Whole Roasted Cauliflower With Tahini Sauce
Whole Roasted Cauliflower recipe with a golden, turmeric-infused, crispy spiced crust served with creamy tahini sauce is the plantβbased answer to a holiday roast. Golden, aromatic, and easier than turkey this oven-roasted cauliflower makes for a great vegan or vegetarian main or side dish youβll ever try.

Whole ovenβroasted cauliflower is baked until a crust if formed outside and it is moist and melt-in-your-mouth tender inside.
Think youβve had cauliflower every way? Wait till you taste this magical baked cauliflower! Whether youβre a fan of roasted cauliflower recipes or hesitant about trying it, this recipe will change your mind.
Itβs vegan, grain-free, gluten-free, low carb, fiber rich, whole 30 and Keto approved recipe if you are following any of these.
Why Youβllβ― Love Wholeβ―Roastedβ―Cauliflowerβ―Recipe
- Big flavor, minimal effort.Β A quick rub of olive oil, turmeric, cumin turns an ordinaryΒ roasted cauliflower headΒ into a golden, aromatic roast. and Tahini sauce takes it to the next level.
- Dietβflexible.Β Naturally vegan, glutenβfree, andΒ keto cauliflower roastΒ with just 9β―netβ―carbs per generous serving.
- Holiday ready.Β Makes an eyeβcatchingΒ cauliflower holiday centerpieceΒ for Thanksgiving or Christmas without the turkeyβday stress.
- Healthy & nutrientβdense.Β One cup of cauliflower is only 27β―calories, yet delivers over half your daily vitaminβ―C and gutβfriendly fiber.
- Budget win.Β A single cauliflower feeds four for far less than a roast chicken.
Ingredients β Serves 2
- Cauliflower: The star of the show, its florets soak up the seasoning while turning tender and flavorful in the oven.
- Olive oil: Ensures even roasting and crispiness while carrying the spices beautifully. I use a very high quality olive oil that infuses a lot of flavour.
- Turmeric and seasonings: Adds color and warmth, making the roasted cauliflower vibrant and aromatic.
- Tahini: Creamy and nutty, this sauce elevates the flavors, tying the dish together perfectly.
- Parsley and pistachios: A fresh, nutty garnish that adds a pop of color and crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Howβ―toβ―Bakeβ―aβ―Wholeβ―CauliflowerΒ Head: StepβbyβStep
Hereβs step by step pictures to show the whole process of making roasted cauliflower along with making spice rub and tahini sauce.

- Preheat the oven to 400Β°F.
- Prep the cauliflower: Remove the stems from the cauliflower and boil the whole cauliflower head in a large pot of salted water for 5 minutes.

- Make the rub: In a bowl, mix all the seasoning rub ingredients until smooth.

- Season and roast: Drain the cauliflower, place it in a roasting dish, and brush the rub all over its surface evenly. Roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes at 400F.

- Prepare the sauce: While the cauliflower roasts, mix tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, salt, and water until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed.
- Garnish and serve: Pour half the tahini sauce on a serving platter, place the roasted cauliflower on top, and drizzle the remaining sauce. Garnish with parsley and pistachios.
Substitutions You Can Make
- Oil: You can use avocado oil instead olive oil.
- Mustard: If Dijon mustard isnβt available, use yellow mustard or a teaspoon of vinegar for tang.
- Sweetener: Replace maple syrup with honey or agave syrup for a similar sweetness.
- Nuts: If pistachios arenβt handy, almonds or sunflower seeds work well for garnish.
Creative Variations You Can Try
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the rub for some heat.
- Herbaceous twist: Mix fresh thyme or rosemary into the seasoning for added depth.
- Cheesy delight: Sprinkle nutritional yeast or grated vegan cheese over the cauliflower before roasting..
- GarlicβButter Parmesan (Vegetarian, not vegan).Β Swap olive oil for melted butter, add 2β―Tbsp grated parmesan after roasting for a nutty crust.
- Harissa Heat.Β Replace paprika with 1β―Tbsp harissa paste for NorthβAfrican spice lovers.
- Whole30 / OilβFree.Β Mist the cauliflower with veggie broth and increase tahini drizzle for healthy fats.
- Holiday Showpiece.Β Stud with whole cloves and garnish with pomegranate arils instant Christmas vibes!
Tips to Make The Best Roasted Cauliflower
- Boil the cauliflower first: This step ensures even cooking and a tender interior.
- Brush evenly: Use a barbecue brush to coat the cauliflower fully with the rub for maximum flavor.
- Donβt skimp on roasting time: Let the cauliflower roast until golden and slightly crispy.
- Adjust the sauce: Add water gradually to get your desired tahini sauce consistency.
How to Serve Roasted Cauliflower
Serve this oven-roasted cauliflower as a stunning centerpiece for a vegan or vegetarian dinner. It pairs beautifully with warm pita bread, couscous, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it alongside other roasted vegetables or grain dishes for a hearty, balanced meal.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
- Fresh:Β Pair with my Fresh Tomato Salad for a vibrant lowβcarb plate.
- Hearty:Β Add protein with BroccoliβEdamame Salad or Quinoaβ―Pistachioβ―Salad
- Holiday spread:Β Serve alongside cranberry chutney and mapleβroasted sweet potatoes for a plantβbased Thanksgiving feast.

Storage, Reheating & MealβPrep
- Fridge:Β Cool completely, wrap, and refrigerate up toΒ 4β―days.
- Reheat:Β Oven 400β―Β°F / 200β―Β°C for 8β―minutes revives the crust; microwave will soften texture.
- Makeβahead tip:Β Roast 90β―% done the day before, cool, then finish final 10β―minutes right before guests arrive no last minute stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make whole roasted cauliflower ahead of time?
Yes. Roast until almost tender (about 30β―minutes), cool, refrigerate, then finish the last 10β―minutes at 425β―Β°F just before serving.
Does thisΒ whole roasted cauliflower recipeΒ work for keto?
Absolutely. Each serving has roughly 9β―netβ―carbs, making it aΒ whole roasted cauliflower ketoΒ dream main.
How do I keep the crust from burning?
Flip midway, baste once with pan drippings, and tent loosely with foil if the spice crust darkens too fast.
Can I swap tahini?
Of course! Hummus, yogurt sauce, or even marinara can work well. Try coconut yogurt for a nutβfree vegan option.
Is parβboiling Cauliflower head is necessary?
Boiling softens the cauliflower, ensuring even cooking and a tender texture after roasting.
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Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 lb cauliflower
Seasoning Rub
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tbsp lemon juiced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
Tahini Sauce
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 1/2 lemon juiced
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- pinch salt
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp Parsley
- 1 tbsp Pistachios
Instructions
- Prep the cauliflower: Preheat the oven to 400Β°F. Remove the stems from the cauliflower and boil the head in a large pot of water for 5 minutes.
- Make the rub: In a bowl, mix all the seasoning rub ingredients until smooth.
- Season and roast: Drain the cauliflower, place it in a roasting dish, and brush the rub all over its surface evenly. Roast in the oven for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the sauce: While the cauliflower roasts, mix tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, salt, and water until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed.
- Garnish and serve: Pour half the tahini sauce on a serving platter, place the roasted cauliflower on top, and drizzle the remaining sauce. Garnish with parsley and pistachios.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
