss in with the cauliflower salad.
• STEP 7. Serve salad warm or cold. This salad lasts in the fridge for a few days and tastes delicious with grilled salmon or chicken.

Tools/Products Used For Recipe