Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad Recipe

Zesty Green Goddess Roasted Cauliflower Salad Recipe

Crisp, verdant greens dance with roasted cauliflower green goddess salad that promises a burst of vibrant flavors.

Creamy, herbaceous dressing coats each tender cauliflower floret with a luxurious embrace.

The emerald-hued sauce whispers tales of fresh herbs and tangy notes.

Roasting brings out a deep, nutty character in the cauliflower, elevating this simple vegetable to a star ingredient.

Crunchy textures mingle with smooth, silky dressing for a symphony of sensations.

Each forkful delivers a refreshing twist on traditional salads.

You’ll want to savor every remarkable bite of this green-packed culinary adventure.

Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad Packed with Flavor

  • Craft Cloud-Like Texture: Experience a melt-in-your-mouth sensation with this unique bread that's incredibly light and airy, creating a delightful texture unlike traditional bread.
  • Boost Protein Power: Packed with cottage cheese and egg whites, this recipe provides a nutritious protein punch perfect for health-conscious food lovers.
  • Customize with Ease: Enjoy versatile serving options by adding sweet or savory toppings, making it adaptable for breakfast, snacks, or quick meal alternatives.
  • Zero-Fuss Preparation: Simple ingredients and straightforward mixing technique mean anyone can create this impressive dish without advanced cooking skills, perfect for beginners and seasoned home cooks alike.

What You’ll Need for Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad

Main Ingredients:
  • Cauliflower Florets: A hearty vegetable that becomes deliciously caramelized and flavorful when roasted.
  • Kale: A nutrient-dense leafy green that provides a robust base for the salad.
  • Avocado: A creamy ingredient that adds richness and healthy fats to the dish.
Roasted Vegetables:
  • Corn, Broccolini: Vegetables that bring sweetness and textural variety to the salad when roasted.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil, Blackened Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Maple Syrup: Ingredients that create a complex, smoky-sweet coating for the cauliflower.
  • Lemon Juice, Sea Salt, Black Pepper: Seasonings that brighten and balance the overall flavor profile.
Additional Vegetables:
  • Cucumber, Jalapenos: Fresh vegetables that add crunch and a spicy kick to the salad.
Optional Toppings:
  • Parmesan Cheese, Croutons: Garnishes that provide extra texture and flavor to the dish.

How to Make Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven toasty at 400F (200C). Grab two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Blacken the Cauliflower

In a big mixing bowl, toss cauliflower florets with:
  • Olive oil
  • Blackened seasoning
  • Smoked paprika
  • Maple syrup

Spread the coated cauliflower evenly on one baking sheet, ensuring each piece gets some love.

Step 3: Roast Companion Vegetables

On the second baking sheet, spread out corn and broccolini.

Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper. Roast both sheets for 20-25 minutes until the veggies develop golden edges and slight char marks.

Step 4: Prepare the Kale

Remove kale leaves from stems and chop roughly. Place in a large bowl and massage with lemon juice or olive oil for 2-3 minutes until leaves soften and become more tender.

Step 5: Build Your Salad

Layer the ingredients on a serving plate:
  • Massaged kale
  • Roasted corn
  • Broccolini
  • Chopped cucumber
  • Jalapenos
  • Blackened cauliflower
  • Sliced avocado

Step 6: Dress and Devour

Drizzle Green Goddess Dressing over the salad. Feel free to sprinkle Parmesan, add croutons, or include your favorite toppings.

Serve immediately and savor every bite.

Tips to Perfect Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad

  • Stir roasting vegetables halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and prevent charring on one side.
  • Massage kale with lemon juice or olive oil to break down tough fibers, making it more tender and easier to digest.
  • Adjust blackened seasoning quantity based on heat preference, starting with less and adding more gradually.
  • Add grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas to transform this salad into a complete meal with extra protein.
  • Thin Green Goddess dressing with a splash of water or extra olive oil if it's too thick for drizzling.

