Fall Chopped Salad with Turmeric Honey Dressing
Easy fall chopped salad with roasted cauliflower, cabbage, carrots and turmeric honey dressing. Make dressing ahead and swap ingredients to taste.
Chopped salads are basically what I call “kitchen sink” salads. Almost anything works here! Whatever bits of vegetables, squash, or nuts you have in the fridge this fall- throw them in! The more the merrier!
Try this sumac roasted cauliflower recipe for the cauliflower.
Recipe by Lily K. Noel
- A flexible chopped salad that uses roasted cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, red pepper and toasted almonds.
- Bright turmeric honey dressing is quick to blend by immersion blender, whisk, or by shaking in a jar.
- Make the dressing ahead and keep components separate for best texture; swap nuts, seeds, or proteins freely.
Preparation Instructions:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I roast the cauliflower for this salad?
Cut cauliflower into florets, toss with a little oil, salt, and optional spices like sumac or paprika. Roast on a single layer at 425°F (220°C) for 20 to 30 minutes until golden and tender. Cool completely before adding to the salad so the greens do not wilt.
What if I do not have an immersion blender for the dressing?
You can whisk the dressing vigorously in a bowl while slowly pouring in the olive oil. Or put all ingredients in a jar, screw the lid on tightly, and shake until emulsified. Taste and shake again before serving.
Can I make the salad or dressing ahead of time?
Yes. The dressing can be made up to 5 to 7 days ahead and refrigerated. Roast the cauliflower a day ahead if you like. Assemble the salad just before serving, or store ingredients separately and toss with dressing right before eating for best texture.
How long will leftovers keep and how should I store them?
Store leftover dressing in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to one week. If the salad is already dressed, keep it refrigerated and eat within 24 to 48 hours for best crunch. Store nuts and greens separately to avoid sogginess.
Can I make this salad vegan or nut free?
To make it vegan, replace honey with maple syrup or agave. For a nut free version, swap toasted almond slices for pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. The rest of the recipe is already plant based.
Will the turmeric in the dressing stain my clothes or containers?
Yes. Turmeric can leave yellow stains on fabric and porous surfaces. Wipe or rinse bowls and utensils soon after use and be careful when dressing the salad to avoid splashes on clothing.
What other swaps or additions work well in this chopped salad?
Add roasted sweet potato, cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or grilled chicken for more protein. Swap red pepper for apple or pear for sweetness. Use feta or goat cheese if you want a tangy dairy option. Toasted seeds or walnuts are good nut alternatives.
How do I roast the cauliflower for this salad?
Cut cauliflower into florets, toss with a little oil, salt, and optional spices like sumac or paprika. Roast on a single layer at 425°F (220°C) for 20 to 30 minutes until golden and tender. Cool completely before adding to the salad so the greens do not wilt.
What if I do not have an immersion blender for the dressing?
You can whisk the dressing vigorously in a bowl while slowly pouring in the olive oil. Or put all ingredients in a jar, screw the lid on tightly, and shake until emulsified. Taste and shake again before serving.
Can I make the salad or dressing ahead of time?
Yes. The dressing can be made up to 5 to 7 days ahead and refrigerated. Roast the cauliflower a day ahead if you like. Assemble the salad just before serving, or store ingredients separately and toss with dressing right before eating for best texture.
How long will leftovers keep and how should I store them?
Store leftover dressing in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to one week. If the salad is already dressed, keep it refrigerated and eat within 24 to 48 hours for best crunch. Store nuts and greens separately to avoid sogginess.
Can I make this salad vegan or nut free?
To make it vegan, replace honey with maple syrup or agave. For a nut free version, swap toasted almond slices for pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. The rest of the recipe is already plant based.
Will the turmeric in the dressing stain my clothes or containers?
Yes. Turmeric can leave yellow stains on fabric and porous surfaces. Wipe or rinse bowls and utensils soon after use and be careful when dressing the salad to avoid splashes on clothing.
What other swaps or additions work well in this chopped salad?
Add roasted sweet potato, cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or grilled chicken for more protein. Swap red pepper for apple or pear for sweetness. Use feta or goat cheese if you want a tangy dairy option. Toasted seeds or walnuts are good nut alternatives.
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