WARM CAULIFLOWER SALAD WITH CAPER VINAIGRETTE

Warm Cauliflower Salad with Caper Vinaigrette image

Provided by Alejandra Ramos

Time 30m

Yield 2 to 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 large head cauliflower (about 2 pounds)
3 to 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
1 cup pitted dates, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
1 tablespoon capers, drained
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
2 cloves garlic, peeled
Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil or grapeseed oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley
3 tablespoons capers, drained
1 tablespoon honey
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
For the cauliflower salad: Remove the core and leaves from the cauliflower, then use your hands and a knife to break apart and coarsely chop the florets into about 2- to 3-inch pieces. Spread on a baking sheet and drizzle generously with the oil. Season with salt. Toss to coat, then roast until the cauliflower is tender and slightly crisp around the edges, 15 to 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, make the caper vinaigrette: Combine the garlic, lemon zest and juice, oil, vinegar, parsley, capers, honey, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth.
Transfer the cauliflower to a large bowl. Add the dates, almonds, cranberries and capers. Pour in about 1/3 cup of the dressing and toss to coat evenly. Taste and add additional dressing as desired (you won't need all of it). Sprinkle with the crushed red pepper flakes if desired and serve warm.