Keithsgiving Perfect Recipe: Caramelized Cauliflower, Date, and Lentil Salad with Spiced Apple Cider Vinaigrette

You know by now how important nutritious recipes are for the Keith family, so having a salad as part of their Keithsgiving menu is a no-brainer. This perfect recipe is a delicious follow up the smooth Butternut Carrot and Coconut Soup . With seasonal cauliflower, the crunch of pecans, and the subtle tang of the apple cider vinaigrette, this salad will be a yummy surprise that will keep your guests filling up on seconds.

Serves 6 to 8

Perfect Recipe Ingredients

Salad

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into small florets
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 cup uncooked green lentils
• 1 cup pecans
• 6 dates, pitted and chopped
• 2 persimmons, sliced
• 1 cup fresh herbs – such as parsley, cilantro, or basil
• 6 cups mixed greens

Spiced Apple Cider Vinaigrette

• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp ground turmeric
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and spread the cauliflower florets and sliced onions out over a baking sheet. Mix the oil, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl, pour over the veggies and toss to coat. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes until the cauliflower is caramelized and golden on the edges.
2. Meanwhile, cover the lentils with 3 cups water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and cook gently until soft, about 20 minutes. Drain the excess cooking liquid and set aside in a bowl to cool in the fridge.
3. Remove the cauliflower from the oven and toast the pecans at 350°F for 5 minutes until fragrant.
4. Whisk all of the ingredients for the vinaigrette together in a large serving bowl. Add the lentils, roasted cauliflower and onions, pecans, chopped dates, persimmon slices, herbs, and greens to the bowl and toss to combine. Serve and enjoy!