Delicious Variations on Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad

  • Vegan Protein Power Salad: Replace cauliflower with roasted tofu cubes seasoned with similar spices. Add chickpeas or quinoa for extra protein and nutrition.
  • Mediterranean Herb Remix: Swap blackened seasoning with za'atar spice blend. Include feta cheese crumbles and replace broccolini with grilled zucchini strips.
  • Spicy Southwest Style: Use chipotle seasoning instead of blackened spice. Add black beans, roasted bell peppers, and cilantro for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Reduce corn and replace with more low-carb vegetables like roasted Brussels sprouts. Use a lighter green goddess dressing with Greek yogurt base for fewer calories.

Pairing Suggestions to Go with Green Goddess Salad

  • Flavor Symphony Pairing: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the roasted vegetables' smoky notes while cutting through the creamy green goddess dressing with its bright, zesty acidity.
  • Mediterranean Herb Blast: Fresh rosemary focaccia bread offers a delightful textural contrast to the salad's crunchy roasted vegetables, enhancing the overall herbal and earthy flavor profile.
  • Protein Power Boost: Grilled lemon-herb chicken provides a lean protein element that matches the salad's vibrant green goddess theme, creating a balanced and satisfying meal experience.
  • Tropical Refreshment Twist: Sparkling passion fruit mocktail introduces a sweet-tangy dimension that elevates the salad's complex flavors, adding a refreshing and unexpected palate cleanser.

How to Store Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad Properly

  • Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate to prevent soggy vegetables.
  • Store roasted vegetables, kale, and other ingredients in different containers to maintain their texture and freshness.
  • Gently warm roasted cauliflower, corn, and broccolini in a skillet over medium heat for 35 minutes. Avoid microwaving to preserve crispy edges.
  • Add fresh avocado, drizzle with Green Goddess dressing, and toss gently to revive the salad's flavors and texture before enjoying leftovers.

FAQs

  • What gives this salad its unique flavor profile?

The blackened seasoning and smoked paprika create a deep, smoky taste while maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness that caramelizes the cauliflower during roasting.

  • Is this salad considered healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with nutrient-dense ingredients like kale, cauliflower, broccolini, and avocado, providing high levels of vitamins, minerals, and beneficial antioxidants.

  • Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor and keep the recipe completely plant-based.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad Recipe

Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Green goddess magic meets roasted cauliflower in this Mediterranean-inspired salad bursting with herbal complexity and crisp textures. Creamy dressing and caramelized florets blend harmoniously, promising a delightful experience you’ll want to savor again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables:

  • 1 head organic cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 2 cups sweet corn kernels (white or yellow)
  • 1 bunch broccolini, ends trimmed
  • 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

Seasonings and Oils:

  • 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon blackened seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Dressing:

  • 1 batch homemade Green Goddess Dressing

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare two parchment-lined baking sheets for roasting vegetables.
  2. Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, blackened seasoning, smoked paprika, and maple syrup until evenly coated, then spread on one baking sheet.
  3. Arrange corn and broccolini on the second baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with sea salt and black pepper.
  4. Roast both vegetable trays for 20-25 minutes until golden and slightly charred, then remove and allow to cool briefly.
  5. Remove kale leaves from stems, chop roughly, and place in a large bowl. Massage with lemon juice or olive oil for 2-3 minutes until leaves soften and become more tender.
  6. Create a vibrant layer in a serving plate or bowl, starting with massaged kale as the base.
  7. Top the kale with roasted corn, broccolini, cucumber, jalapenos, blackened cauliflower, and sliced avocado.
  8. Generously drizzle Green Goddess Dressing over the assembled salad.
  9. Optional: Enhance the salad with grated Parmesan, crunchy croutons, or preferred garnishes.
  10. Serve immediately while vegetables are still warm and enjoy the complex flavor profile.

Notes

  • Toss cauliflower with extra smoked paprika for deeper smoky undertones that elevate the entire dish’s complexity.
  • Replace broccolini with asparagus or green beans if unavailable, maintaining the salad’s nutritional balance and texture variety.
  • Remove jalapeno seeds for milder heat or add extra for those craving intense spiciness, allowing personalized heat adjustment.
  • Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast or omit entirely to create a completely plant-based version without compromising taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star