• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Recipe box
  • Resources
    • Business
    • Photography
  • About
    • Contact
  • Peach Perfect Financials
    • Blogger MBA School
    • Bookkeeping Template

The Fit Peach logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Accounting
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Accounting
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Dietary Need » Dairy free » Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini

    Published: Nov 1, 2022 · Modified: Feb 25, 2023 by Ansley Beutler

    Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini

    • Share
    Jump to Recipe

    Roasted cauliflower with tahini is the easiest healthy side dish or quick appetizer you’ll ever make! Created with simple ingredients, it’s loaded with the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors in every bite. Baked to tender perfection and just slightly crisp, it’s ready in less than 20 minutes for a recipe all your guests will adore! Gluten free, refined sugar free, & vegan friendly, too.

    Tahini cauliflower on a platter.

    In my humble opinion, cauliflower is one of the most underrated vegetables out there. I mean, no hate toward other cold-weather options like brussel sprouts or broccoli. I think they’re great. All I’m saying is that it’s time to give cauliflower the respect it deserves! 

    After all, it’s one of the most versatile veggies on the market. From creamy cauliflower mash to cauliflower alfredo, I’m honestly not sure there’s anything it can’t do. However, one of my favorite ways to enjoy cauliflower is roasted in the oven with a little bit of tahini. 

    The end result is crisp, tender, and absolutely loaded with a sweet, salty, nutty flavor. Seriously, this dish checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s so good for you, too! Serve it with your favorite main course or on its own. No matter what you do, you really can’t go wrong. 

    For more savory recipes, be sure to check out my pumpkin quinoa salad and gluten free feta stuffed mushrooms! 

    Jump to:
    • What is Tahini?
    • Ingredients and Notes
    • How to Make Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini
    • Recipe Variations
    • Making Ahead of Time
    • Storing
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Recipe

    What is Tahini?

    Tahini is simply ground sesame seeds. It has a nutty flavor with a creamy thick consistency. It has an earthy nut-forward flavor with a slightly bitter taste.

    You can find a jar of tahini at most grocery stores, international grocery stores, and online. I highly recommend the Soom brand. 

    Ingredients and Notes

    Roasted tahini cauliflower ingredients on a wooden surface.

    For the Cauliflower

    • Cauliflower - To keep this recipe budget-friendly, I chop a head of cauliflower into florets. However, to save time, you could purchase them already chopped instead. 
    • Oil - I tend to reach for olive oil to drizzle on top in order to help create the crisp exterior we’re looking to achieve while adding a good source of healthy fats. Feel free to swap it out with any other oil you have on hand such as avocado oil or vegetable oil.  
    • Salt & pepper - To enhance the flavor of the cauliflower. 

    For the Tahini

    • Tahini - The true star of the show! Use a tahini brand that uses minimal ingredients, and don’t worry if the jar has some natural oil separation. That’s what we want to create a smooth and creamy consistency.  
    • Honey - This adds just a touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the nutty flavor of the tahini. Maple syrup or agave can be used as well to keep this recipe vegan. 
    • Oil - Adds an element of savoriness that ties the tahini in with the cauliflower. Any type of oil will work. 
    • Garlic - For a bold taste. 
    • Pistachios - Sprinkled on top for the perfect crunch. 
    • Dates - Chopped up and combined with the nuts for a balance of savory and sweet. 

    How to Make Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini

    This tahini cauliflower looks super extravagant but is actually so simple to make! You’ll need a baking sheet, a bowl, and a fork or whisk to mix the tahini sauce. 

    Step 1: Roast the cauliflower. Once chopped, arrange the cauliflower florets on a baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle the oil, salt, and pepper on top, and toss to combine. Roast in the oven until the cauliflower is fork-tender and golden brown.

    Cauliflower cut up on a baking sheet.
    Roasted cauliflower on a baking sheet.

    Step 2: Create the tahini sauce. While the cauliflower bakes, whisk together the ingredients for the tahini sauce until smooth and runny. Add a splash of water as needed to thin it out. 

    Tahini sauce dripping off a spoon into a glass.

    Step 3: Combine the ingredients. Place the roasted cauliflower on a serving dish and drizzle the tahini dressing on top. Gently toss to combine and coat the cauliflower. 

    Sprinkle the chopped pistachios and dates on top, and toss again until the ingredients are well combined. 

