Easy Cauliflower Potato Salad Recipe Without Mustard
Sneak Preview: This Easy Cauliflower Potato Salad Recipe Without Mustard substitutes cauliflower for potatoes. Cook the cauliflower in the microwave.
Faux anything always makes me a little nervous. Is the substitution of cauliflower for potatoes worth it?

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Just like regular potato salad, people generally prefer their mom’s recipe, so there’s no satisfying everybody with this dupe. But if you like traditional potato salad without mustard, you are sure to like this cauliflower potato salad recipe without mustard.
Faux Potato Salad is a close replica of my own mom’s potato salad, celery seeds, and all. When I went to a potluck as a kid, I would only eat hers.
That reminds me of my hairdresser who once told me about her own mom’s potato salad. She claimed it was made with hot mashed potatoes and served warm. She didn’t like it any other way. It sounded weird to me because I prefer mine cold. However, I tried it, and it was scrumptious.
As you can see, tradition is the first hurdle when it comes to substitutions.
Admittedly, Cauliflower-instead-of-Potato Salad is not going to fool anyone.
It’s like eating a bean burger – not the same as a real hamburger, but it has its own merits. For me, it satisfies the craving – especially when eaten with other “cook-out” fare.
Furthermore, my husband gave this recipe a thumbs-up and said I should definitely share it. He likes it with grilled sausage.
About the texture of Cauliflower Potato Salad:
I don’t care to encounter chunks of cauliflower in this salad the same way I do with real potato salad, so I puree or mash the whole cauliflower – maybe not as smooth as my mashed cauliflower but almost.
More posts you might find interesting:
- Kay’s Old-Fashioned Potato Salad with a Cooked Dressing
- Pork and Hominy Stew–an Instant Pot Recipe
- Rotisserie Chicken and Mushroom Chowder
Cauliflower Potato Salad Without Mustard Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower
- 3 hard-boiled eggs - coarsely chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup no-sugar-added pickle relish
- 1-2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar - substitute Swerve or Stevia if preferred
- ½ teaspoon celery seed
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- Garnish with paprika if desired
Instructions
- Steam or microwave cauliflower. I do mine in the microwave on HIGH for 10 minutes in an uncovered microwave-safe glass bowl. No cover, no water. Stir after 10 minutes and cook another 8-10 minutes on HIGH or until cauliflower is tender.
- Puree cauliflower with a food processor. Process until cauliflower is mostly smooth. Transfer cauliflower to a medium mixing bowl.
- Add eggs, mayonnaise, pickle relish, and remaining seasonings. Combine with a light touch and a large spoon. Taste and add additional vinegar and/or sweetener to achieve a perfect balance between the sweet and sour flavors.
- Chill 2-3 hours before serving.
Paula Rhodes, author
I’m a retired home economist, wife, mother, grandmother, and creator of Saladinajar.com. I believe you don’t have to be a chef to find joy in creating homemade food worth sharing. Here you’ll find time-saving tips, troubleshooting advice, and confidence-inspiring recipes to make life in the kitchen more fun, appetizing, and satisfying.