This tahini roasted cauliflower is simple, savory, and built around just a few ingredients. Roasting brings out the cauliflower’s natural sweetness, while tahini adds a nutty, slightly rich finish that coats every bite.
It works as an easy side dish or a plant-based main, and it doesn’t rely on complicated prep or long ingredient lists. Just a straightforward way to make vegetables feel intentional and satisfying.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE TAHINI ROASTED CAULIFLOWER
Roasted cauliflower develops crisp edges and natural sweetness, while tahini adds a smooth, nutty finish. Simple ingredients, easy prep, and a side dish that works with almost any meal.
The INGREDIENTS
- Cauliflower – The star of the dish! Be sure to use both the florets and the stems. You can use frozen, if you'd like.
- Tahini – Made from sesame seeds, tahini is nutty, smooth and perfect for drizzling over basically anything (especially roasted cauliflower).
- Lemon – to bring in some bright citrus
- Olive oil, salt and pepper - essentials for roasting veggies
- Sesame seeds - An optional sprinkling of sesame seeds makes this dish look pretty and adds a touch of flavor and texture.
HOW TO MAKE IT
- Chop your cauliflower into pieces (don’t forget those stems).
- Toss the pieces with tahini, lemon juice and oil. Then season with some salt and pepper.
- Roast it in the oven until almost finished, then broil quickly for some extra crispiness!
- Drizzle the roasted cauliflower with some extra tahini and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
RECIPE VARIATIONS
- Add in a few red pepper flakes for a little spice.
- Some fresh parsley or mint add in a lovely pop of green and flavor on top of this finished dish.
- Love garlic? Try adding a clove or two of roasted garlic into the tahini sauce mixture.
- Make some tahini cauliflower steaks by slicing the cauliflower lengthwise into large thick slices then following the same method. You may need to increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH TAHINI ROASTED CAULIFLOWER
Since tahini is a staple in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking, give this cauliflower a try alongside a few of my other recipes:
- Easy Sheet Pan Mediterranean Baked Alaska Whitefish
- Lamb Meatballs with Jeweled Rice
- Harissa Grilled Chicken with Lemon Mint Yogurt Sauce
- Grilled Cumin Rubbed Lamb Chops
Or just make a bowl to eat on their own as a snack!
MORE TAHINI RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
- Vegan Coconut Tahini Granola
- Maple Tahini Fig Overnight Oats
- Arugula Steak Salad with Garlic Roasted Chickpeas and Tahini Dressing
- Dark Chocolate Tahini Cups
- One Bowl Tahini Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the comments!
PrintEasy Tahini Roasted Cauliflower
Tahini roasted cauliflower is a fun side dish to help you eat more veggies. Both gluten free and vegan, this 4-ingredient dish is so simple, yet absolutely delicious!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 3-5 servings 1x
- Category: side dish
- Method: baked
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower
- 1 ½ tbsp tahini
- juice from 1 lemon
- 2 tsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp coarse salt
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- Extra tahini, for drizzling (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone baking mat.
- Chop 1 head of cauliflower into florets. (Chop and use the stems, too). Place in a large bowl.
- Add tahini, lemon juice, oil, salt and pepper. Toss cauliflower to coat evenly.
- Spread cauliflower onto lined baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until lightly brown but still slightly firm.
- Turn oven up to broil and broil for about 3-5 minutes, or until nicely browned. Watch closely to prevent burning!
- Remove from oven and drizzle with additional tahini and sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving (optional).
Notes
- If you're using frozen cauliflower, add about 5 minutes to the baking time.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: tahini cauliflower, roasted cauliflower with tahini
This post was originally published January 2016 and has been updated.
Kelly Doolittle says
I'm not a fan of cauliflower, but I can eat my body weight in one sitting with this recipe!
★★★★★
Kaleigh says
Same! 🙂 Thanks for the review!
Marisa says
Oh how I love cauliflower and tahini together! Or maybe cauliflower anything these days... I make something like this at home too with red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Rebecca says
I love tahini and cauliflower, and surprisingly I don't think I've ever tried them together. Yum!
Kaleigh says
Thanks so much Rebecca! They taste so good together!
Sara @ sarahaasrdn.com says
Tahini is the best and is so superb when paired with cauliflower! Yum!
Kaleigh says
Definitely! 🙂
Shannon @ KISS in the Kitchen says
This sounds like an amazing recipe- that flavor has to be SO good!!
Kaleigh says
Thanks Shannon!