Looking for a low-carb dish that doesn’t skimp on bold, Italian flavor? This Zesty Cauliflower Antipasto Salad is a vibrant, no-lettuce twist on the classic deli-style appetizer, packed with savory meats, tangy marinated vegetables, briny olives, and rich cheeses—all tossed in a punchy vinaigrette. The lightly steamed cauliflower provides the perfect crisp-tender base, absorbing the bold flavors while adding a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, planning a summer picnic, or assembling an elegant appetizer platter, this hearty salad brings Mediterranean flair to any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with zesty Italian deli flavors
Low-carb, gluten-free, and keto-friendly
No lettuce—just crunchy, flavorful ingredients
Easy to prep and perfect for make-ahead meals
Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or dinner parties
Versatile and customizable with pantry staples
Rich in protein and healthy fats
Colorful and visually appealing
No reheating required—served cold and refreshing
Balanced blend of textures from soft cheeses to crisp veggies

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 small head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
1/2 cup marinated mushrooms
1/4 cup capers, drained
1/2 cup mozzarella cubes or provolone chunks
1/2 cup sliced salami or pepperoni
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

For the Vinaigrette:

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 210 kcal per serving

Variations

Vegetarian option: Omit the salami and add artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes.
Spicy kick: Add banana peppers or red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette.
Cheese swap: Use marinated feta, sharp cheddar, or burrata.
Fresh herb boost: Toss in basil, oregano, or thyme along with the parsley.
Add crunch: Include chopped celery or sliced radishes.
Make it a meal: Add grilled chicken, tuna, or hard-boiled eggs for a protein-rich main.
Olive bar shortcut: Use a mix from your deli’s olive bar for easy variety.
Different dressing: Try balsamic vinaigrette or Italian dressing for a flavor shift.

Storage/Reheating

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors improve as it chills, making it a great make-ahead dish.

Do not freeze, as the texture of the cauliflower and vegetables will change significantly.

This salad is best served cold, and no reheating is necessary.

FAQs

What is antipasto salad?

Antipasto salad is an Italian-style appetizer that combines meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables—typically served cold and dressed with vinaigrette.

Can I use raw cauliflower?

You can, but lightly steaming the cauliflower enhances the texture and allows it to better absorb the vinaigrette without becoming mushy.

Is this salad keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s low in carbs and high in fat and protein, making it ideal for ketogenic diets.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. In fact, the salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours or overnight.

What meats can I substitute for salami?

Try chopped pepperoni, soppressata, prosciutto, or even cubed ham for a different flavor.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your cured meats and condiments to ensure there are no hidden gluten sources.

What can I use instead of capers?

Green olives or diced pickles offer a similar briny note.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this salad scales up easily for larger gatherings or potlucks.

How do I serve this salad?

Serve chilled as a starter, side dish, or light main course. It also pairs well with crusty bread or grilled meats.

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

It’s not recommended, as frozen cauliflower becomes too soft and watery after steaming and won’t hold up in the salad.

Conclusion

This Zesty Cauliflower Antipasto Salad is everything you love about an Italian antipasto platter—bold, tangy, and savory—reimagined in a fresh, low-carb format. Loaded with crunchy cauliflower, rich cheese, briny olives, and zippy vinaigrette, it’s a satisfying dish that fits into any mealtime or occasion. Whether served as a starter, side, or meal on its own, it’s a colorful, flavor-packed salad that proves you don’t need lettuce to make a great salad. Make it once, and it will quickly become a go-to favorite for gatherings and weekday meals alike.

Zesty Cauliflower Antipasto Salad (Low Carb & Flavorful)

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Author: Mari
Total Time: 6 servings
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Zesty Cauliflower Antipasto Salad is a fresh, low-carb twist on the classic Italian antipasto platter—minus the lettuce, but loaded with flavor! Tender-crisp cauliflower is tossed with savory salami, creamy mozzarella, marinated mushrooms, roasted red peppers, olives, and tangy capers, all dressed in a bold vinaigrette. Perfect as a make-ahead meal prep salad, holiday side dish, or picnic-friendly appetizer, this no-lettuce salad brings big deli-style flavor and satisfying crunch in every bite.

Instructions

Steam the cauliflower: Bring a pot of water to a boil and lightly steam cauliflower florets for 3–4 minutes, just until tender-crisp. Immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Drain thoroughly and set aside to cool.
Mix the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled cauliflower with black olives, roasted red peppers, marinated mushrooms, capers, cheese cubes, and sliced salami.
Prepare the vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified and well blended.
Toss and chill: Pour the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
Garnish and serve: Before serving, stir the salad again and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and herbaceous brightness. Serve chilled.

Notes

Make it vegetarian by omitting the salami and adding artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes.
Can be made 1–2 days in advance—the flavor improves as it chills.
Great as a side dish, party platter addition, or protein-rich lunch option.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
chill time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Category: Salad, Side Dish, Appetizer
Method: Steamed, Assembled
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired