Keto Roasted Cauliflower Salad – This low carb roasted cauliflower salad with roasted, caramelized cauliflower, crunchy veggies, and a creamy, tangy dressing, this salad is not only a nutritional powerhouse but also a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more.
Why You’ll Love This Keto Roasted Cauliflower Salad
This salad is the ultimate low-carb side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even as a standalone vegetarian meal. It’s versatile, simple to make, and packed with healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants. Plus, roasting the cauliflower brings out a delicious nutty flavor, making it a fantastic replacement for traditional carb-heavy salad bases like pasta or potatoes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes this salad so special:
- Cauliflower: The star of the show. Rich in vitamin C, fiber, and a great low-carb vegetable that absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Olive Oil: Used for roasting, adding a heart-healthy fat and a robust flavor.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to enhance the taste of the roasted cauliflower.
- Fresh Vegetables: Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions for color and crunch.
- Creamy Avocado Dressing: A luscious blend of ripe avocados, lemon juice, olive oil, and a hint of mustard.
- Optional Toppings: Crispy bacon bits, toasted nuts, or feta cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Keto Roasted Cauliflower Salad
- Use Fresh Cauliflower: Fresh florets roast better and yield a more delicious, nutty flavor compared to frozen cauliflower.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper if you enjoy a bit of heat.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Skip the feta cheese and add more toasted nuts for a crunchy, dairy-free option.
- Add Extra Protein: For a more filling meal, add shredded grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or canned tuna.
Variations to Try
- Greek-Inspired Version: Add olives, cucumbers, and feta cheese, then season with oregano for a Mediterranean twist.
- Asian-Inspired Version: Toss the roasted cauliflower with sesame oil, green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Drizzle with a soy sauce-based vinaigrette.
- Tex-Mex Version: Mix in black olives, jalapeños, and shredded cheese. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
How to Serve Keto Roasted Cauliflower Salad
This salad makes a perfect side dish for:
- Grilled Meats: Serve it alongside grilled steak, chicken, or fish for a complete meal.
- BBQ Favorites: It pairs well with burgers, sausages, and other BBQ dishes.
- As a Main Course: Enjoy it as a light lunch or dinner, especially if you’re keeping your meal vegetarian.
How to Store Keto Roasted Cauliflower Salad
- In the Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve as the salad sits!
- Make-Ahead Tips: You can roast the cauliflower and prepare the dressing ahead of time. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh.
Note: If you’re making it ahead of time, store the dressing separately to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower, but make sure to thaw and pat it dry before roasting to prevent sogginess.
2. Is this salad keto-friendly?
Absolutely! Each serving is low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making it perfect for a ketogenic diet.
3. Can I meal prep this salad?
Yes! This salad is great for meal prep. Just keep the dressing separate and toss it in when you’re ready to eat.
4. What other dressings can I use?
If you’re not a fan of avocado dressing, try a lemon-tahini dressing or a simple olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette.
5. How do I reheat the roasted cauliflower?
You can reheat it in the oven for a few minutes to crisp it up or enjoy it cold for a different texture.
Keto Roasted Cauliflower Salad (LOW CARB)
Keto Roasted Cauliflower Salad - This low carb roasted cauliflower salad with roasted, caramelized cauliflower, crunchy veggies, and a creamy, tangy dressing, this salad is not only a nutritional powerhouse but also a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients
For the Roasted Cauliflower:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, broken into florets
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Tahini Lemon Dressing:
- ⅓ cup tahini paste
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ¼ cup water (to thin)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
For the Salad:
- 1 cup baby spinach
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup roasted almonds, chopped or sliced
- ¼ cup roasted sunflower seeds
- 8 cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions
- Roast the Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Break down a head of cauliflower into florets and spread them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with cumin, paprika, cinnamon, nutmeg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Toss to coat, then roast for 15 minutes. Give it a stir and roast another 10-15 minutes until tender and golden. Let it cool for 10-15 minutes.
- Make the Tahini Lemon Dressing: While the cauliflower cools, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Adjust the thickness by adding water, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s pourable and silky.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, layer baby spinach, the roasted cauliflower (either warm or cold), halved cherry tomatoes, roasted almonds, sunflower seeds, and fresh chopped parsley. Drizzle generously with your creamy tahini lemon dressing.
- Serve & Enjoy: Toss to combine and serve immediately. Add a few lemon wedges on the side for a zesty kick! Pro tip: This salad tastes amazing both warm or chilled, so feel free to prep ahead.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1 gramsAmount Per Serving Unsaturated Fat 0g
Final Thoughts
This Keto Roasted Cauliflower Salad is not only packed with flavor but also loaded with nutrients, making it a winning dish for any occasion. Whether you’re new to the keto diet or a seasoned pro, this salad will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. Give it a try and let me know what variations you come up with!
Still hungry! Try my other keto recipes: