If there’s a recipe I always make when I want something fresh but flavorful, it’s definitely the cold cauliflower, potato, and lemon salad.
It’s one of those simple but brilliant ideas, perfect when it’s hot and you don’t feel like cooking: it can be prepared in advance, keeps well in the fridge, and is always appreciated by everyone. I consider it one of the best summer recipes with cauliflower.
The beautiful thing is that you need very few ingredients: cauliflower, potatoes, a nice fragrant lemon, and a drizzle of good olive oil. Boil the vegetables, let them cool, and season everything with fresh lemon juice, grated zest, salt, and a touch of chopped basil or parsley. This time I also added some olives.
I’m telling you, the aroma that spreads is amazing! Plus, the cauliflower and potatoes soak up the dressing nicely, becoming even more flavorful after a few hours of resting.
This cold salad is ideal as a light side dish for meat or fish seconds, but it’s also good for picnics or quick lunches: it’s convenient, nutritious, and can be enjoyed even at room temperature.
It’s one of the simple and tasty vegan recipes I make most often, also because it can be easily customized: sometimes I add capers or arugula for an extra touch.
If you’re looking for a summer salad with boiled vegetables, fresh and quick, this is perfect for you. Trust me, once you try it, it will become one of your summer staples!
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Very Cheap
- Rest time: 30 Minutes
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Summer, All Seasons
Ingredients
- 1 cauliflower
- 14 oz potatoes
- zest and juice of one lemon
- 5 basil leaves
- 3.5 oz olives
- salt and extra virgin olive oil to taste
Tools
- stainless steel pots
- cutting board
- glass baking dish
Steps
Here’s how to prepare the cold cauliflower, potato, and lemon salad:
To prepare the cold cauliflower, potato, and lemon salad, start by peeling the potatoes, cutting them into cubes, and washing them well.
Also clean the cauliflower and cut it into florets. Wash it well.
Boil the potatoes and cauliflower in salted water for about 20 minutes.
Drain them and cool them immediately to stop the cooking.
Place the cooked and cooled vegetables in a large enough bowl and add a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil, lemon juice and zest, and olives.
Adjust the salt and mix well. Keep in the fridge for at least an hour before serving at the table.
Enjoy your meal!

