Never miss a recipe! Subscribe Here

  • About
  • Contact
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Cotter Crunch

Cotter Crunch

Delicious Healthy Gluten Free Recipes

  • All Recipes
    • By Diet
      • Dairy-Free
      • Egg-Free
      • Gluten-Free
      • Grain-Free
      • Low-Carb
      • Nightshade-Free
      • Nut-Free
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
      • Whole30
    • By Type
      • Breakfasts
      • Casseroles
      • Condiments
      • Desserts
      • Drinks
      • Main Dishes
      • Sides & Salads
      • Snacks & Appetizers
      • Stews & Soups
    • By Method
      • Air Fryer
      • Blender
      • Instant Pot
      • No-Bake
      • Oven
      • Slow Cooker
      • Stovetop
    • Quick Meals
    • With Video
  • Meal Plans
  • Shop
  • Start Here
    • Gluten-Free Eating
    • More Diet Guides
      • Autoimmune Protocol
      • Anti-Inflammatory
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
      • Whole30
  • Cookbooks
  • Search
Home › Recipes › By Type › Sides and Salads
★★★★★12 Comments

Greek Cauliflower Salad Bowls (Grain Free, Vegetarian)

Avatar photo

by Lindsay Cotter Posted: January 10, 2019

Dairy-FreeEgg-FreeGluten-FreeGrain-FreeLow-CarbNut-FreeVegan
Jump to Recipe
Greek Cauliflower Salad pin

This cauliflower salad is packed with nutrition! Greek Cauliflower Salad Bowls feature cauliflower rice, grape leaves, olives, crunchy pumpkin seeds, and goat cheese. This salad bowls recipe makes a low carb salad or meatless meal that will fill you up while keeping your body strong and healthy! Lower carb, gluten-free, grain-free, and vegetarian.

Greek flavored salad with cauliflower rice served in white bowl topped with cherry tomatoes and lemon slices.

Trending –> Bowl food. Okay I may be bias. Also trending —> Mediterranean food diet named best diet for 2019! Why? Because gosh darn that food is so fresh and delicious. Shouldn’t that be the focus all the time? Well, with the exception of cookie week, pumpkin lattes, and birthdays.  Haha, in all seriousness, I am a Mediterranean food has (and will always be) a FAVORITE in our house. Trending 24/7. Which is why I am sharing with you this delicious cauliflower salad recipe, adapted from one that’s published in my cookbook.

Shameless plug… You do have a copy of my Nourishing Superfoods Bowl cookbook, right? If not, you seriously need a copy. We’ll also be giving away a few copies during our next Meal Plan Challenge starting this next week! Yes, another shameless plug to JOIN the FB group.

nourishing bowls cookbook open to the page with image of Greek Cauliflower Rice Pilaf Bowls.

I digress. Let’s talk…

Greek Cauliflower Salad Bowls

Can you make a complete “Mediterranean” meal with cauliflower rice?  Well yes, you just have to know how to “pump it up.” In fact,  is a low carb dish that’s great for lunch and made from leftovers. You heard me right… this NOURISHING power salad can be made using LEFTOVERS. Or, if you are the meal planning and meal prep recipes pro, you may already have a stash of cauliflower rice in your freezer. In which case, you are ready to go!

cauliflower salad bowls with Greek flavors served in white bowl with gold fork

On second thought, you may already be planning to use it to make a pot of Curried Cauliflower Rice Kale Soup or a Thai Carrot Cauliflower Rice Salad. That’s OK with me, you’ll just need to make more cauliflower rice for this recipe.

Nutrition in Cauliflower Salad

The amount of healthy nutrition packed into this Greek salad will blow your mind! Go ahead and ask (you know you want to)…

How are Greek Cauliflower Salad Bowls healthy?

Grape Leaves – The grape leaves have tremendous nutrition and can count towards your weekly recommended intake of dark green veggies. They are low in calories; 1 cup contains only 13 calories. Plus, they are a rich source of essential nutrients like vitamins K and C, with minerals like calcium and iron!

Goat Cheese (or Feta) –  These cheeses are full of calcium and plant-based protein and easier to digest than most lactose due to its fermentation process.

Cauliflower – Provides antioxidants and phytonutrients that help fight against cancer. It also contains fiber to aid digestion, choline that is essential for learning and memory, and herbs/seeds.

All of those healthy ingredients = a POWERHOUSE low carb salad or meatless meal.

Greek Cauliflower Rice Pilaf salad served in white bowl with gold fork.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 head cauliflower ( to be riced). You can totally by the prepared cauliflower rice as well!  In fact, many stores carry frozen cauliflower rice. 1 medium head cauliflower equals around 4 cups riced! 🙂
  •  garlic
  •  sea salt and pepper
  •  pumpkin seeds
  • grape leaves – Found in grocery aisle – a jar or can (shredded and pressed clean to remove extra water).
  • grape tomatoes – diced
  • Herbs like cilantro or basil or parsley! All work!
  • Stuffed green olives or marinated green olives
  • lemon juice and olive oil
  • Crumbled goat cheese ? (or feta if you prefer)

The key to adding more flavor and tang to this CHOPPED cauliflower salad?

