Roasted Cauliflower Salad: A Delicious and Nutritious Recipe

Roasted Cauliflower Salad is a delightful and nutritious dish that combines the earthy flavors of roasted cauliflower with the sweetness of dried cranberries, the crunch of toasted almonds, and the savory notes of Parmesan cheese. All these wonderful ingredients are tossed in a vibrant and tangy lemon dressing, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. This versatile salad is perfect as a side dish to complement any meal or as a satisfying meatless main course.

Table of Contents

• Ingredients
• How to Make Roasted Cauliflower Salad
• Tips and Variations for the Perfect Salad
• Serving Suggestions
• Storage Tips
• More Delicious Cauliflower Recipes
• Detailed Recipe

We all have those irresistible menu items that we simply can’t resist ordering when dining out. For some, it might be a creamy pasta dish or a perfectly grilled steak. However, for me, it’s anything involving cauliflower. The moment I spot “cauliflower salad” on a menu, I know I’m hooked. No need to peruse further, no lengthy deliberations required – just fire it up! The allure of a well-prepared cauliflower salad is just too strong to resist.

While I continue my mission to support the cauliflower salad movement one restaurant at a time, I decided it was time to bring this simple yet elegant salad into my own kitchen. The result is a restaurant-quality recipe that features perfectly roasted cauliflower, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy toasted almonds, and savory Parmesan cheese, all brought together by a sweet and tangy lemon dressing. The best part? You can savor this delectable dish in the comfort of your own home, perhaps while wearing your favorite sweatpants and indulging in a marathon of your favorite shows. This roasted cauliflower salad is not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to make, making it a perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation.

Ingredients for Roasted Cauliflower Salad

The beauty of this roasted cauliflower salad lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating a balanced and flavorful dish.

• Cauliflower: You’ll need one large head of fresh cauliflower for this salad. I recommend cutting the florets into bite-sized pieces to ensure even roasting and easier eating. While pre-cut cauliflower florets can save time, freshly cut cauliflower always delivers a superior taste and texture.
• Olive Oil: Opt for a high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the overall flavor profile of the salad. The richness of the olive oil complements the roasted cauliflower and other ingredients beautifully.
• Dried Cranberries: These add a delightful touch of sweetness and a chewy texture that contrasts perfectly with the savory roasted cauliflower. Feel free to experiment with other dried fruits like cherries or raisins for a different twist.
• Sliced Almonds: Toasting the almonds is crucial for unlocking their nutty flavor and providing a satisfying crunch. To toast them, spread them in a dry skillet over medium heat and toast for a few minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
• Parmesan Cheese: A generous handful of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese adds a salty and umami-rich element that ties all the flavors together. Avoid using pre-grated Parmesan, as it lacks the fresh, nutty flavor of freshly shredded cheese.
• Lemon Vinaigrette: The lemon vinaigrette is the star of this salad, providing a bright and tangy counterpoint to the roasted cauliflower and other ingredients. It’s a simple mixture of minced shallots, Dijon mustard, freshly squeezed lemon juice, a touch of honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How to Make Roasted Cauliflower Salad: Step-by-Step Guide

This roasted cauliflower salad is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple steps and minimal cooking experience. The key to success is to properly roast the cauliflower and create a flavorful lemon vinaigrette to bring all the elements together.

1. Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. This will prevent the cauliflower from sticking and make washing up a breeze.
2. Cut the Cauliflower: Remove the leaves from the base of the cauliflower and use a sharp knife to cut around the stem. As you cut, the florets will naturally fall away. Cut any larger pieces into bite-sized portions for even roasting.
3. Roast the Cauliflower: Spread the cauliflower florets evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat, ensuring each floret is lightly coated. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Roast for approximately 45 minutes, or until the cauliflower is golden brown, caramelized, and tender. The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the cauliflower, creating a delicious base for the salad.
4. Make the Vinaigrette: While the cauliflower is roasting, prepare the lemon vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together the minced shallots, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and honey. Gradually stream in the olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The vinaigrette should be bright, tangy, and slightly sweet.
5. Assemble the Salad: Once the roasted cauliflower is ready, transfer it to a large bowl. Add the dried cranberries, toasted almonds, and Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with the lemon vinaigrette and gently toss to combine, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Kelly’s Tips and Variations for the Perfect Roasted Cauliflower Salad

This roasted cauliflower salad is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Here are some tips and variations to help you create the perfect salad every time:

• Nut-Free Option: For a nut-free version, substitute sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for the sliced almonds. These seeds provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor.
• Add More Vegetables: Incorporate other roasted vegetables such as chickpeas, butternut squash, or sweet potatoes for added nutrients and flavor. Roast them on the same baking sheet as the cauliflower, ensuring they are cut into similarly sized pieces for even cooking. If your baking sheet feels crowded, use a second one to prevent steaming instead of roasting.
• Experiment with Different Dressings: While the lemon vinaigrette is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other dressings such as a tahini-based dressing or a balsamic vinaigrette.
• Serving Temperature: This salad can be served warm, at room temperature, or even chilled, making it perfect for meal prep or potlucks. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven, or let it sit for a few hours for the flavors to meld.

What to Serve with Roasted Cauliflower Salad

This roasted cauliflower salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. It can be enjoyed as a satisfying vegetarian main dish or a flavorful side dish to complement your favorite protein.

For a complete meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken, baked salmon, or roasted pork. It also complements warm soups such as chicken noodle soup or tomato soup. Additionally, this salad is a great addition to potlucks, where it pairs well with other summer favorites like pasta salad, potato salad, or grilled sliders. For a truly crave-worthy combination, serve it with homemade focaccia bread.

Storage Tips for Leftover Roasted Cauliflower Salad

To store leftover roasted cauliflower salad, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For optimal texture, store the dressing separately and toss it with the salad just before serving to prevent the cauliflower and almonds from becoming too soft. If the salad is already dressed, it will still be delicious the next day – just give it a quick toss to redistribute the flavors before enjoying.

More Delicious Cauliflower Recipes to Try

If you’re a fan of cauliflower, here are a few more delicious recipes to add to your repertoire:

• Quick Cauliflower Soup
• Healthy Cauliflower Fritters
• Easy General Tso’s Cauliflower
• Mashed Cauliflower with Cheese and Chives
• Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower Dip
• 5-Ingredient Baked Cauliflower Tots

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