Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad

Looking for a salad that’s a little different but totally delightful? This Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad is here to make your taste buds dance. It’s a beautiful combination of crispy roasted cauliflower, fresh greens, and the creamy, tangy goodness of green goddess dressing. The roasted cauliflower adds a smoky, savory flavor that contrasts perfectly with the freshness of the greens and the herb-packed dressing. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish, side, or meal prep for the week, this salad is about to become your new favorite!

Why You’ll Love Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad

• Flavorful and Savory: Roasting the cauliflower brings out its natural sweetness and adds a deliciously nutty crunch to the salad.
• Herb-Forward Dressing: The green goddess dressing is creamy, herby, and just the right amount of tangy—making it the perfect partner for the roasted veggies and fresh greens.
• Packed with Veggies: This salad is bursting with fresh veggies and plant-powered goodness, making it both healthy and satisfying.
• Simple but Fancy: It looks gorgeous on a plate, but it’s actually so easy to make. You’ll impress everyone with minimal effort.
• Versatile: Whether you need a quick lunch or a show-stopping side, this salad fits the bill. It’s easy to customize, so feel free to throw in extra ingredients that you love!

Ingredients in Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty, fresh salad come to life:

• Cauliflower: The star of this salad, roasted to golden perfection, adding a lovely, savory bite.
• Mixed Greens: A variety of fresh greens like arugula, spinach, or baby kale provide a refreshing base for the salad.
• Cucumber: Sliced cucumber adds a cool crunch to the mix.
• Avocado: Creamy avocado complements the roasted cauliflower and adds richness to the salad.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a bit of sharpness.
• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Parsley, chives, or dill add a fresh, herby finish.
• Green Goddess Dressing: Made with mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and a mix of fresh herbs like tarragon, parsley, and chives.
• Olive Oil: To drizzle over the cauliflower for roasting.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are available in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Making this delicious Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad is as easy as tossing ingredients into the oven and mixing up a quick dressing. Here’s how you’ll do it:

Step 1: Roast the Cauliflower

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the cauliflower into florets and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the cauliflower is golden and crispy on the edges. Make sure to flip the florets halfway through to ensure even roasting.

Step 2: Prepare the Green Goddess Dressing

While the cauliflower roasts, prepare your green goddess dressing. In a blender or food processor, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, fresh herbs (such as parsley, tarragon, and chives), salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more lemon for tang or extra herbs for flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Once the cauliflower is done roasting, let it cool slightly. In a large bowl, toss the mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and red onion. Gently fold in the roasted cauliflower.

Step 4: Dress and Serve

Drizzle the green goddess dressing over the salad and toss everything together until the salad is well-coated. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for later use. This salad can be enjoyed warm or chilled!

How to Serve Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad

• As a Main Dish: This salad is hearty enough to stand on its own as a main course. It’s packed with vegetables, healthy fats from the avocado, and a delicious protein-packed dressing.
• As a Side: Pair it with grilled chicken, fish, or a veggie burger for a satisfying meal.
• Meal Prep: This salad makes a fantastic meal prep option—just store the dressing separately and toss everything together when you’re ready to eat.
• Add Grains: For a more filling option, serve this salad over quinoa, couscous, or brown rice for a wholesome, balanced meal.

Additional Tips

• Make it spicy: If you like a little heat, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the dressing or sprinkle some chili flakes over the cauliflower before roasting.
• Add nuts: Toss in some toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or walnuts for extra crunch and healthy fats.
• Vegan option: You can make this salad vegan by swapping the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with dairy-free alternatives, such as cashew cream or avocado-based mayo.
• Keep leftovers fresh: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge. For best results, store the dressing separately so the greens stay fresh.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 300mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary Fiber: 7g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 7g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen cauliflower?
A1: Fresh cauliflower works best for roasting, but if you only have frozen, you can use it—just make sure to thaw it and dry it well before roasting.

Q2: Can I make the dressing in advance?
A2: Yes, the dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before using.

Q3: Can I substitute other veggies for the cauliflower?
A3: Absolutely! Roasted broccoli, brussels sprouts, or even sweet potatoes would be great substitutes.

Q4: How can I make this salad spicier?
A4: Add some fresh chopped jalapeños to the salad or mix a little sriracha into the dressing for an extra kick.

Q5: Is this salad gluten-free?
A5: Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free.

Q6: Can I add protein to the salad?
A6: Yes, grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas would be great additions for an extra protein boost.

Q7: Can I use a store-bought green goddess dressing?
A7: Of course! If you’re short on time, store-bought green goddess dressing works just fine.

Q8: How can I make this salad even more filling?
A8: Add some quinoa, brown rice, or roasted chickpeas for more fiber and staying power.

Q9: How do I store leftovers?
A9: Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For the best texture, keep the dressing separate from the salad until ready to serve.

Q10: Can I make this salad vegan?
A10: Yes! Just swap the mayo and yogurt with vegan-friendly alternatives such as avocado-based mayo and non-dairy yogurt.

Conclusion

This Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a fresh, satisfying meal that will leave you feeling full and nourished. With its creamy, tangy dressing, savory roasted cauliflower, and vibrant veggies, it’s a salad you’ll crave time and time again. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a light lunch, a side dish, or a healthy dinner option, this salad has got your back. So grab your veggies, roast that cauliflower, and enjoy the deliciousness of this green goddess creation!

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