Easy Roasted Cauliflower Quinoa Bowl

why make this recipe

This Easy Roasted Cauliflower Quinoa Bowl is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a healthy meal that is also delicious. It combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the roasted goodness of cauliflower, and it’s packed with nutrients. This dish is perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. It is vegetarian and can easily be made vegan, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.

how to make Easy Roasted Cauliflower Quinoa Bowl

Ingredients:

  • 1 head Cauliflower florets (fresh, medium-sized pieces)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1 cup Quinoa (rinsed well)
  • 2 cups Vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
  • 3 tablespoons Tahini
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley or cilantro (chopped)
  • 1/4 cup Toasted pumpkin seeds

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix the cauliflower florets with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet in a single layer.
  4. Roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and tender, stirring halfway through.
  5. While the cauliflower roasts, rinse the quinoa under cold water.
  6. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth.
  7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
  8. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, tahini, fresh lemon juice, and honey/maple syrup. If needed, add a bit of water to reach the desired consistency.
  9. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa and roasted cauliflower.
  10. Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently to mix.
  11. Top with chopped parsley/cilantro and toasted pumpkin seeds.
  12. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Roasted Cauliflower Quinoa Bowl

how to serve Easy Roasted Cauliflower Quinoa Bowl

This bowl can be served warm or at room temperature. It makes a great main dish or can be a side dish for a more substantial meal. You can also customize the toppings to your taste, such as adding avocado, feta cheese, or other nuts.

how to store Easy Roasted Cauliflower Quinoa Bowl

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the dish seems dry, add a splash of vegetable broth or water while reheating.

tips to make Easy Roasted Cauliflower Quinoa Bowl

  • Make sure to cut the cauliflower into even-sized florets for consistent cooking.
  • You can adjust the seasoning by adding more spices or herbs to suit your taste.
  • For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix.

variation (if any)

You can easily swap out quinoa for brown rice or farro. For an added protein boost, consider adding chickpeas or beans. You can also experiment with different dressings, such as yogurt-based or vinaigrettes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, frozen cauliflower works well. Just roast it according to the same directions without thawing it first.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the quinoa is gluten-free, making this bowl a great option for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can roast the cauliflower and cook the quinoa in advance. Store them separately and combine before serving to maintain the best texture.

Easy roasted cauliflower quinoa bowl topped with fresh herbs and lemon

Easy Roasted Cauliflower Quinoa Bowl

A healthy and delicious bowl combining nutty quinoa and roasted cauliflower, perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Healthy, Vegetarian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the roasted cauliflower
  • 1 head Cauliflower florets (fresh, medium-sized pieces)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper
For the quinoa
  • 1 cup Quinoa (rinsed well)
  • 2 cups Vegetable broth
For the dressing
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
  • 3 tablespoons Tahini
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Honey or maple syrup
For topping
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley or cilantro (chopped)
  • 1/4 cup Toasted pumpkin seeds

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix the cauliflower florets with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Roasting
  1. Roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and tender, stirring halfway through.
Cooking Quinoa
  1. While the cauliflower roasts, rinse the quinoa under cold water.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
Making the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, tahini, fresh lemon juice, and honey/maple syrup. If needed, add a bit of water to reach the desired consistency.
Combining
  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa and roasted cauliflower.
  2. Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently to mix.
  3. Top with chopped parsley/cilantro and toasted pumpkin seeds.
  4. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water if necessary.

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