Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2
In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- 3
Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and tender with crispy edges.
- 4
While the cauliflower roasts, prepare the tahini dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water gradually until you reach a pourable consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 5
In a large serving bowl, arrange the mixed salad greens as the base.
- 6
Add the cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced red onion to the greens.
- 7
Once the cauliflower is roasted and slightly cooled (about 5 minutes), add it to the salad bowl.
- 8
Drizzle the lemon tahini dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- 9
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and toasted sunflower seeds just before serving.
Chef's Note
"This salad transforms humble cauliflower into something truly special with roasted spices and a creamy tahini dressing that brings everything together. Serve it warm or at room temperature—it's perfect for meal prep and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld."