September 4, 2014
(last updated May 6, 2023) 
It’s so difficult to believe that summer is winding down. When I saw that it was September first on Monday, I marveled at how quickly the last few months sped by, hastened by the business of book promotion and moving. It’s no secret that I’m an autumn/winter person, but it’s always a strange sensation to realize that a season just flew by.
In honor of September, I’ve been all over the last crops of summery produce: zucchini, tomato, melons, corn, herbs, and peaches. The following dish came together very, very quickly on a weekday at lunchtime, and I was really pleased with the distinctive, bold flavors. I came to olives late in life (never used to love them), but I really enjoy them these days, especially in salads. I used Nicoise olives in this recipe, but any black olive would probably be great. Also worth noting that, if cauliflower rice isn’t your thing, you can totally make this recipe with parsnip rice or jicama rice instead.
Cauliflower Rice Nicoise
Author -Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower cut into florets
- 1/2 cup black olives pitted and halved
- 2 cups heirloom or beefsteak tomatoes chopped (try to remove as many seeds and moisture as you can)
- 3 tablespoons capers
- 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive or avocado oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh oregano chopped
Instructions
- 1. To make the cauliflower rice, you can either grate the cauliflower on a box grater to form rice-like grains, or you can process it in two batches in your food processor, pulsing with the S blade till it resembles rice. When you're finished, transfer the rice to a large mixing bowl.
- 2. Add the olives, tomatoes, capers, lemon juice, oil, and oregano. Give everything a toss.
- 3. Serve, garnished with some fresh chives, if desired.
This is quite a light dish, so I’d serve it as a side at dinner or with something else at lunch: maybe a cup of your favorite whole grain. It’s a great way to celebrate the end of summer’s bounty.
If you’re on the hunt for another raw rice recipe, my friends at Food52 recently shared my Mediterranean cauliflower rice with smoky red pepper sauce, which is one of my fave recipes from my cookbook. Check it out here!
I am, sorry to say, headed to New Hampshire tomorrow for a funeral; my paternal Grandmother passed away. I’ll be back very soon, and in the meantime, I wish you a good end of the week and a happy start to the weekend.
xo
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Categories: Recipes,
Salads,
Side Dishes
Ingredients: Cauliflower
Dietary Preferences: Gluten Free, Raw, Soy Free, Tree Nut Free, Vegan
Ingredients: Cauliflower
Dietary Preferences: Gluten Free, Raw, Soy Free, Tree Nut Free, Vegan
Leave a Comment
This was delicious! Made it for dinner tonight!
What are the nutritional facts on this dish?
Thank you!
Gena, I made this recipe this weekend in a pinch after getting home from work much later than anticipated. It was delicious, simple, and very refreshing! Thanks so much!
Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time – sending love and light.
On a lighter note, I’m looking forward to trying this as a new wide dish with dinner.
This salad is gorgeous =) Perfect September food.
What an amazing meal for those on the keto diet … cauliflower is such a versatile veggie for those on this plan (you can also make “mashed potatoes” from cauliflower as well!)
Thoughts and prayers to you and your family Gena.
Sending you my deepest condolences. Safe travels; my thoughts are with you and your family. <3
Thanks, Jenni <3
So sorry for your loss. May her memory be eternal.
Thank you so much, Agnes.
Hmm, I must admit I’m not usually a fan of cauliflower but this looks really nice, I’ll give it a go! ๐
Thanks for sharing the recipe!
So sorry about your grandmother. Safe travel and this looks wonderful.
So sorry to hear about your loss.
Thank you, Catherine.
I am sorry for your loss.
Thank you, Star!
Wild coincidence but I lost my paternal grandmother on Tuesday. I can say quite literally I know what you are going through. My condolences for your loss.
My Nan lived to 93 and was doing wonderfully up until a few weeks ago, which I am so grateful for. None the less it is hard and she will be greatly missed.
May your family have strength the next few days and enjoy the stories that are inevitably shared in these times!
Emily, thank you for sharing this, and for sharing your support and love. My thoughts are with you, too!
Gena – I am so sorry to hear about your grandmother. I hope you have a safe trip and are comforted by being with family.
On a lighter note..I think you read my mind as I was just this morning thinking that I want to make a cauliflower rice dish (have never made it)…Thanks for feeding my craving ๐
Safe travels Gena.
โก
My condolences and God bless you.
Katie x
Thank you, Katie.