Roasted Cauliflower Bowl (Print Version)

Herb-roasted cauliflower over fluffy rice with fresh vegetables and creamy tahini dressing.

# What You Need:

→ Roasted Cauliflower

01 - 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
04 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
05 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Rice

09 - 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice, rinsed
10 - 2 cups water
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Vegetables

12 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
13 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
14 - 1 cup shredded carrots
15 - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
16 - 2 cups baby spinach or mixed greens

→ Tahini Sauce

17 - 1/4 cup tahini
18 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
19 - 2 tablespoons water, plus more as needed
20 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
21 - 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
22 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
23 - Salt and black pepper to taste

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine cauliflower florets with olive oil, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated. Spread cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
02 - Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through cooking, until florets are golden brown and tender at the edges.
03 - In a saucepan, combine rinsed rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
04 - In a bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, olive oil, maple syrup, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined. Add additional water gradually to achieve desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
05 - Divide cooked rice evenly among serving bowls. Layer spinach or mixed greens on top, followed by roasted cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, shredded carrots, and red onion slices.
06 - Drizzle tahini sauce generously over each bowl. Serve immediately while cauliflower is still warm.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • It feels fancy but comes together in under an hour without any stress or complicated techniques.
  • The tahini sauce is a game-changer that transforms simple vegetables into something deeply satisfying.
  • You can prep components ahead and assemble when hunger strikes making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
02 -
  • Don't crowd the baking sheet or your cauliflower will steam instead of roast; give the florets space so heat can reach all sides.
  • The tahini sauce thickens as it sits so make it the consistency of heavy cream and trust that it will be perfect when you drizzle it.
03 -
  • Taste your spice blend before coating the cauliflower by touching a tiny bit to your tongue; this saves you from any surprises later.
  • Toast whole tahini seeds in a dry pan for 2 minutes and sprinkle over top if you want extra crunch and a nuttier flavor boost.
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