Crispy Cabbage and Cauliflower Salad with Tahini Lemon Dressing Recipe
This crispy cabbage and cauliflower salad is a refreshing and crunchy vegetable dish featuring finely chopped savoy cabbage and cauliflower, tossed with a zesty tahini-lemon dressing spiced with harissa for a flavorful kick. It’s a light, healthy salad perfect as a side or a vegetarian main.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1/2 pound savoy cabbage (from half a small head), finely chopped
- 1/2 pound cauliflower (from half a small head), finely chopped
- Olive oil, for tossing (about 1-2 tablespoons)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, optional, to taste
Dressing
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons well-stirred tahini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Water, as needed (to thin dressing)
- Harissa, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Finely chop the savoy cabbage and cauliflower into small, uniform pieces to ensure crispness and ease of mixing.
- Toss vegetables with olive oil and seasoning: In a large mixing bowl, drizzle the chopped cabbage and cauliflower with olive oil. Sprinkle with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss well to evenly coat the vegetables, enhancing their natural flavor and crisp texture.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and olive oil. Whisk together until smooth. Add water a little at a time to reach a creamy, pourable consistency.
- Add harissa: Stir in harissa to taste for a spicy, smoky depth in the dressing. Adjust the amount based on your preferred heat level.
- Combine salad and dressing: Pour the tahini-lemon dressing over the tossed vegetables. Mix thoroughly until all the cabbage and cauliflower are coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Serve or chill: The salad can be served immediately to enjoy the crunch or refrigerated for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and soften the vegetables slightly.
Notes
- You can substitute regular cabbage if savoy cabbage is unavailable, but savoy adds a nicer texture.
- Harissa paste might be spicy; adjust to your taste or omit for a milder salad.
- This salad is best eaten fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Adding toasted nuts or seeds can provide extra texture and flavor.
- Tahini can be substituted with a nut butter for a different twist on the dressing.
