20 Healthy Cauliflower Sides to Serve With Dinner

Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle.
Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle.

Packed with vitamins and nutrients, cauliflower is a versatile and delicious cruciferous veggie that complements just about any flavor you pair it with. From steaks to salads, these cauliflower sides are a great addition to any table. Whether you make our cheesy Garlic-Parmesan Melting Cauliflower or our refreshing Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Lemon-Shallot Vinaigrette, we’re confident you’ll want to make these sides again and again.

01 of 20

Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Lemon-Shallot Vinaigrette

Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Amanda Stanfield, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.
Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Amanda Stanfield, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.

Cauliflower and sweet butternut squash roast together until caramelized and tender, then get tossed with peppery arugula, tangy goat cheese and crunchy pecans in this salad. Using pre-chopped butternut squash is a great prep time-saver, but if you’d rather start from a whole squash, go for it! Serve it warm or at room temperature for a satisfying side.

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02 of 20

Garlic-Parmesan Melting Cauliflower

Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle.
Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle.

This garlic-Parmesan melting cauliflower turns a simple head of cauliflower into a stunning side dish. Searing the wedges creates deep golden flavor, while a garlicky Parmesan sauce bakes into every crevice for a tender, spoon-soft texture. It’s an easy yet impressive side that feels right at home on both weeknights and special occasions. Look for Parmesan cheese labeled vegetarian if you avoid cheese made with animal rennet.

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03 of 20

Cauliflower Steaks with Herb Butter

Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Ruff, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee.
Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Ruff, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee.

These cauliflower steaks with herb butter are a delicious side that pairs well with any main. Roasting the cauliflower leads to nice browning and brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetable. Lemon zest and juice in the herb butter adds a pop of brightness and is so good, you’ll want to use it on other dishes like roasted potatoes or salmon.

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04 of 20

Ranch-Roasted Cauliflower

Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Giovana Vazquez, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong
Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Giovana Vazquez, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong

Ranch-roasted cauliflower is a bold, flavorful side dish that brings out the natural sweetness of cauliflower combined with an herb-packed coating. Garlic, onion and dill add a savory punch, while an optional squeeze of lemon offers a brighter flavor. Ranch-roasted cauliflower pairs with just about anything, and the versatile coating can work with other veggies like carrots, broccoli or Brussels sprouts.

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05 of 20

Chile-Lime Roasted Cauliflower

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

This chile-lime roasted cauliflower is the perfect side to spice up your dinner! The combination of zesty lime and ancho chile powder creates a tangy, mildly spicy dish perfect for pairing with anything from tacos to roasted chicken or fish. If you enjoy an extra kick, add some cayenne pepper for a boost of heat.

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06 of 20

Cacio e Pepe Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Amanda Hostein, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee
Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Amanda Hostein, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee

This whole roasted cauliflower is a showstopping dish with the bold, classic flavors of cacio e pepe. Infused with cheesy, garlicky goodness, each bite is complemented by a kick of black pepper. Paired with a cool, creamy sauce, the warm, tender cauliflower creates the perfect contrast, making it as satisfying to eat as it is impressive to serve.

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07 of 20

Melting Garlic-Butter Cauliflower

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Garlic butter and Parmesan cheese coat tender cauliflower florets in this melt-in-your-mouth side dish. This dish works wonderfully alongside any protein, or make it a meatless main dish tossed with white beans and served with whole-wheat pasta.

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08 of 20

Crispy Curried Cauliflower Bites

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman

These curried cauliflower bites are paired with a creamy dipping sauce that features kefir—a fermented, yogurt-like drink that’s rich in probiotics that can help support gut health. You can swap out the kefir for plain yogurt thinned with a little water if you prefer.

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09 of 20

Parmesan-Crusted Cauliflower

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel

This Parmesan-crusted cauliflower is a delicious dish that features tender cauliflower florets with a crispy, golden Parmesan cheese crust. Finishing the dish with lemon zest and parsley adds a nice brightness. Serve this dish alongside roast chicken, pork and more.

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10 of 20

Crispy Parmesan Bubble Cauliflower

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel

These crispy cauliflower bites were inspired by the viral TikTok trend Bubble Potatoes. This version replaces the potato with cauliflower but sticks to the combination of rice flour and potato starch to ensure a crispy outside and creamy, tender inside. Serve these cauliflower bites with your favorite dipping sauce.

