After a long week filled with the hustle and bustle of everyday life, I often crave something vibrant and wholesome to lift my spirits. One evening, while rummaging through my fridge, I uncovered a head of cauliflower and a bunch of leafy kale, sparking the idea for this delightful Roasted Cauliflower Kale Salad with Dried Cherries, Walnuts, and Feta.
As the cauliflower roasted to a perfect golden brown, filling my kitchen with a warm, nutty aroma, I couldn’t help but smile at how a simple ingredient could transform a dull weekday meal into something extraordinary. Tossing the tender kale with a zesty dressing infuses life into every bite, while the pop of tart cherries and the crunch of walnuts offer an irresistible contrast.
Whether you’re looking to shake off the fast-food rut or just craving a fresh, satisfying salad, this recipe is here to invigorate your dinner table. Join me as we create a dish that’s not only visually stunning but also packed with flavor and nutrition—perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying on a quiet night at home.
Why is Roasted Cauliflower Kale Salad a Must-Try?
Bold flavors unite beautifully in this vibrant salad, making each bite a celebration.
- Nutrient-packed ingredients: Kale, cauliflower, and nuts provide a health-boosting array of vitamins.
- Unique twist from the sweetness of dried cherries balances the salad’s richness, creating a delightful flavor harmony.
- Easy to prepare: This salad yields big results in taste with minimal effort, ideal for busy weeknights.
- Versatile dish: Enjoy it as a hearty side or a main course. You can easily customize ingredients based on what’s in your pantry.
- Crowd-pleaser: Impress guests with this stunning dish that feels gourmet but comes together effortlessly.
For more inspiring ways to refresh your meals, check out my easy salad recipes.
Roasted Cauliflower Kale Salad with Dried Cherries, Walnuts, and Feta Ingredients
• Essential for creating a wholesome meal, let’s gather our ingredients for this delicious Roasted Cauliflower Kale Salad.
For the Salad
- 1 head cauliflower – a key player that adds a robust, nutty flavor when roasted to perfection.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – use this to enhance the roasting process and achieve that beautiful golden hue.
- 1 bunch kale – packed with vitamins, it gives the salad a hearty texture and vibrant color.
- 1/4 of a small red onion – adds a gentle crunch and a mildly sweet flavor to contrast with the kale.
- 1/3 cup dried tart cherries – these little gems offer a sweet-tart flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- 1/2 cup walnuts – bring a delightful crunch and healthy fats, making the salad even more satisfying.
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese – this creamy addition provides a savory and salty bite that balances the flavors.
- salt to taste – essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- pepper to taste – adds a hint of warmth and depth to the salad.
For the Dressing
- juice of 1 lemon – brightens the dish with its zesty freshness and helps balance the richness.
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard – adds a tangy kick that complements the sweet notes of the cherries.
- 1 teaspoon honey – sweetness that perfectly rounds out the dressing, harmonizing all flavors.
- 1 clove garlic – a wonderful aromatic that infuses the dressing with robust flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – helps to amplify all the sauces’ bold flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper – adds just the right amount of spice to the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for a rich texture and flavor, this will tie the dressing together beautifully.
How to Make Roasted Cauliflower Kale Salad
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Preheat the oven to 425℉. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange your cauliflower florets. Drizzle with one tablespoon of olive oil, then season with salt and pepper before roasting for 25-30 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized.
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Mix the dressing while the cauliflower roasts. In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk well, then slowly add the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil, mixing until fully incorporated.
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Massage the kale in a large mixing bowl. Pour half of the dressing over the kale along with a generous pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Use your hands to massage the dressing into the kale for about a minute, until it reduces in volume and the leaves soften.
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Combine the salad ingredients. Add the roasted cauliflower, diced red onion, dried cherries, walnuts, and crumbled feta to the kale. Gently toss everything together with the remaining dressing. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed, then serve!
Optional: Garnish with additional walnuts for an extra crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Roasted Cauliflower Kale Salad with Dried Cherries, Walnuts, and Feta?
Elevate your dining experience by pairing this vibrant salad with complementary dishes that enhance its flavors and textures.
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Grilled Chicken Breast: The savory, charred flavor of grilled chicken adds a satisfying protein boost that balances the crunch of the salad beautifully.
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Quinoa Pilaf: This nutty, fluffy side dish harmonizes with the salad’s freshness while providing additional fiber and nutrients for a complete meal.
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Garlic Butter Shrimp: Juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic butter offer a burst of richness that adds depth, making every bite a delightful experience.
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Creamy Polenta: The smooth, creamy texture of polenta provides a comforting contrast to the crunchy kale and roasted cauliflower, rounding out the meal nicely.
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Mediterranean Flatbreads: Soft, warm flatbreads brushed with olive oil and herbs serve as the perfect vessel for scooping up salad bites, elevating the dining experience.
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Lemon-Dill Hummus: A zesty hummus on the side offers a tangy dip that echoes the lemon in the salad dressing, creating a cohesive flavor profile.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits brings extra sweetness and brightness, making it a perfect palate cleanser after the hearty salad.
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Sparkling Water with Lime: A bubbly drink with a hint of lime keeps the fresh theme going while adding a crispness that complements the meal perfectly.
