Cauliflower Salad Recipe: Sweet, Salty and Ready in 10 Minutes 2026

This cauliflower salad is one of the most delicious ways to serve this vegetable, and it wins over even the people who usually steer clear of it. Raw cauliflower gets a quick two-minute blanch, then meets crisp serrano ham, sweet grapes and toasted hazelnuts for a starter that hits every note.

The dressing is a soft emulsion of olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest and honey, so it brings brightness and a gentle sweetness without overwhelming the florets. Fresh cilantro and parsley finish it off, though you can swap in other soft herbs if you prefer.

Ingredients for Cauliflower Salad

For 2 servings

• 200 g cauliflower florets
• Salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 slices serrano ham
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Ground black pepper
• 100 g grapes
• 30 g toasted hazelnuts
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

How to Make Cauliflower Salad Step by Step

1. Blanch the cauliflower

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and blanch 200 g of cauliflower florets for 2 minutes. Drain them and refresh under cold water so they stop cooking and keep a pleasant bite.

2. Toast the ham

Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a skillet and lightly toast 3 slices of serrano ham until they turn crisp. Set them aside; they will be crumbled over the salad at the end.

3. Mix the dressing

For the dressing, shake 1 tablespoon of olive oil with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and 1 teaspoon of honey in a sealed jar until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that the ham already brings salt.

4. Toss the cauliflower with the grapes and dressing

In a bowl, combine the cauliflower with 100 g of grapes cut in half and pour over the dressing. Toss well so every floret is coated.

5. Add the ham, hazelnuts and herbs

Finish mixing in the crumbled ham, 30 g of roughly chopped toasted hazelnuts, 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro and 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley.

6. Serve

Serve the salad immediately so you can enjoy it freshly made, while the ham is still crisp and the cauliflower still has its bite.

Tips for the Best Cauliflower Salad

Start with the right florets

Pre-cut cauliflower florets save time, but if you buy a whole head, simply break it into small florets before you begin. Keep them fairly small so they soak up the dressing evenly.

Toast your own hazelnuts

If your hazelnuts aren't already toasted, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes. Chop them coarsely so they add crunch without disappearing into the salad.

Pick your grapes and herbs

Black or white grapes both work, so choose according to your preference, though seedless ones are best. Cilantro and parsley are what we use here, but other soft aromatic herbs of your choice would also be lovely.

30 Top Recipes I Enjoy Cooking at Home

Like a lot of home cooks, I like having a balanced lineup ready to go: simple comfort dishes, well-known international plates, and desserts that make everyone happy.

On nights when I want something rich and indulgent, my picks tend to be this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this elegant Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And whenever something fruity and soothing sounds good, this classic French Tarte Tatin recipe is the one I keep coming back to.

For quick breakfasts and lighter plates, these fluffy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe are a regular in my rotation, along with a satisfying Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe and these fresh Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. And for a gluten-free staple to keep in the pantry, this simple Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe is one I like to prepare.

When tapas and Mediterranean flavors are calling, I move between this bold Basque Tuna with Tomato recipe, crispy Patatas Bravas Air Fryer recipe, creamy Tirokafteri Greek Dip Sauce recipe, and refreshing Burrata Salad with Tomato and Pesto recipe. This crisp Italian Vitello Tonnato recipe is also a favorite of mine to serve when the occasion calls for something a bit more special.

For filling lunches and cozy dinners, these are the ones I always point people toward: this comforting Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe, traditional Meatballs in Almond Sauce recipe, rich Italian Bolognese Sauce recipe, and creamy Chicken Croquettes in Thermomix recipe. And if I'm after something even heartier, I'll bake this Greek Pastitsio Pie recipe, a rustic Potatoes and Squid Stew recipe, or the ultra-comforting French Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.

Street food and party-style plates are another mood I cook for often, and that usually means this juicy Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crispy Salchipapas recipe, flavorful Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crunchy Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. These easy Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe are another one I like to set out as a no-fuss appetizer or snack.

And when I'm building drinks and a full spread for company, dinner often gets paired with this refreshing Original Cuban Mojito recipe, this bold Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To fill out the table, this tangy French Remoulade Sauce recipe works great on the side, and this striking Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe makes a beautiful finish.

Additional Tasty Recipes the Whole Family Will Enjoy

After years of testing and fine-tuning recipes in my own kitchen, I've come to believe the strongest dishes rely on three things: simplicity, techniques you can trust, and serious flavor.

The recipes gathered here are the ones I genuinely keep coming back to—whether it's a fast meal just for me or something a little more special for friends and family.

On the dessert side, the rich and silky Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is one I reach for when I want something elegant without much effort. Another sweet favorite is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, inspired by the famous Central European chimney cake. If baking is your thing, knowing how to make syrup for better texture in desserts comes in handy, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe walks through exactly how I do it at home.

When something fresh and unfussy is what I'm after, I usually reach for the classic Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a perfectly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. For heavier comfort food, I'm quick to suggest the satisfying Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the creamy Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the quick weeknight go-to One Pot Pasta Recipe.

Traditional dishes from around the world are another thing I love to share, among them the authentic Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crispy Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and the classic Spanish Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.

Air fryer cooking is a category I turn to often too, since it saves time without sacrificing texture. The ones I make most include Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Peppers Recipe, Air Fryer Mixed Sandwich Recipe, Air Fryer Toasted Bread Recipe, and Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe.

And for those steering clear of wheat, my comforting Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe shows that a classic baked pasta can still be rich, cheesy, and deeply satisfying without any gluten.

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