Crunchy Cauliflower Water Chestnut Salad

Bright, fresh, and delightfully textured, this Crunchy Cauliflower Water Chestnut Salad is the ultimate side or light main dish for any occasion. Roasted cauliflower florets add a warm, nutty depth, while crisp water chestnuts and diced red bell pepper bring an irresistible crunch. Tossed together with a vibrant sesame-ginger dressing made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey, this salad strikes the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and sweet. Fresh cilantro, green onions, and toasted sesame seeds round out the flavors, creating a dish that’s both visually stunning and loaded with nutrients. Ready in just 30 minutes, this gluten-free, Asian-inspired salad is perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or even a quick weeknight dinner. Whether served immediately or chilled for enhanced flavor, it’s a refreshing and satisfying option everyone will crave!

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 head Cauliflower
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
• 1 can (8 ounces) Water chestnuts (sliced)
• 1 Red bell pepper (diced)
• 3 stalks Green onions (sliced)
• 0.25 cup Cilantro (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon Sesame seeds (toasted)
• 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 1.5 tablespoons Rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Honey
• 1 teaspoon Sesame oil
• 0.5 teaspoons Ginger (grated)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 2

Cut the cauliflower into small florets and place them on a baking sheet.

Step 3

Drizzle the cauliflower with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and black pepper, and toss to coat evenly.

Step 4

Roast the cauliflower in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden and slightly crispy. Remove from the oven and let cool.

Step 5

While the cauliflower is roasting, drain and rinse the water chestnuts. Slice them if not pre-sliced.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted cauliflower, sliced water chestnuts, diced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro.

Step 7

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and grated ginger to prepare the sesame dressing.

Step 8

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients.

Step 9

Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top for an added crunch.

Step 10

Serve immediately or refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1162.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	926.9

Total Fat 50.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3303.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 110.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.0g	0%
Total Sugars 35.2g
Protein 23.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 298.1mg	0%
Iron 6.7mg	0%
Potassium 3872.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.1%

Protein: 9.4%

Carbs: 44.4%