Warm Cauliflower Spinach Salad with Pancetta
By: Holly Sander
Published: Tuesday, February 16, 2016 - 9:23am

Ingredients




½ cup golden raisins
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
One third pound thickly sliced pancetta, cubed
1 cauliflower, cored and cut into small florets
1 small onion, finely chopped
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (1/2 a lemon)
zest from half a lemon
2 tablespooons fresh parsley, finely chopped
salt and freshly ground pepper
5 ounces baby spinach

Preparation

1 First, reconstitute the raisins: place them in a small bowl, and cover with water. Heat them in the microwave for about 1 minute, then set them aside. 2 In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Add the cubed pancetta and cook over medium-high heat until the fat has been rendered and pancetta is crispy (about 4 minutes). Using a slotted spoon, remove the pancetta and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan. 3 Add the onion and cauliflower to the drippings and season with salt and pepper, ensuring the florets are crown-side down. Cook uncovered over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until golden. Be sure to keep a close watch on the pan and move the cauliflower and onions around occasionally to avoid overcooking. 4 Add the sliced garlic, making sure it makes solid contact with the pan so it browns nicely. Turn down to medium heat, and cover. Cook for another 5 minutes. Stir gently once to make sure nothing is sticking or burning. 5 While the cauliflower is cooking, mix the lemon juice and parsley with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. 6 Remove the cover from the cauliflower, and turn back up to medium-high heat, cooking another 3 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender and golden. Be sure not to overcook; the finished cauliflower should still have some body once it is added to the salad. 7 Drain the water from the raisins, then add the cauliflower, spinach, pancetta, raisins, zest from 1/2 a lemon to the large bowl. Gently fold ingredients together and serve.

About

Warm Cauliflower Spinach Salad With Pancetta and Golden Raisins - it's the perfect winter salad... healthy, hearty, and full of flavor!
Please visit my blog Taste and See for more delicious recipes!