The cauliflower salad with mayo, mustard, and garlic dressing is a typical, easy-to-make Romanian salad recipe.
This cauliflower salad with mayo was one of my favorite salads as a teenager. It's just some cauliflower with mayo - simple but so tasty. We did not have this often, but I think my grandmother used to make it from time to time, especially at Christmas or New Year's Eve, as part of a festive meal.
Together with Boeuf Salad or the Romanian Oriental Potato Salad.
Or try the mushroom mayonnaise salad, another classic in Romanian cooking. To make it, simply replace the cauliflower with two well-drained cans of sliced mushrooms.
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Ingredients
Cauliflower: I only use the florets, but you can also chop the stem and add it to the salad. Otherwise, never discard the stem. Use it to make cauliflower almond soup, cauliflower potato mash, or cauliflower potato patties.
Mayonnaise: I use homemade mayo most of the time; it is easy to make, super cheap, and the best. Have you ever made whole egg mayonnaise with an immersion blender? It takes less than a minute, and you will have the best-tasting mayo ever!
- However, your favorite brand is fine as well.
Add flavor: With garlic (plenty), lemon juice, and mustard. The recipe only mentions one large garlic clove, but I always use at least two; I just love it!
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to make cauliflower salad with mayo?
Step#1: Cook and cool the cauliflower.
Step#2: Mix dressing ingredients. Combine the cauliflower and mayonnaise dressing. Garnish with green onions.
How to store the salad?
If you make it with homemade mayo, refrigerate it in an airtight container for about 2 days. If you make it store-bought mayo, you can refrigerate it for 3 to 4 days.
More salads with mayonnaise
Recipe
Cauliflower Salad with Mayo
Ingredients
- 1 lb cauliflower Notes 1, 2
- 2-3 tablespoons homemade mayonnaise or your favorite brand, Note 3
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 2-3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice to taste
- 1 large garlic clove more to taste
- fine sea salt and black pepper
- green onions chives to garnish
Instructions
- Cook cauliflower: Divide the cauliflower into small florets. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add some salt and the cauliflower, and cook until soft but not mushy. About 5 minutes from the moment when the water comes to a boil again, but keep checking. Drain the cauliflower thoroughly and let it cool completely. Place the cauliflower florets into a bowl. 1 lb cauliflower
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, grated garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. Add the dressing to the cauliflower and mix carefully.2-3 tablespoons homemade mayonnaise + 1 teaspoon mustard + 2-3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice + 1 large garlic clove + fine sea salt and black pepper
- Garnish with finely chopped green onions or chives, and serve chilled with bread, crackers, or as a side dish.
Notes
- Cauliflower: Either use the chopped stems for the salad as well, or use them to make soup, mash, or another recipe.
- Variation: For another traditional Romanian salad, just swap the cauliflower with two drained cans of mushrooms.
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- Homemade mayo: Try this amazing Whole Egg Mayonnaise; it takes just a couple of minutes to make.ย
Carol says
It's the best way to eat cauliflower. So easy, it's like having it with plain aioli.
Adina says
Thank you for the feedback, Carol, we love this recipe too. ๐
Claudia says
This is such a delicious salad! I use to make it frequently. But mostly in autumn when it's cauliflower's season.
Adina says
I haven't made it in ages, must do it again soon. ๐
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
This is similar to a salad I make that combines cauliflower and broccoli so I can imagine how good this tastes. I'm happy to hear that you and your family are getting t enjoy some very nice weather, hope it continues.
Wanda says
I love this salad! I add dill to it yet.
Sissi says
One more original cauliflower dish! It looks at first a bit like a potato salad, but it's lighter and healthier...and, I'm sure, equally delicious.
Kathryn @ Family Food on the Table says
Time in the garden and time at the lake both sound amazing to me! And I'm so intrigued by this salad - it's a new one to me but I adore cauliflower and it looks so creamy! Gonna have to try it!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
I've never thought to serve cauliflower this way but it's such a great idea - it's like a lower carb version of potato salad, love it!
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
Have never had cauliflower prepared this way...it seems simple and very delicious, Adina.