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11 of 20

Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Almonds, Olives & Feta

Credit: Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek
Credit: Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek

The combination of roasted cauliflower with crunchy toasted almonds, briny olives and tangy feta creates a well-balanced salad that’s perfect as a side dish or a light main course mixed with cooked farro or spelt.

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12 of 20

Parmesan Cauliflower Tots

Credit: Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek
Credit: Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek

Cauliflower stands in for potato in this taterless cauliflower tot recipe. Cauliflower is mashed, then mixed with cheese and given a crispy breadcrumb coating before being baked. These healthy cauliflower tater tots make a delicious side dish or appetizer. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce.

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13 of 20

Roasted Honey-Balsamic Cauliflower

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling

These tender cauliflower bites are seasoned with a blend of spices and then coated in batter to ensure the sweet and tangy honey-balsamic drizzle soaks into every bite. They make a perfect side dish for grilled chicken or steak, or you can serve them over rice or noodles for a delicious vegetarian main course.

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14 of 20

Lidia Bastianich's Spicy Crispy Roasted Cauliflower

Credit: Armando Rafael
Credit: Armando Rafael

In her latest cookbook, Lidia Bastianich writes: "I love cauliflower in pasta sauces, salads, and soups, and braised in tomato sauce. But I know that not everyone feels the same way. I've found that making it crispy in the oven, as in this recipe, opens the door for many cauliflower doubters. These bite-sized florets can be finger food for gatherings, served as an appetizer, or as an added vegetable for the table. It was a dish I made for my grandkids when they were younger, a good alternative to a lot of the less healthy fried finger foods often served to young children. They gobbled them up, loving every bite of the crispy florets, which you can serve sprinkled with some lemon juice or dunked in one of your family's favorite sauces. But if all else fails, ketchup with some Calabrese peperoncino is spicy goodness." Adapted from Lidia's From Our Family Table to Yours: More Than 100 Recipes Made with Love for All Occasions © 2023 by Tutti a Tavola, LLC. By permission of Alfred A. Knopf, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.

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15 of 20

Cauliflower Gratin

Credit: Antonis Achilleos
Credit: Antonis Achilleos

This easy cauliflower gratin uses one pot to steam the cauliflower and then make the cheesy sauce, cutting down on dishes. Just 20 minutes in the oven is all it takes to crisp up the breadcrumb crust. Serve this family-friendly gratin alongside roast chicken, pork or steak.

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16 of 20

Bang Bang Cauliflower

Credit: Brie Goldman
Credit: Brie Goldman

A quick sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce and Sriracha adds plenty of flavor to this easy cauliflower side dish. The sauce has a balance of spicy, sweet and sour notes and clings well to the cauliflower.

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17 of 20

Crispy Orange Cauliflower

Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Ruff, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser
Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Ruff, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser

This crispy orange cauliflower is a plant-based twist on the classic Chinese American dish, orange chicken. It features cauliflower florets coated in a light batter, fried until crispy and then tossed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. Enjoy it as an appetizer or serve it over steamed brown rice with stir-fried tofu and veggies for a vibrant, wholesome meal.

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18 of 20

Balsamic & Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

Credit: Sonia Bozzo Photography
Credit: Sonia Bozzo Photography

The florets are roasted with extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic and Parmesan in this easy cauliflower recipe, which makes a delicious addition to any weeknight meal. If you avoid cheese made with animal rennet, look for Parmesan labeled vegetarian.

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19 of 20

Cauliflower Steaks Piccata

Credit: Ali Redmond
Credit: Ali Redmond

This cauliflower steak piccata recipe swaps out chicken for thick, center-cut slices of cauliflower while staying true to the flavors of the rich, lemony sauce. To serve this recipe as a side dish, cut the braised cauliflower into large wedges or florets and serve in a bowl topped with the sauce and parsley.

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20 of 20

Loaded Cauliflower Salad

Credit: Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food Stylist: Annie Probst
Credit: Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food Stylist: Annie Probst

This loaded cauliflower recipe has all the fixings—Cheddar cheese, red onion and bacon along with chopped cauliflower, all held together with a tangy, creamy dressing. The cauliflower holds its color and crispness well, making this salad perfect for a picnic, potluck or barbecue.

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Original Source:

https://www.eatingwell.com/healthy-cauliflower-side-recipes-11915267