    A platter of roasted tahini cauliflower from above.

    Recipe Variations

    • Swap the pistachios with slivered almonds
    • Add a handful of broccoli florets along with the cauliflower
    • Sprinkle some roasted chickpeas over top
    • Roast some carrots with the cauliflower for added color
    • Serve with lentils for a protein-rich plant-based meal

    Making Ahead of Time

    If you’re wanting to make this recipe ahead of time, I recommend preparing the tahini dressing up to 1 week in advance and waiting to roast the cauliflower until you’re ready to serve. This will ensure crispy warm cauliflower florets!

    Tahini roasted cauliflower on a platter with dates and pistachios.

    Storing

    To store leftovers, transfer the tahini cauliflower to an airtight container, and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To enjoy, microwave in 20-second intervals until warm.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do you make crispy roasted cauliflower? 

    Like most vegetables, cauliflower is best enjoyed warm right after it’s cooked. This is when it will be the crispiest. As it cools down, the moisture will soak into the vegetable, and it will become soft. 

    What do you eat tahini cauliflower with? 

    This roasted cauliflower is very versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes from chicken to beef to lamb. It also makes a great Holiday side dish.

    Why is my roasted cauliflower tough? 

    If your cauliflower is tough, it wasn’t cooked long enough. You’ll know it’s done when it’s tender to the touch and golden brown on top. 

    For more savory dishes, check out these great recipes:

    • Pumpkin Pasta
    • Pumpkin Quinoa Salad
    • Healthy Garlic and Chive Instant Pot Cauliflower Mash

    Recipe

    Recipe

    A platter of roasted tahini cauliflower from above.

    Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini

    Roasted cauliflower with tahini is the easiest healthy side dish or quick appetizer you’ll ever make! Created with simple ingredients, it’s loaded with the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors in every bite. Baked to tender perfection and just slightly crips, it’s ready in less than 20 minutes for a recipe all your guests will adore! Gluten free, refined sugar free, & vegan friendly.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: healthy cauliflower mash, roasted cauliflower with tahini, tahini, tahini cauliflower
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 242kcal
    Author: Ansley Beutler

    Ingredients
     
     

    For the cauliflower:

    • 1 head cauliflower
    • 3 tablespoon olive oil - any oil will work
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

    For the tahini sauce:

    • ¼ cup tahini
    • 1 tablespoon honey - or maple syrup
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil - any oil will work
    • ½ teaspoon garlic
    • ¼ cup pistachios
    • 5 - 6 dates - chopped

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 450 F. Cut up the head of cauliflower into small pieces and remove the stalks.
    • Spread the cauliflower florets on a baking sheet. Drizzle with the olive oil then sprinkle salt and pepper over top. Use your hands or a spatula to gently toss the cauliflower. Roast in the oven for 15 minutes until brown..
    • Meanwhile, make the tahini dressing by mixing together the tahini, honey, olive oil, and garlic in a small bowl. Whisk well until the mixture is thin enough to run off the back of a spoon. Add a splash of water if needed.
    • Transfer the roasted cauliflower into a serving dish and drizzle the tahini dressing over top. Gently toss the cauliflower to distribute the dressing. Top with chopped pistachios and dates and toss one more time before serving.

    Notes

    Storing: To store leftovers, transfer the cauliflower to an airtight container, and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Microwave in 20-second intervals until warm.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 242kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 421mg | Potassium: 473mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 30IU | Vitamin C: 47mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @the.fit.peach or tag #thefitpeach!
    « Gluten free Donuts
    Vegan Mug Brownie »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar


    Welcome to The Fit Peach where I share elevated everyday recipes for the health-focused foodie.

    Read more about Ansley here!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest


    New Year New You

    • Zucchini Involtini
    • Southwest Chicken Chili
    • Triple Berry Smoothie
    • Firecracker Bang Bang Shrimp

    Trending

    • Edible Brownie Batter
    • Air Fried Teriyaki Salmon Bites Rice Bowl
    • Ricotta Cheese Egg Bites with Peppers and Onion
    • Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies


    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    More

    • About
    • Resources
    • Peach Perfect Financials
    • Contact

    Newsletter

    Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more deliciousness!

    Recipes

    • Chocolate
    • Cookies
    • Savory
    • Drinks

    COPYRIGHT © 2020 THE FIT PEACH ALL RIGHTS RESERVED


    Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy


    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.