ROASTED CAULIFLOWER SALAD WITH WATERCRESS, WALNUTS AND GRUYèRE

Roasted Cauliflower Salad With Watercress, Walnuts and Gruyère image

You can make this kind of salad with almost any vegetable that won't wilt or burn when subjected to a copious slick of oil and a blast of high heat. Broccoli, brussels sprouts, beets, parsnips, sweet potatoes, winter squash and rutabagas all work well. One of the best vegetables for this salad, though, is cauliflower. The florets turn juicy and tender in the center while crisping and browning around the edges, and cauliflower's mild flavor is amenable enough to pair nicely with almost anything else you toss in the bowl.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories easy, weekday, salads and dressings

Time 1h

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 head cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
2 bunches watercress, large stems removed
1/4 pound Gruyère, diced or grated (about 1 cup)
2/3 cup toasted walnuts

Steps:

Heat the oven to 400 degrees. In a bowl, toss together the cauliflower, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast, tossing occasionally, until tender and dark golden, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar with the remaining salt and pepper, and then whisk in the remaining oil.
In a salad bowl, toss the watercress, cheese, nuts and warm cauliflower. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss until well combined.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 387, UnsaturatedFat 24 grams, Carbohydrate 8 grams, Fat 34 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 14 grams, SaturatedFat 10 grams, Sodium 574 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams