Refreshing Green Goddess Roasted Cauliflower Salad Recipe

Crisp, verdant, and bursting with flavor, this roasted cauliflower green goddess salad recipe delivers a vibrant culinary experience.

Tender golden-brown cauliflower florets dance with creamy herb-packed dressing, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Each bite promises a refreshing blend of wholesome ingredients that sing with brightness and depth.

The emerald-hued sauce coats every morsel with tangy, luscious goodness.

Packed with nutrients and bold flavors, this salad transforms a simple vegetable into a stunning centerpiece.

Fresh herbs and perfectly roasted cauliflower come together in a delightful harmony that will make you fall in love with clean, green eating.

Prepare to savor every delectable forkful of this irresistible green goddess creation.

Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad – Highlights

• Packed with diverse vegetables offering a rainbow of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health and wellness.
• Minimal prep work involves just chopping and roasting vegetables, making this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Flexible ingredients allow simple swaps or additions based on personal preferences or what's available in your kitchen.
• Combines smoky roasted vegetables with zesty green goddess dressing, creating a taste experience that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Green Goddess Salad Ingredient Rundown

Main Ingredients:

• Cauliflower: A hearty and nutritious vegetable that becomes crispy and caramelized when roasted.
• Corn: A sweet and tender vegetable that adds natural sweetness to the salad.
• Broccolini: A delicate green vegetable with a mild, slightly peppery flavor.
• Kale: A nutrient-dense leafy green that provides a robust and earthy base for the salad.

• Cucumber: A crisp and refreshing vegetable that adds cool texture to the dish.
• Jalapenos: Spicy peppers that bring a zesty kick to the salad.
• Avocado: A creamy and rich fruit that adds smooth texture and healthy fats.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the vegetables.
• Blackened Seasoning, Smoked Paprika: Spices that add depth and smoky complexity to the roasted vegetables.
• Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that helps caramelize the roasted vegetables.
• Lemon Juice: A bright, acidic element that softens the kale and adds freshness.
• Green Goddess Dressing: A creamy, herb-packed sauce that ties all the ingredients together.

Equipment for Roasted Cauliflower Salad

• Baking Sheets: Two large sheets for roasting vegetables evenly and catching drips.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup super easy.
• Sharp Knife: For chopping cauliflower, kale, cucumber, and jalapenos precisely.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for all chopping tasks.
• Mixing Bowl: To toss vegetables with oil and seasonings.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurate seasoning amounts.
• Serving Bowl: To assemble and present the final salad.
• Tongs or Spatula: For flipping and moving roasted vegetables.

Salad Steps for Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400F and grab two baking sheets.

Line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Spice Up Cauliflower

• Olive oil
• Blackened seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Maple syrup

Spread the seasoned florets across one baking sheet, making sure they’re in a single layer.

Step 3: Prep Companion Vegetables

• Corn kernels
• Broccolini

Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Roast To Perfection

Slide both baking sheets into the oven.

Roast for 20-25 minutes until vegetables develop beautiful char marks and turn golden brown.

Remove and let them cool down slightly.

Step 5: Transform Kale

Grab your chopped kale and give it some love.

Massage with lemon juice or olive oil for 2-3 minutes until the leaves soften and become more tender.

Step 6: Create Your Masterpiece

• Massaged kale
• Roasted cauliflower
• Roasted corn and broccolini
• Sliced cucumber
• Chopped jalapenos
• Creamy avocado chunks

Finish by drizzling Green Goddess dressing over the top.

Tips for a Flavorful Cauliflower Salad

• Spread cauliflower and vegetables in single layer to ensure even caramelization and prevent steaming.
• Massage kale thoroughly to break down tough fibers, making it more tender and easier to digest.
• Use ripe avocado in Green Goddess dressing for extra smoothness and healthy fat content.
• Adjust jalapeño quantity to control spiciness, removing seeds for milder version or adding more for extra kick.
• Roast at high temperature briefly to maintain crisp texture and lock in nutritional value.

Roasted Cauliflower Salad Add-In Ideas

• Vegan Power Bowl: Replace roasted cauliflower with crispy tofu, add quinoa base, and swap Green Goddess dressing with tahini-herb sauce.
• Mediterranean Remix: Substitute cauliflower with roasted eggplant, add feta cheese, use za'atar seasoning, and drizzle with tzatziki dressing.
• Protein-Packed Version: Include grilled chicken or salmon, swap kale with spinach, and use Greek yogurt-based Green Goddess dressing.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace corn with roasted bell peppers, use zucchini noodles instead of kale, and add extra herbs for flavor boost.

Presenting Green Goddess Salad at the Table

• Flavor Explosion Bowl: Create a vibrant, colorful meal by serving the roasted cauliflower salad in a wide, shallow bowl that showcases the golden-charred vegetables and bright green dressing.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken, crispy tofu, or chickpeas to transform the salad into a hearty main course that keeps you full and satisfied throughout the day.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro, chives, or parsley on top to enhance the green goddess theme and add a burst of fresh, herbal brightness to each bite.
• Crunchy Texture Boost: Scatter toasted pumpkin seeds, sliced almonds, or crispy quinoa over the salad for an extra layer of satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.

Storing Cauliflower Salad the Smart Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate dressing to prevent soggy vegetables.
• Not recommended due to delicate ingredients like avocado and fresh vegetables that will lose texture and quality when thawed.
• Gently warm roasted vegetables in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Add fresh kale and cucumber after reheating to maintain crispness.
• For best taste, consume salad within 24 hours and avoid storing dressed salad to prevent wilting and sogginess.

FAQs

• What are the key spices used in this recipe?

The blackened seasoning and smoked paprika add depth and complexity to the roasted cauliflower, creating a bold and smoky flavor profile.

• How does massaging kale improve its texture?

Massaging kale with lemon juice or olive oil breaks down the tough fibers, making it softer, more tender, and easier to eat, reducing its bitter taste.

• Why roast the vegetables at high temperature?

High-temperature roasting at 400F caramelizes the vegetables, creating crispy edges, intensifying their natural sweetness, and developing a rich, golden color.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare roasted vegetables and massage kale in advance, but assemble the salad just before serving to maintain the freshness and prevent wilting.

Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 24 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Green goddess roasted cauliflower salad brings Mediterranean flavors to your table. Crisp vegetables, tangy herbs, and caramelized cauliflower create a refreshing dish you’ll crave all season long.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Roasted Cauliflower

• 1 head organic cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) blackened seasoning
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) smoked paprika

Roasted Vegetables

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) sweet corn kernels
• 1 bunch broccolini, ends trimmed
• 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) sea salt
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) black pepper

Fresh Salad Components

• 2 bunches organic kale, de-stemmed and roughly chopped
• 2 jalapenos, chopped
• 1 organic cucumber, peeled and sliced
• 1 Haas avocado, peeled, pitted, and chopped

Dressing

• 1 batch Homemade Green Goddess Dressing

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure even roasting and easy cleanup.
2. Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, blackened seasoning, smoked paprika, and maple syrup, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the aromatic spice blend.
3. Spread seasoned cauliflower on one baking sheet in a single layer to promote proper caramelization and prevent steaming.
4. Arrange corn and broccolini on the second baking sheet, lightly coating them with olive oil, salt, and pepper for enhanced flavor.
5. Roast both baking sheets simultaneously for 20-25 minutes, rotating halfway through to achieve a uniform golden-brown char on the vegetables.
6. Remove from oven and allow vegetables to cool slightly, which helps maintain their crisp texture and prevents wilting.
7. While vegetables are roasting, prepare kale by massaging chopped leaves with lemon juice or olive oil for 2-3 minutes to tenderize and soften the leaves.
8. Compose the salad by creating a vibrant base layer of massaged kale in a serving bowl.
9. Artfully arrange the roasted cauliflower, corn, and broccolini over the kale.
10. Garnish with fresh cucumber, sliced jalapenos, and creamy avocado for added texture and complexity.
11. Finish by generously drizzling Green Goddess dressing over the salad, ensuring each ingredient is lightly coated with the herbaceous sauce.

Notes

• Customize Roasting Time Adjust cooking duration based on your oven’s unique heating patterns, checking vegetables every 10 minutes to prevent burning while achieving perfect caramelization.
• Enhance Flavor Boost maple syrup with a splash of balsamic vinegar or chili flakes for added depth and complexity in the roasted vegetable medley.
• Make Dietary Adaptations Swap maple syrup for agave nectar to create a vegan-friendly version, ensuring the recipe remains inclusive for different dietary preferences.
• Maximize Nutrient Retention Allow roasted vegetables to cool slightly before serving to lock in nutrients and maintain optimal texture and taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg