- Why did the cauliflower stay hard?
- Likely the florets were too big or the oven wasn't hot enough. Cut them smaller so heat penetrates faster.
- My tahini dressing is bitter, what did I do wrong?
- Tahini can be bitter if it's old or poor quality. Balance it with more lemon juice, a little honey, or maple syrup.
- The arugula wilted, what do I do?
- Arugula is delicate. Only toss it with warm or cool vegetables right when serving, otherwise the heat and acidic dressing will make it soggy immediately.
Warm Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Arugula
Ingredients
Equipment Needed
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Bowl for dressing
- Whisk
- Large salad bowl
Allergen Information
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Break cauliflower into bite-sized florets, wash, and most importantly: dry completely with a kitchen towel.
Spread cauliflower on a parchment-lined baking sheet so they don't touch. Drizzle with 3 tbsp olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and chili, and toss well with hands.
Roast for 25-30 minutes. Flip halfway through, cooking until edges are dark golden brown and smell nutty.
While cauliflower roasts, cut pepper and carrots into matchsticks (julienne).
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add carrot and pepper strips, sautéing for 3-5 minutes. They should be slightly cooked but still crisp inside.
Make the dressing: whisk tahini, lemon juice, and crushed garlic in a small bowl. Gradually add 2-3 tbsp cold water until you get a thick cream consistency. Season with salt/pepper.
Remove cauliflower and let cool on the pan for at least 10 minutes.
In a large bowl, toss the warm cauliflower, sautéed vegetables, and fresh arugula.
Just before serving, drizzle with tahini dressing and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 1 head Cauliflower (approx. 1.5 - 2 lbs)
- 1 medium Red Bell Pepper
- 2 medium Carrots
- 4 oz Arugula (washed and dried)
- 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 3 tbsp Tahini
- 2-3 tbsp Cold Water (for dressing)
- 1 bunch Fresh Parsley
- 1 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)