Name: Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Roasted Blackened Cauliflower: 1 head organic cauliflower, cut into florets; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp blackened seasoning (homemade or store-bought); 1 tbsp pure maple syrup; 1 tsp smoked paprika; For the Roasted Veggies: 2 cups sweet corn kernels (white or yellow); 1 bunch broccolini, ends trimmed; 2–3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 tsp sea salt; 1 tsp black pepper; For the Salad: 2 bunches organic kale, de-stemmed and roughly chopped (green, red, or both); 2 jalapeños, chopped; 1 organic cucumber, peeled and sliced; 1 Haas avocado, peeled, pitted, and chopped; For the Dressing: 1 batch homemade Green Goddess Dressing (see linked recipe or your favorite version)

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Looking for a salad that’s anything but boring? This Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad is your answer. It’s the perfect combination of savory roasted veggies and a creamy, herb-packed dressing that’ll have you coming back for more. The cauliflower is roasted to crispy perfection, bringing out its natural sweetness, while the Green Goddess dressing is smooth, vibrant, and bursting with fresh herbs. It’s the kind of salad that makes you feel good about eating healthy—without sacrificing flavor. Trust me, this one is a game-changer!

Why You’ll Love Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad

This recipe isn’t just about eating your veggies; it’s about savoring them. Whether you’re enjoying it as a side dish or making it the star of your meal, this salad is packed with layers of flavor and texture. Here’s why it’s become such a favorite:

Versatile: This salad works for almost any occasion. It’s great as a light lunch, a hearty side for dinner, or even as a centerpiece for a veggie-focused meal. The roasted cauliflower gives it a bit of heartiness, while the Green Goddess dressing brings a creamy freshness that ties everything together.

Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are simple and affordable, yet the flavor is anything but. It’s a great way to enjoy a satisfying, veggie-packed dish without spending a fortune.

Quick and Easy: Roasting the cauliflower takes just a few minutes of prep, and the dressing comes together in no time in your blender or food processor. It’s an easy recipe that packs a big punch of flavor.

Customizable: Don’t love cauliflower? Swap it for roasted carrots or sweet potatoes. Prefer a different dressing? You can easily mix it up by trying other creamy dressings or even adding some tangy tahini.

Crowd-Pleasing: This salad is a hit with both veggie lovers and those who might not usually gravitate toward salads. It’s hearty enough to satisfy and refreshing enough to be the perfect accompaniment to any meal.

Ingredients

Here’s the breakdown of what goes into this vibrant, flavor-packed salad:

Cauliflower: The star of the show! When roasted, cauliflower gets tender and slightly caramelized, creating a rich, nutty flavor. It’s the perfect base for this salad.

Olive Oil: Used to roast the cauliflower, olive oil helps it crisp up beautifully while adding a subtle richness to the dish.

Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves get roasted with the cauliflower, giving it a mellow, roasted flavor that complements the crispness of the veggie.

Lemon: The zest and juice of fresh lemon give the dish a nice zing that brightens up the earthy flavors of the cauliflower.

Fresh Herbs: The Green Goddess dressing comes to life with a blend of fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and tarragon. They add a burst of freshness and flavor.

Greek Yogurt: This gives the dressing a creamy, tangy base without feeling too heavy. It’s the perfect balance of smoothness and freshness.

Avocado: For extra creaminess and richness, we blend in ripe avocado into the dressing. It gives the salad an indulgent feel without being too rich.

Dijon Mustard: A touch of Dijon mustard in the dressing adds a subtle kick and depth of flavor.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a bit of tang to the dressing, balancing out the richness of the avocado and Greek yogurt.

Salt & Pepper: To taste, of course! Seasoning is key to making the flavors pop, so don’t skip this step.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s break down how to make this delicious, nutrient-packed salad:

Roast the Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets and toss them with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread the florets out on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Make the Green Goddess Dressing: While the cauliflower is roasting, combine the avocado, Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Assemble the Salad: Once the cauliflower is done roasting, allow it to cool slightly. Toss the roasted cauliflower with a few spoonfuls of Green Goddess dressing. You can add more dressing to taste—this salad is meant to be creamy and luscious!

Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with extra fresh herbs or a sprinkle of seeds for a bit of crunch. Serve immediately, or let it chill for a little while if you prefer a colder salad. Either way, it’s a winner!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad

This roasted cauliflower salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals and sides. Here are a few ideas to elevate your dining experience:

Grilled Meats or Tofu: This salad is an excellent side for grilled chicken, steak, or even tofu for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Crispy Bread: Serve with a crusty baguette or some garlic toast to mop up any leftover dressing. It adds a lovely texture contrast.
Roasted Vegetables: Pair with other roasted veggies like sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or carrots for a veggie-packed feast.
A Light Soup: Pair with a light soup like tomato basil or a simple broth-based soup to round out the meal.
Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh fruit, like sliced apples or citrus segments, complements the richness of the Green Goddess dressing perfectly.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Prep Ahead: You can roast the cauliflower ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This makes for an even quicker salad when you’re ready to serve.
Make the Dressing in Advance: The Green Goddess dressing keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can even use it as a dip for veggies or a spread on sandwiches!
Add Crunch: For extra texture, toss in some toasted nuts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds right before serving.
Use Different Veggies: Try swapping cauliflower for other veggies like roasted carrots, zucchini, or even beets for a different twist.
Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the dressing or drizzle some sriracha over the top for a spicy kick.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen cauliflower?
A1: It’s best to use fresh cauliflower for this recipe, as frozen cauliflower tends to release more moisture and doesn’t roast as well. But if frozen is all you have, just make sure to thaw and dry it thoroughly before roasting.

Q2: How can I make this dish vegan?
A2: Simply swap the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt and use a plant-based avocado dressing. You can also use olive oil or a vegan mayo as a substitute for the dressing base.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can roast the cauliflower and make the dressing in advance. Just store both separately in the fridge and assemble when you’re ready to serve.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dressing will keep for up to 4 days. You can reheat the cauliflower if you prefer it warm or serve it cold.

Q5: Can I use a different dressing?
A5: Absolutely! You can substitute the Green Goddess dressing with a tahini dressing, tahini-miso dressing, or even a balsamic vinaigrette if you’re in the mood for something tangier.

Q6: Is this salad gluten-free?
A6: Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for anyone with dietary restrictions.

Q7: Can I use a different type of vinegar in the dressing?
A7: Yes, you can use white wine vinegar or lemon juice if you prefer a milder acidity.

Q8: How can I make this salad spicier?
A8: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing or drizzle some hot sauce or sriracha over the roasted cauliflower for extra heat.

Q9: Can I add cheese to this salad?
A9: Definitely! A sprinkle of crumbled feta, goat cheese, or even Parmesan would be delicious on top of this salad.

Q10: How do I know when the cauliflower is perfectly roasted?
A10: The cauliflower should be golden brown and slightly crispy around the edges. You want it to be tender on the inside with a bit of charred flavor from the roasting process.

Conclusion

This Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish that proves salads can be anything but boring. It’s loaded with flavor, texture, and nutrients, making it perfect for any meal. Whether you’re making it as a side or enjoying it as a light, satisfying main, this salad is sure to please. Give it a try and watch how it quickly becomes a new favorite in your recipe rotation!