| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 15 mins – 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 200 | 13g | 2g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 6g | 5g | 0.16g |
The first time I ever whipped up the refreshing Cauliflower and Barberry Salad, I was instantly drawn to its blend of fresh ingredients, vibrant colors, and the fruity zest of barberries. There’s something about the way this dish brings together a South Carolina garden’s bounties with my coastal influences that I absolutely love.
A Salad with Southern Twists
I’m devoutly Southern at heart, tradition steeped into my cuisine just like the sun is infused in my Charleston home. This salad echoes my love for Southern-core veggies like cauliflower and green onions, coupled with an exotic toss-in of barberries. I love this twist on a classic salad. It resonates with my own journey as a chef, sticking to my roots while embracing new flavors and trends.
A Head-Turner Dish
The Cauliflower and Barberry Salad isn’t just a tribute to my vibrant Southern culinary roots, it’s also one of those dishes that makes people pause and ask, “What’s that?” It pairs exceptionally well with a classic Southern fare like cajun fried chicken or a heaping portion of honey-glazed cornbread. You could also pair it with a seafood dish like grilled snapper to further highlight the salad’s unique, fruity bite.
It shares similarities with a classic Greek salad and the Middle Eastern Tabbouleh, yet it maintains a distinct character with the star ingredient – barberries. Slightly tart, yet delightfully sweet, the barberries add a whole new depth of flavor and make this salad uniquely enjoyable.
The Blessings of Barberries and Cauliflower
It’s not just about the flavors, though. This recipe is packed with nutritional benefits. Barberries are bursting with antioxidants, which contribute to your overall health and well-being. Also, they are known to aid digestion, detoxify the body, and boost the immune system. Cauliflower, on the other hand, is notoriously low in calories while being rich in vitamins and minerals. It’s particularly beneficial for heart and digestive health due to its high fiber content.
A dash of honey and apple cider vinegar gives it a delightful sweetness and tang while offering its own array of health benefits. Honey is recognized for its antioxidants and antibacterial properties, while apple cider vinegar aids in weight loss, reduces cholesterol, and even lowers blood sugar levels!
Incorporating this Cauliflower and Barberry Salad into your meal rotation could be a delicious way to boost your health while treating your palate. It’s Southern, it’s coastal, and it’s absolutely delightful – just like the person who made it. Now, that’s why I love this recipe!
What You’ll Need
- 1 medium-sized head of cauliflower
- 1 cup of barberries
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons of honey
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh mint
- 1/2 cup of chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Begin by preheating your oven to 400° F (200° C). While the oven is heating, cut your cauliflower into small bite-sized florets.
Step Two
Once your cauliflower is prepped, place it on a baking sheet. Drizzle the cauliflower with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, and season it with salt and pepper. Once seasoned, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast the cauliflower for 20 minutes, or until it has turned a nice golden brown color.
Step Three
While the cauliflower is in the oven, prepare the barberries. Place the barberries in a bowl and add enough warm water to cover them. Let the barberries soak for 15 minutes. After they have soaked, drain them and set them aside.
Step Four
Next, make the dressing. In a small bowl, combine the remaining olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined.
Step Five
When the cauliflower is done roasting, let it cool for a bit before adding it to a large salad bowl. To the bowl, add the soaked barberries, chopped parsley, chopped mint, and chopped green onions. Toss the ingredients together to combine them.
Step Six
Finally, drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together again. Season the salad with additional salt and pepper to taste if necessary. Your Cauliflower and Barberry Salad is now ready to serve. Enjoy!