Well, you blend the cauliflower with grape leaves. Like so!

Grape leaves chopped in a food processor bowl.
grape leaves chopped with cauliflower salad in a clear glass mixing bowl.

That’s it! Then you have two ways for making this (hot or cold). Chop, toss, mix and garnish. Delish fresh cauliflower salad DONE!

OR…..

Lightly cook/toast the cauliflower rice in the oven with spices (for 10 minutes on a sheet pan) FIRST  for extra flavor! Then serve straight from the bowl and DIG IN! ?

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Greek cauliflower rice pilaf served in white bowl topped with cherry tomatoes and lemon slices.

Greek Cauliflower Salad Bowls (Low Carb, Vegetarian)


★★★★★

5 from 2 reviews

  • Author: Lindsay Cotter
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

Greek Cauliflower Salad Bowls feature cauliflower rice, grape leaves, Mediterranean olives and seasonings, pumpkin seeds for crunch, and creamy goat cheese. This gluten-free, grain-free, vegetarian, low carb salad is perfect for lunch or meatless dinner.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 small to medium head cauliflower (riced) – if you prefer to buy premade cauliflower rice, use 3 to 4 cups riced.
  • 1–2 Tablespoons olive oil (2 Tablespoons if using a large amount of cauliflower)
  • ½ teaspoon minced garlic (or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder)
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
  • 1 cup grape leaves – Found in grocery aisle – a jar or can (shredded and pressed clean to remove extra water).
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes – diced/sliced
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh basil, parsley, or cilantro!
  • 5–7 marinated green olives (or regular stuffed olives)
  • ½ lemon, juiced
  • 1 ounce or more crumbled goat cheese (soft) – skip for dairy free/vegan option! Or see notes for alternatives

Instructions

  1. Remove the stem from the cauliflower and cut the cauliflower head into four or five sections. Place one or two sections of the cauliflower, depending on size, into a food processor and pulse until cauliflower rice is formed, usually 3 or 4 pulses.
  2. Repeat for each section of the cauliflower.
  3. Place the cauliflower rice in a large bowl. Add 1-2 tbsp olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper and pumpkin seeds, and toss to combine.
  4. For a fresh cauliflower salad, mix the cauliflower rice with the chopped grape leaves (preparation instructions below) and tomatoes. Alternatively you can lightly toast the cauliflower rice on an oiled baking sheet, spread out evenly. Bake for 10-15 minutes at 375F, tossing once during baking. Remove and let cool.
  5. To prepare the grape leaves, rinse the grape leaves with water to remove the excess salt. Press the grape leaves with a paper towel to remove the excess water. Chop or shred grape leaves and set aside.
  6. Dice the tomatoes, herbs, and olives to your liking. Place in s large bowl with the cauliflower rice, and then add the grape leaves. Toss together, mixing well. Add a fresh squeeze of lemon, salt and pepper to taste, and red pepper flakes.
  7. GARNISH with a hefty dose of crumbled goat cheese, Red pepper flakes, herbs (cilantro or basil), and lemon slices.
  8. You can serve straight from one large bowl or serve into 2 -3 smaller bowls!

Notes

  • Feel free to omit cheese for dairy free option! Or use non dairy cheese.
  • If you don’t like goat cheese, then feta, mozzarella balls, or even a dollop of greek yogurt is divine!
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Category: salad
  • Method: Chop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 232
  • Sugar: 4.2 g
  • Sodium: 609.1 mg
  • Fat: 17.7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14.2 g
  • Fiber: 5.9 g
  • Protein: 9.4 g
  • Cholesterol: 4.4 mg

Keywords: Mediterranean, salad, greek, cauliflower salad, low carb, healthy, cauliflower, gluten free, grain free,

We have a new cookbook!

Allergy Friendly Recipes for Everyone Around The Table! Pre-order here

I kinda think bowl food should be the trend “diet” of 2019. Agreed? Ha, or maybe just real food that tastes good. Then end!

What’s your favorite Mediterranean dish? Ever tried grape leaves in a salad? DO IT!

Cheers,

LC


MORE HEALTHY SPRING SALAD RECIPES HERE!

This recipe is part of our fave Healthy Spring Salad Recipes collection. Check it out!

1634 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

Categories: Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Low-Carb, Main Dishes, Nut-Free, Oven, Sides and Salads, Vegan, Vegetarian Tags: cauliflower, goat cheese, low carb, pumpkin seeds, salads

More recipes you’ll love!

