Parmesan Cauliflower and Parsley Salad

A sophisticated salad featuring golden-fried parmesan-crusted cauliflower florets, fresh parsley leaves, and marinated mushrooms, all tossed in a bright lemon vinaigrette.

6 servings
28 min

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 6 oz white mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • 5 cups loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
  • 2 whole large eggs
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 packages frozen cauliflower florets
  • 2 oz Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • cup olive oil

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Stir together zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Whisk in oil until combined, then stir in mushrooms and marinate while panfrying cauliflower.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Lightly beat eggs with salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Add cauliflower and toss until coated well. Put cheese in a large bowl. Lift cauliflower out of egg mixture with a slotted spoon and transfer to cheese, tossing to coat.

    8 min

  3. 3.

    Heat oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then panfry cauliflower in 3 batches, turning occasionally, until golden on all sides, about 3 minutes per batch. Transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain.

    12 min

  4. 4.

    Add parsley and cauliflower to mushroom mixture, tossing to combine.

    3 min