Cauliflower is nutritious, versatile and there are so many easy ways to prepare cauliflower that taste incredible. Ah, but what do you serve with Cauliflower? Read on for my tastiest ideas of what to serve with cauliflower….and a few of my best cauliflower recipes too.
If this is your first time using cauliflower or you’re a seasoned pro, you’ll find your favorite way to use this healthy vegetable in this post.
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Cauliflower is an awesome vegetable to make because it’s kinda like a chameleon…ready to morph into just what you’re looking for. A people pleaser, for sure!
Cauliflower has a mild taste so it will take on whatever spices and essense you need it to.
Whether you’re looking for a hearty main meal, a delicious side dish, or an easy recipe, the versatility of cauliflower means a weeknight dinner or a fabulous holiday dish is right around the corner.
Plus you can prepare cauliflower raw or cooked. The best method and the best results can be achieved using different cooking techniques.
How to buy and store Cauliflower
- Fresh cauliflower can be found in local farmers markets, grocery stores and big box stores.
- Cauliflower with densely packed florets, no blemishes, wet spots or browning is freshest.
- The leaves should be fresh and bright. Wilted leaves are indicative of a cauliflower past its prime.
- Cauliflower can be stored in an unsealed bag for up to 2 weeks. Insert a paper towel into the bag to collect any moisture so it doesn’t settle onto the cauliflower.
If you’re looking for healthy cauliflower dishes that taste incredible, you’ve come to the right place. An easy cauliflower rice with asparagus recipe could be just the wonderful side dish you’ve been searching for.
Next time you’re looking for the vegan version of a roast dinner, Whole roasted cauliflower couldn’t be easier or more tasty…and it’s super impressive too.
Maybe you’re looking for what to serve with cauliflower? Oh, have I got delicious ideas for you! Vegan mushroom stroganoff would be fabulous served over a simple cauliflower rice. Make a nutrient dense vegan shepherd’s pie for dinner and serve it with a simple roasted cauliflower salad. Ah, the pairing’s are endless so keep reading, I’m sure you’ll find the match you’re looking for.
Top Health Benefits of Cauliflower
- FIBER: Fiber helps keep our bowels regular and prevent constipation. Fiber feeds the bacteria in our gut that helps reduce inflammation, improve gut health and reduce our risk for disease.
- VITAMINS: Cauliflower is high in Vitamin C.
- MINERALS: Potassium, calcium and folate.
- PHYTOCHEMICALS: Cauliflower is part of the cabbage family that these are commonly found in.
- ANTIOXIDANTS: Anti-inflammatory, disease protection and immune boosting are just a few of the benefits you’ll get since cauliflower is rich in antioxidants like sulforaphane.
- LOW IN CALORIES: Cauliflower is low in calories and nutrient dense. Plus, cauliflower is over 90% water. Both of these factors can aid in weight loss.
- LOW IN CARBS: Cauliflower is like a chameleon, morphing to substitute for various grains and legumes with less calories and less carbs.
Cauliflower Rice
The easy way to make cauliflower rice is to use a food processor. You can use the “S” blade to pulse the cauliflower into grain-like bits to use in recipes. You can also use the shredding disc. If you don’t have a processor, you can use the side of a box grater to make cauliflower rice. Cauli-rice is a gluten-free alternative to rice and other grains that can easily be incorporated into recipes.
Frozen Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower that has been already riced can be found in most grocery stores in the freezer section. Frozen cauliflower rice is a terrific option for those who don’t have a food processor or don’t want to take the time to rice it. Use frozen cauli-rice straight from the freezer in any cauli-rice recipe. Since cauli-rice stays good in the freezer for 3 months, I keep some on hand so I’m always prepared to make a batch.
How to make Cauliflower Rice
- Cut the cauliflower in half, through the core.
- Trim off the bottom where the leaves are.
- Break into small pieces.
- Place cauliflower florets into the bowl of a food processor in batches to not overcrowd the machine.
- Process for 20 seconds. Scrape down the side. Pulse until rice like consistency is achieved.
Best Food Processor for Cauliflower Rice
The best food processor for Cauliflower Rice is the one you already own! I love my Breville Food Processor and if you’re in the market for a new processor I highly recommend it.
However, you can likely use the food processor you already have and have good results by not overcrowding it. You can turn a head of cauliflower into grain sized pieces easily by loading your processor with small amounts. It’s OK to do several batches of florets to finish the job.
Alternately, you can use the shredding disc and load up roughly chopped pieces that will fit through the chute until the entire cauliflower is riced. I love the Breville Food Processor for this task because it has a large feeding tube so you don’t have to pre-chop your veggies too small.
How to tell if Cauliflower Rice has gone bad
The first clue that cauliflower rice has gone bad will be the odor. Spoiled cauliflower rice will have a sour or foul smell.