Overhead view roasted poblano pesto zucchini noodles.
Roasted Poblano Pesto Zoodles {Low Carb}
Overhead view stone plate filled with Dukkah roasted vegetables.
Dukkah Roasted Vegetables Chopped Salad
A woman's hand opening an air fryer basket with two halves of cooked spaghetti squash.
Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
Overhead tabletop image of vegan tacos being prepared with vegan taco meat and fresh veggies.
Vegetarian Taco Meat (Nut-Free)
Greek Cauliflower Salad pin
Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

About Lindsay

Hi, y’all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten-Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

  • About
  • Studio
  • Shop
  • Subscribe
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Have a question? Use ctrl+f or ⌘+f on your computer or the “find on page” function on your phone browser to search existing comments!

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Rate & Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★ 5 Stars ☆ ★ 4 Stars ☆ ★ 3 Stars ☆ ★ 2 Stars ☆ ★ 1 Star ☆

  1. CB

    10/05/2020 at 9:47 AM

    Just for awareness, cheese and dairy are not plant based protein.

    Reply
  2. cat

    02/02/2020 at 10:01 PM

    Wow. This seems kind of high in sodium. Is that with or without the grape leaves? Is there an alternate “green” to add that would have less sodium, if it’s the grape leaves? (I also need to restrict spinach because of histamines, so hope you don’t suggest spinach. I just had it for lunch today!)

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      02/03/2020 at 10:15 AM

      I think it’s just because of the canned/jar grape leaves. I’ll recalculate it. I think the best bet would be to try kale or swiss chard, steamed/cooked and lightly salted seasoned. THen chopped. Does that make sense?

      Reply
  3. Katie

    01/14/2019 at 8:12 PM

    I find that I’m using cauliflower all of the time lately, and I love it! This salad looks like the perfect combination of flavors!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      01/15/2019 at 11:31 AM

      right?! It’s the most versatile veggie EVER!

      Reply
    • Dave

      04/03/2019 at 3:15 PM

      Are you using only cauliflower?

      Reply
      • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

        04/04/2019 at 12:31 PM

        Cauliflower is the base of this bowl, but we’ve added lots of other ingredients to give it variety and a nice Greek flavor? if you aren’t a fan of cauliflower, you can substitute your favorite rice or quinoa for the cauliflower rice!

        Reply
  4. Jennifer Blake

    01/11/2019 at 1:47 PM

    So excited to make this since I got a food processor for Christmas. Love flavors here!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      01/12/2019 at 12:43 PM

      woohoo! Let me know whatcha think. And yay food processor!

      Reply
  5. Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table

    01/10/2019 at 10:34 PM

    I was JUST telling Vegas I wanted to cook more out of your book… but I don’t have time to cook. So she OFFERED TO COOK FOR ME!!! If she makes one of your recipes, I will take a billion pics and report back. XO Brother

    Reply
  6. Gaby Dalkin

    01/10/2019 at 7:54 PM

    Whatta stunner!

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      01/11/2019 at 10:40 AM

      Like you. 🙂

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Greek Cauliflower Salad pin
Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

About Lindsay

Hi, y’all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten-Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

  • About
  • Studio
  • Shop
  • Subscribe
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Greek Cauliflower Salad pin

Reader Favorites

  • photo collage of dairy-free gluten-free anti-inflammatory meal plan recipesAnti-Inflammatory Meal Plan {Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Meals}
  • cinnamon bites in turquoise bowl, top protein ball has bite taken out to show inside texture.Cinnamon Vanilla Protein Breakfast Bites + Video
  • a bowl of curried cauliflower rice soupCurried Cauliflower Soup with Kale
  • Collage of 4 saucepans and skillets filled with 4 different varieties of gluten free roux.How to Make Gluten Free Roux for Keto Sauces + Soups
  • stack of dried orange slices on white backgroundDried Orange Slices (Oven or Dehydrator)
  • meal prep containers with overnight oatmeal and superfoodsSuperfood Overnight Oatmeal {Healthy Meal Prep 2 Ways}

Recipes by Diet

  • Dairy-Free
  • Egg-Free
  • Gluten-Free
  • Grain-Free
  • Low-Carb
  • Nightshade-Free
  • Nut-Free
  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian
  • Whole30

Recipes by Method

  • Air Fryer
  • Blender
  • Instant Pot
  • No-Bake
  • Oven
  • Slow Cooker
  • Stovetop

Recipes by Type

  • Breakfasts
  • Casseroles
  • Condiments
  • Desserts
  • Drinks
  • Main Dishes
  • Sides & Salads
  • Snacks & Apps
  • Stews & Soups

Resources & More

  • Meal Plans
  • Nutrition Guides
  • How-To
  • Quick Meals
  • Videos
  • Round Ups
  • Cookbook
  • GF Start Here
Greek Cauliflower Salad pin
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Cotter Crunch
  • About
  • Studio
  • Shop
  • Contact

© 2023 · Cotter Crunch · Disclaimer & Terms · Privacy Policy

1634 shares
Greek Cauliflower Salad pin