Roasted Cauliflower Kale Salad Variations
Feel free to mix things up and make this salad your own with these fun variations!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute vegan feta or omit cheese altogether for a cozy, dairy-free option. The salad will still be packed with flavor!
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Nuts for Seeds: Swap walnuts for pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a delightful crunch that caters to nut allergies or preferences.
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Zesty Twist: Add a tablespoon of capers for a briny punch that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cherries.
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Extra Veggies: Toss in sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or roasted beets for additional color, nutrition, and texture.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into the dressing to bring a hint of heat that complements the other flavors.
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Fresh Herbs: Enhance the salad with freshly chopped parsley or mint for an aromatic freshness that elevates every bite.
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Fruit Variations: Replace dried cherries with cranberries, raisins, or even pomegranate seeds to add a different sweetness and texture.
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Grain Boost: Serve over a bed of quinoa or farro to make it a heartier meal, adding a chewy texture and nutty flavor to the mix.
Expert Tips for Roasted Cauliflower Kale Salad
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Cauliflower Prep: Cut your cauliflower into uniform florets to ensure even roasting. This prevents some pieces from burning while others remain undercooked.
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Kale Massage: Take a moment to truly massage the kale with the dressing; this tenderizes the leaves, making a world of difference in texture for the Roasted Cauliflower Kale Salad with Dried Cherries, Walnuts, and Feta.
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Dressing Balance: Taste your dressing before adding all of it to the salad. Adjust acidity by adding more lemon juice or sweetness with a dash more honey, depending on your preference.
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Nut Variations: Swap walnuts with other nuts or seeds like pecans or sunflower seeds for a different flavor twist and texture, while maintaining that satisfying crunch.
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Storage Tips: To keep leftovers fresh, store the salad and dressing separately. Add the dressing just before serving to prevent wilting and maintain that crispness.
Storage Tips for Roasted Cauliflower Kale Salad
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Room Temperature: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if left out, it can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
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Fridge: Store any leftover Roasted Cauliflower Kale Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate to maintain texture.
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Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this salad as the kale and roasted cauliflower will lose their texture. Instead, enjoy it fresh!
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Reheating: If you prefer warm cauliflower, gently reheat the florets in the microwave for about 30 seconds before assembling the salad again.
Make Ahead Options
These Roasted Cauliflower Kale Salad with Dried Cherries, Walnuts, and Feta are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can roast the cauliflower up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply allow it to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. The kale can be massaged with half of the dressing and stored for up to 24 hours, helping to soften the leaves while preventing it from becoming soggy. When you’re ready to serve, just combine the prepped ingredients—add the remaining dressing, toss, and enjoy a fresh, vibrant salad that’s just as delicious as if you made it all at once!
Roasted Cauliflower Kale Salad with Dried Cherries, Walnuts, and Feta Recipe FAQs
How do I select a ripe cauliflower for roasting?
Absolutely! When choosing a cauliflower, look for a head that is firm, compact, and free from dark spots. The florets should be tightly packed and white or creamy in color. Any discoloration or dark spots may indicate age and possibly a tougher texture once cooked.
How should I store leftovers of the Kale Salad?
Very! After preparing your Roasted Cauliflower Kale Salad, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, I recommend keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain that fresh crunchiness of the kale and prevent wilting.
Can I freeze the Roasted Cauliflower Kale Salad?
Not ideal! Freezing is not recommended for this salad as both the kale and roasted cauliflower will lose their texture when thawed. Instead, try making smaller portions to enjoy fresh throughout the week, enhancing your meals without compromising on quality.
What can I do if my kale is too tough?
Don’t worry, I’ve been there! If your kale feels tough or chewy, simply take an extra moment to massage the leaves. Drizzle some olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of salt before massaging it gently for about 1 to 2 minutes. You’ll notice it softens considerably, making it much more enjoyable to eat.
Can pets eat the ingredients in this salad?
Very much to consider! Kale is generally safe for dogs in small amounts but should be given sparingly to avoid stomach upset. As for the walnuts and dressing ingredients, they shouldn’t be given to pets, especially dogs, as they can impact their health. Always check with your vet before introducing new foods into your pet’s diet.
What ingredients can I substitute in this salad?
The more the merrier! If you’re looking to customize, feel free to substitute the walnuts with pecans or sunflower seeds for added crunch. If feta isn’t your favorite, a sprinkle of goat cheese or even a dairy-free cheese can work wonders. Plus, you can swap dried cherries for cranberries or raisins to mix up the sweet-tart experience!
Delicious Roasted Cauliflower Kale Salad with Cherries, Walnuts, Feta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 425℉. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange cauliflower florets. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast for 25-30 minutes until golden and caramelized.
- Mix the dressing. In a small bowl, combine lemon juice, dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk well, then slowly add olive oil, mixing until incorporated.
- Massage the kale in a large bowl. Pour half the dressing over the kale and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Massage for about a minute until leaves soften.
- Combine salad ingredients. Add roasted cauliflower, diced onion, cherries, walnuts, and feta to the kale. Toss everything together with remaining dressing, taste and adjust seasoning as needed.