Mediterranean Roast Cauliflower Salad with Tahini Drizzle
This vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean Roast Cauliflower Salad combines the nutty essence of slivered almonds, the sweetness of golden raisins, and the burst of freshness from pomegranate seeds. Drizzled with a creamy tahini sauce, this dish not only captivates the palate but also adds a stunning visual appeal with its array of colors. Perfect for gatherings, lunch boxes, or simply as a delicious warm or room temperature side dish, it's a versatile recipe adapted from a Middle Eastern classic that you won't be able to get enough of.
3
Servings
163
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
cauliflower
1 head (sliced into 1/2 inch thick slices and chopped into 1-2 inch pieces)
avocado oil
to taste (for drizzling)
sea salt
to taste
fresh ground black pepper
to taste
tahini sauce
1/2 recipe (prepared using garlic, see link for details)
golden raisins
1/4 cup (soaked in boiling water to plump)
slivered almonds
1/4 cup (toasted until fragrant)
pomegranate seeds
1/4 cup (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 410°F (210°C). If preferred, you can also fry the cauliflower florets in a pan, but roasting enhances the flavor.
2
On a large cutting board, lay the head of cauliflower sideways. Slice it into approximately 1/2 inch thick slices. Don’t worry about the small florets that will scatter as you cut; you can gather those up later. Continue slicing until you reach the core, and slice the sides of the cauliflower head in the same way. Discard the core and chop any large florets into 1-2 inch pieces.
3
Drizzle avocado oil over a large baking sheet and spread the cauliflower evenly across it. Drizzle a bit more oil on top and toss to ensure the cauliflower is well coated. Generously season with sea salt and fresh ground black pepper.
4
Roast in the preheated oven for 16-35 minutes, checking for tenderness and golden-brown edges, until a knife easily pierces the large pieces.
5
While the cauliflower roasts, place the golden raisins in a bowl and pour boiling water over them. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to plump up. Meanwhile, toast the slivered almonds in a skillet over medium heat until they are lightly browned and fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
6
Once the cauliflower is roasted, transfer it to a serving bowl. Drain the plumped raisins and add them to the bowl along with the toasted almonds. Gently stir to mix the ingredients together.
7
Drizzle the tahini sauce (using the garlic option for added flavor, if desired) over the warm cauliflower mixture, adding as much as you prefer. Top with pomegranate seeds for a final touch.
8
Serve your Mediterranean Roast Cauliflower Salad warm or at room temperature and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
12.33g
Fat
13.67g
Carbs
3.33g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is a Mediterranean Roast Cauliflower Salad with Tahini Drizzle.
How many servings does this cauliflower salad make?
This recipe makes 3 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 163 calories.
Is this Mediterranean Roast Cauliflower Salad vegan?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this recipe is vegan-friendly.
Is the recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this cauliflower salad is gluten-free.
What temperature should the oven be set to for roasting?
The oven should be preheated to 410°F (210°C).
How long does the cauliflower need to roast?
The cauliflower should be roasted for 16 to 35 minutes until tender and golden-brown.
What kind of oil is recommended for roasting the cauliflower?
Avocado oil is recommended for drizzling over the cauliflower before roasting.
How should the cauliflower be sliced?
The cauliflower should be sliced into approximately 1/2 inch thick slices and then chopped into 1-2 inch pieces.
Can I cook the cauliflower without an oven?
Yes, you can fry the cauliflower florets in a pan instead of roasting them.
How do you prepare the golden raisins?
Place the golden raisins in a bowl and pour boiling water over them for 10 minutes to plump them up.
How should the slivered almonds be prepared?
The almonds should be toasted in a skillet over medium heat until lightly browned and fragrant.
What type of sauce is used as a drizzle?
A creamy tahini sauce, preferably prepared with garlic, is used as a drizzle.
What is the garnish for this salad?
The salad is topped with pomegranate seeds for a final touch.
What are the primary seasonings used?
The dish is seasoned with sea salt and fresh ground black pepper.
What is the total fat content per serving?
There are 12.33g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 13.67g of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content of this salad?
The salad provides 3.33g of protein per serving.
Can this salad be served at room temperature?
Yes, it can be served either warm or at room temperature.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients in this recipe.
What is the flavor profile of the salad?
It combines the nutty essence of almonds, the sweetness of raisins, and the freshness of pomegranate with a creamy tahini sauce.
Should the cauliflower core be used?
No, the instructions suggest discarding the core after slicing the florets.
Is this recipe suitable for lunch boxes?
Yes, its versatility makes it perfect for lunch boxes or gatherings.
How do I know when the cauliflower is fully cooked?
It is done when a knife easily pierces the large pieces and the edges are golden-brown.
How much tahini sauce should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 of a standard tahini sauce recipe, drizzled to your preference.
What region is this recipe adapted from?
This recipe is adapted from a Middle Eastern classic.
What is the amount of raisins used?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of golden raisins.
How much pomegranate seeds are needed?
1/4 cup of pomegranate seeds are used for the garnish.
How much almonds are needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of slivered almonds.
Is avocado oil the only option?
While avocado oil is specified, you can use other high-heat oils, though it may slightly change the flavor profile.