Dill Pickle Salad with Cauliflower Recipe
This Dill Pickle Salad with Cauliflower is a crisp and tangy side dish featuring fresh cauliflower florets marinated in pickle juice and mixed with sharp cheddar, crunchy pickles, and a creamy dill-infused dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a refreshing summer salad, this recipe combines bold flavors with a satisfying crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 5 cups cauliflower florets
- ¼ cup pickle juice (for marinating)
- ¾ cup pickles, sliced
- ⅔ cup cheddar cheese, diced
- 3 tablespoons white onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill
Dressing
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 4 tablespoons pickle juice
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate Cauliflower: Toss the cauliflower florets with ¼ cup of pickle juice and let them sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the tangy flavor. Then drain and discard the pickle juice.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, 4 tablespoons of pickle juice, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated to create a creamy, tangy dressing.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the marinated cauliflower, sliced pickles, diced cheddar cheese, finely diced white onion, fresh dill, and the prepared dressing until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill: Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and develop fully.
Notes
- For best flavor, use freshly chopped dill rather than dried.
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper to your desired spice level or omit it for a milder salad.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives and use dairy-free cheese.
- This salad can be made a day ahead to enhance flavor infusion.
- Use a sharp or extra-sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheese flavor.
Keywords: dill pickle salad, cauliflower salad, tangy salad, cheddar cheese salad, no-cook side dish, pickle juice marinade
