Roasted Cauliflower Bowl (Printable)

Herb-roasted cauliflower served over fluffy rice with fresh vegetables and creamy tahini dressing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Roasted Cauliflower

01 - 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
04 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
05 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Rice

09 - 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice, rinsed
10 - 2 cups water
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Vegetables

12 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
13 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
14 - 1 cup shredded carrots
15 - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
16 - 2 cups baby spinach or mixed greens

→ Tahini Sauce

17 - 1/4 cup tahini
18 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
19 - 2 tablespoons water, plus more as needed
20 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
21 - 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
22 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
23 - Salt and pepper to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
03 - Roast cauliflower for 25 to 30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until golden and tender.
04 - Place rice, water, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is cooked. Fluff with a fork.
05 - Whisk tahini, lemon juice, water, olive oil, maple syrup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth. Add more water as needed for desired consistency.
06 - Divide cooked rice among serving bowls. Top with spinach, roasted cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, and red onion.
07 - Drizzle tahini sauce over each bowl and serve immediately.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The roasted cauliflower gets crispy and golden in a way that actually converts cauliflower skeptics.
  • Everything comes together in under an hour, including the time to sit down and eat it.
  • You can prep components ahead and assemble in minutes when hunger strikes.
  • It's naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, but so satisfying that no one notices what's missing.
02 -
  • Don't crowd the cauliflower on the baking sheet—I learned this the hard way when a batch steamed instead of roasted, and the difference was heartbreaking.
  • Taste the tahini sauce before serving; it needs enough lemon juice to shine, and salt brings out its nuttiness in a way that seems like magic once you hit the right balance.
03 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the rice—it removes excess starch and helps each grain stay separate and fluffy rather than clumping together.
  • If your tahini sauce breaks or becomes grainy, whisk in just a touch more lemon juice or water to bring it back to silky smoothness.
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