Best Calico Cauliflower Pasta Salad Recipes

ITALIAN CAULIFLOWER SALAD

Steps:

• Chop the cauliflower into bite-sized pieces and place in a large microwave-safe bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of water, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave for 3 minutes or until as tender as you'd like. Drain the liquid from the bowl.
• Slice the grape tomatoes in half. Chop the spinach into small pieces. Cut the pepperoni and salami slices in half.
• Add the tomatoes, spinach, pepperoni, salami, mozzarella, onion, and pepperoncini to the bowl with the cauliflower.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, oregano, basil, rosemary, and garlic until well combined. Taste and add additional lemon, herbs, or salt as desired.
• Pour the dressing over the cauliflower salad and toss to coat.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

CALICO CAULIFLOWER PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• 1. Cook pasta according to package directions to the al dente stage; rinse; drain. Set aside. --- Combine all vegetables in a large bowl. (add seafood,or ham or bacon or tuna now if using) Set aside.
• 2. Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk the lemon juice, vinegar, dill, sugar, garlic, salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in the olive oil. (mix in mayonnaise if add the seafood or ham,tuna or bacon)
• 3. Pour dressing over pasta and fold in the vegetables.Cover and Chill at least 2 hours. --- Note: I usually make double dressing to serve at the table- the pasta will absorb some of the dressing- so it depends how moist you like your salad.

QUICK CALICO SALAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. In another bowl, combine the sour cream, milk and salad dressing mix. Pour over vegetables; toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving. Stir in sunflower kernels and bacon.

SICILIAN PASTA WITH CAULIFLOWER

Steps:

• Place the raisins or currants in a small bowl and cover with warm water. In another bowl combine the saffron with 3 tablespoons warm water. Let both sit for 20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt generously. Add the cauliflower and boil gently until the florets are tender but the middle resists when poked with a skewer or knife, about 10 minutes. Using slotted spoons or tongs (or a pasta insert) remove the cauliflower from the water, transfer to a bowl of cold water and drain. Cover the pot and turn off the heat. You will cook the pasta in the cauliflower water. Cut the florets from the core of the cauliflower and cut them into small florets or crumble coarsely using a fork or your hands.
• Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large, heavy skillet and add the garlic. Cook, stirring, until it smells fragrant, about 30 seconds to a minute, and add the anchovies and tomatoes. Turn the heat down to medium-low and cook, stirring often, until the tomatoes have cooked down and smell fragrant, about 10 minutes. Drain the raisins or currants and add, along with the saffron and its soaking liquid, cauliflower, pine nuts or almonds, and about 1/4 cup of the cooking water from the cauliflower. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover, turn the heat to low and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep warm while you cook the pasta.
• Bring the cauliflower water back to a boil and cook the pasta al dente, following the timing instructions on the package. Check the sauce and if it seems dry add another 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and transfer to the pan with the sauce. Toss together and serve, sprinkled with pecorino and chopped basil leaves. If desired, drizzle a little olive oil over each serving.

ZESTY CAULIFLOWER ANTIPASTO SALAD

Steps:

• Place cauliflower, onion, and salad dressing in a large bowl. Stir to coat. Cover and marinate for 30 minutes.
• Add tomatoes, artichoke hearts, olives, banana peppers, mozzarella balls, and salami; stir to combine.

CAULIFLOWER ANTIPASTO SALAD

Steps:

• Place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Add cauliflower, cover, and steam until barely fork-tender, 6 to 7 minutes. Remove to a metal mixing bowl and refrigerate, about 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, for the dressing, stir mayonnaise, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, and garlic together in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
• Add artichokes, tomatoes, olives, bell pepper, salami, and Asiago cheese to the cooled cauliflower. Toss with the dressing and place prosciutto rolls around the top.
• Refrigerate salad until ready to serve. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

CREAMY CAULIFLOWER PASTA WITH PECORINO BREAD CRUMBS

Steps:

• Bring a large pasta pot filled with salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente; drain and reserve about 1 cup of the cooking water.
• Meanwhile, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add bread crumbs and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they're evenly toasted and golden brown, 4 to 6 minutes. Add 1/4 cup pecorino and toss to coat, letting the cheese melt and clump among the bread crumbs (think granola-like clusters). Remove from heat and transfer to a small bowl or plate; set aside.
• Wipe out the skillet and heat remaining 3 tablespoons oil over medium heat. Add shallot and cauliflower and season with salt and plenty of black pepper. Cook, tossing occasionally, until the cauliflower has completely softened and both the cauliflower and shallots are beginning to caramelize and brown, 12 to 15 minutes.
• Add heavy cream and 1 tablespoon lemon zest and bring to a simmer, then let the cream reduce and thicken, 2 to 4 minutes. Season with salt and plenty of pepper; if pasta is still cooking, remove from heat and set aside until pasta is ready.
• Return the skillet to medium heat and add the pasta to the cauliflower, along with the remaining 1/4 cup pecorino and 3/4 cup of the pasta water. Cook, tossing to coat the pasta and thicken the sauce until it's thick and glossy, and almost resembles macaroni and cheese, adding more pasta water by the tablespoon as needed, 4 to 6 minutes.
• Remove from heat. Divide pasta among bowls and top with pecorino bread crumbs, chives, more lemon zest, red-pepper flakes (if using) and more cheese if you like.