If cauliflower rice is moldy, do not use it. Cauliflower rice that has brown spots, is rubbery or mushy is also bad. Throw away cauliflower with any signs of decay or spoilage.
Cauliflower Rice Recipes
1. Cauliflower Rice with Asparagus
Cauliflower Rice with Asparagus
2. Gluten-free Tabbouleh with Cauliflower Rice
Gluten-free Tabbouleh with Cauliflower Rice
3. Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice
Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice
4. Vegan Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Vegan Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
5. Simple Cauliflower Rice
Simple Cauliflower Rice
6. Oven Baked Mexican Cauliflower Rice
Oven Baked Mexican Cauliflower Rice
How to cut cauliflower into florets
You’ll need a sharp knife and a wooden board to turn a whole cauliflower into florets.
- Cut cauliflower in half down the center, through the core.
- Trim off bottom, including leaves one half at a time.
- Get into the divisions with your knife to make small tree looking pieces.
- Continue until both halves have been cut into small florets. Place on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle on spices and you’re ready to make roasted cauliflower.
What to serve with Cauliflower
I always have a head of cauliflower in my fridge. It’s versatility means I’ll be able to use it in myriad ways and that opens the floodgates on what to serve with it.
- Vegan meatloaf is perfect to serve with mashed cauliflower.
- Dijon Lentils with Roasted Veggies is a hearty one bowl vegan meal. One and done!
- Roasted cauliflower hummus is best served with crudites or as a spread for sammies or wraps. Try a shmear on a quinoa veggie burger or black bean burger…next level yum, I promise.
- Make yourself a batch of chia jam to go with your cauliflower onion rolls.
- If you’ve made a beautiful whole roasted cauliflower, a simple green salad is all you need to balance the meal out.
- I love this gorgeous raw cauliflower salad because it can stand on its own, and also pairs nicely with gazpacho.
- Spiced Chickpea Stew + Veggies is a full meal…totally satisfying so serve up some tahini brownies afterwards…you’re welcome!
Vegan Cauliflower Soup Recipes
You’ll love the creamy texture and the savory flavor that cauliflower adds to soups. These recipes are delicious and the taste of cauliflower isn’t overpowering. Additionally, cauliflower is a whole foods ingredient that is a healthy choice for thickening soup.
7. Cauliflower Soup with Red Lentils
Cauliflower Soup with Red Lentils
8. Creamy Vegan Asparagus Soup
Creamy Vegan Asparagus Soup
9. Chunky Roasted Veggie Soup
Chunky Roasted Veggie Soup
Cauliflower FAQs
Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable that comes in different colors and even different varieties like romanesco that has pointy florets. All parts of the cauliflower can be enjoyed and it’s easy to incorporate into your diet.
Cauliflower can be enjoyed raw, steamed, roasted, pureed, mashed or riced. It can be added to soups or stews to thicken them up, salads to add texture or roasted whole as a centerpiece vegan meal.
A fresh head of cauliflower can be stored in the refrigerator in a plastic bag for 1-2 weeks. Cauliflower rice will last 3-5 days in the fridge, or place it in the freezer for up to 2 months in a freezer safe container.
Yes! Raw Cauliflower can be enjoyed raw as part of a crudites platter served with a healthy dip. Cauliflower can also be cut small and enjoyed as part of a raw cauliflower salad.
More Healthy Cauliflower Recipes
10. Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Whole Roasted Cauliflower
11. Roasted Cauliflower Shawarma
Roasted Cauliflower Shawarma
12. Roasted cauliflower Salad Recipe
Roasted cauliflower Salad Recipe
13. Vegan Cauliflower Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
Vegan Cauliflower Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
14. Roasted Cauliflower Hummus
Roasted Cauliflower Hummus
15. Cauliflower Kugel
Cauliflower Kugel
📖 Recipe
Easy Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower approximately 4 cups florets
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon coarse sea salt
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425
- PREPARE CAULIFLOWER: First cut cauliflower in half down through the core. Then, trim off the leaves and bottom. Then cut into florets.
- WASH CAULIFLOWER: Place florets into a bowl of lightly salted water. If there are any bugs lodged within the florets, they will be forced out and float to the top. Let it soak for about a minute. Drain cauliflower and place on a kitchen towel to dry off.
- Spread cauliflower florets onto a rimmed baking tray that will fit it all in one layer.
- Drizzle cauliflower with olive oil. Mix so oil is evenly distributed. Sprinkle on spices and then mix thoroughly. This is easiest done with your hands or a large pair of tongs.
- Roast for 20 minutes, until crisp on the edges and tender inside.
Notes
Nutrition
Note
The nutrition calculations were done using online tools. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients you used. You are ultimately responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information is accurate, complete and useful.
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