Creamy cauliflower mayonnaise spread or cauliflower salad (salată de conopidă) is a Romanian appetiser that is easy to make, light in calories and tasty. The Romanians would call it ‘salad’ although technically it is a spread because we spread it on bread slices and seldom dip a piece of bread into the bowl – therefore not a dip either.

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The version I am making today is the simple one, containing two basic ingredients (cauliflower and mayonnaise) plus a handful of spices.

There are many alternations and variations for a creamy cauliflower mayonnaise spread according to your tastes. If you prefer a tangy bite, you can add freshly squeezed lemon juice. For a more robust flavour, you can add smashed garlic.

I have heard of feta cheese, yoghurt, tuna or chicken combinations but never tried any. I prefer my creamy cauliflower mayonnaise spread or cauliflower salad simple. Any meat addition would transform it into a different dish and pile up on the calories.

The mayonnaise in this recipe serves as a glueing agent that would confer the creamy texture. Preferably, homemade mayonnaise is the better option, but a store-bought organic one works well for busy cooks.

Why Cauliflower?

Not everybody’s cup of tea, cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable, good cousin with broccoli, cabbage or kale – all low caloric high fibre superfoods packed with vitamins and minerals.

Some affections require caution in the amount of cauliflower consumed. It could interfere with iodine absorption (for thyroid sufferers), cause bloating (associated with Crohn’s disease), or affect blood-thinning medication because it contains high levels of vitamin K.

All that in mind, cauliflower is an excellent antioxidant that has a significant role in brain development, immunity, preventing heart disease, deactivating carcinogens and thus reducing cancer risk.

The smell of boiling cauliflower seems to be the most significant deterrent to cooking it, but this recipe requires minimal boiling or steaming time.

Ingredients for Creamy Cauliflower Mayonnaise Spread

One large cauliflower

Mayonnaise

Salt

Pepper

Paprika or turmeric for colour (optional)

Method

Place water in a large pot and bring it to the boiling point.

Wash the cauliflower and remove the leaves. Cut or separate it into small florets.

When the water boils, place all florets into the pot and cook them over medium heat for 3 minutes. Turn the heating down and transfer the florets into a colander. Allow them to drain and cool completely.

Place the florets in a large ceramic or glass mixing bowl when cooled. Use a potato masher to mash the cauliflower florets and stems into tiny pieces.

Add salt, pepper and paprika/turmeric and mix using a large spatula or wooden spoon. Add mayonnaise and mix until the texture becomes creamy.

Transfer the desired amount of creamy cauliflower mayonnaise spread into a serving dish, sprinkle freshly cut dill (optional, for colour variation) and serve with homemade bread or pita bread.

Enjoy!

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Two Ingredients Creamy Cauliflower Mayonnaise Spread (Salad)

Creamy cauliflower mayonnaise spread or salad, as Romanian would call it, is a delicious appetizer ready in minutes. It makes a remarkable addition to any festive or celebratory table or a regular meal alike. Besides, it only requires two main ingredients and reduced cooking time for busy cooks.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Romanian

Keyword cauliflower mayo spread, cauliflower salad, cauliflower salad dip, creamy cauliflower mayonnaise, creamy cauliflower mayonnaise spread, salata de conopida

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 3 minutes minutes

cooling time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 23 minutes minutes

Cost very cheap

Ingredients

• 1 piece organic cauliflower large
• 1-2 tbsp organic mayonnaise light
• ¼ tsp black pepper ground
• ½ tsp salt sea/rock
• ¼ tsp paprika or turmeric optional

Instructions

• Fill ⅔ of a large pot with water and bring it to the boiling point.
  
• Wash and remove the leaves of the cauliflower. Separate/cut the florets.
• Add the florets to the boiling water and cook for 3 minutes over medium heat. Do not overcook, as the cauliflower needs to remain crisp. If overboiled, the cauliflower will become soggy and lose all the nutrients in the process.
  
• When ready, transfer the florets into a colander. Allow the cauliflower to drain and cool completely before the next step.
• Place the cooled florets in a large ceramic or glass mixing bowl.
  
• Use a potato masher to mash the cauliflower into tiny pieces.
• Add salt, pepper and paprika or turmeric (or both) and mix gently with a spatula or a large wooden spoon.
  
• Add the mayonnaise and mix until the texture becomes creamy.
  
• Optionally, sprinkle freshly-cut dill to offer colour.
• Fill serving dishes with the desired amount and place them on the table next to sliced bread.
  

Notes

You can store creamy cauliflower mayonnaise spread in an airtight container in the fridge for a maximum of three days.

Bring it out of the fridge right before serving, but do not keep it at room temperature too long.

For variations, add mashed garlic or lemon juice.

Two Ingredients Creamy Cauliflower Mayonnaise Spread Simple Recipe

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