Za’atar Roasted Cauliflower with Yogurt Tahini Sauce takes your normal roasted cauliflower and elevates it to the next level. Earthy, lemony and slightly sweet za’atar is the perfect spice to add to your roasted cauliflower and the whole dish is complimented nicely with the yogurt tahini sauce.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love this Za’atar Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Recipe Variations
- How to Make Za’atar Roasted Cauliflower
- Expert Tips for Za’atar Roasted Cauliflower
- Serving Tips
- Storage Tips
- Leftover Ideas
- Recipe FAQs
- More Cauliflower Recipes
- Za’atar Roasted Cauliflower with Yogurt Tahini Sauce Recipe
Why You’ll Love this Za’atar Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
Nothing beats roasted cauliflower. I know a lot of people that say they don’t like cauliflower but I think they just haven’t cooked it the right way. When cauliflower is roasted it creates a sweet, soft vegetable that even the kids will love.
When it comes to vegetables I try to mix things up every night to keep my kids interested. I admit that I can’t get my kids to eat every vegetable but I sure try. By roasting vegetables you really can encourage even the pickiest of eaters to eat their vegetables.
There is something about that slow roast of vegetables that just lets them really release their flavors and creates such a beautiful, sweet flavor. So if you are looking to mix things up, then give this recipe a try.
Here are more reasons it’s a must-try dish:
- Easy Preparation: Hands on prep time is minimal, only 10 minutes. Then you can place the cauliflower into the oven to roast, while you get on with preparing the rest of the meal.
- Flavor Packed: Roasting any vegetable will bring out it’s natural sweetness, but with some olive oil and a few simple spices you can really elevate the flavor of the cauliflower.
- Delicious Sauce: As well as the recipe for the za’atar spiced cauliflower, I also include a recipe for my yogurt tahini sauce. This versatile sauce is great with roasted vegetables, grilled meats, salads, you name it!
- Healthy and Nutritious: This is a healthy veggie side as Cauliflower is low in calories, but high in fiber, folate, potassium and a whole range of vitamins, including B, C and K.
If you enjoy the flavor of roasted cauliflower, here are some recipes you will also enjoy, try my Simple Roasted Broccoli, Curry Roasted Cauliflower, Roasted Parmesan Garlic Cauliflower, Roasted Buffalo Cauliflower, or Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Za’atar Roasted Cauliflower
- Cauliflower: I use 1 large head cauliflower, cut into 1 inch florets which will serve 4 as a side dish.
- Oil: For the best nutty flavor I mix the spices with extra virgin olive oil.
- Garlic: I use freshly minced garlic cloves for flavor, you could use garlic puree or frozen garlic in a pinch.
- Spices: I flavor the olive oil with za’atar.
- Seasoning: I add sea salt and black pepper to taste.
- Fresh Herbs: I like to garnish the cauliflower with some freshly chopped parsley, you could also use fresh cilantro, basil or dill.
For the Tahini Yogurt Sauce
- Yogurt: I use plain yogurt for the base of the sauce.
- Tahini: You can use light or dark tahini in this recipe, whichever you prefer. Dark tahini has a more intense sesame flavor compared with light tahini.
- Lemon: For the best flavor I always use freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Seasoning: I add sea salt and black pepper to taste.
For exact ingredient amounts and instructions, see the full recipe card below.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is versatile and easy to adapt if needed:
- Cauliflower: Swap regular cauliflower for a head of Romanesco broccoli.
- Spiced: Feel free to swap any of the spices when seasoning the cauliflower, try sweet or smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garlic or onion powder, za’atar, sumac or chili powder.
- Fresh Herbs: I garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley, but you could swap this for cilantro, basil or dill.
- Citrus: Freshen up the cauliflower with a squeeze of lemon or lime juice.
- Cheese: Cheese would be a great addition to this roasted cauliflower recipe. Try adding Parmesan, feta or crumbly goats cheese for the last 10 minutes of the roasting time.
- Nuts: Scatter over some nuts like cashews, almonds or pistachios just before serving.
- Seeds: Some toasted seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, would also add great crunch and texture.
How to Make Za’atar Roasted Cauliflower
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat over to 400 degrees F.
Step 2: Prepare the Cauliflower
In a large mixing bowl break the cauliflower into small florets and set aside.
Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower
In a small mixing bowl combine the olive oil, garlic, za’atar and salt and pepper and whisk together.
Pour the olive oil mixture over the cauliflower and use tongs to stir until all of the cauliflower is coated.
Step 4: Roast the Cauliflower
Spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 30-35 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender, flipping halfway through.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
In a small mixing bowl whisk together the yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the cauliflower the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and drizzle the yogurt tahini sauce on top.
Expert Tips for Za’atar Roasted Cauliflower
- For an even cook, break the head of cauliflower into even sized florets so that they cook at the same time.
- Give the cauliflower a really good mix in the oil and spice blend to ensure each floret is completely covered.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking pan, allow space between each floret of cauliflower for the air to circulate. This ensures the cauliflower roasts rather than steams.
- The sauce can be made up ahead of time and store in the fridge until you are ready to serve. Just give the sauce a quick stir before drizzling over the cauliflower.
Serving Tips
Roasted cauliflower is really versatile side dish,and can be served in a variety of different ways.
- Mediterranean: The flavors in this cauliflower recipe pair wonderfully with a lot of Mediterranean meals. The cauliflower, za’atar and tahini are the perfect combination to accompany Kibbeh Meatballs, Shish Taouk Chicken Thighs or these Mediterranean Baked Turkey Meatballs.
- Grilled Meats: This easy side dish pairs really well with grilled meats or seafood, ideal when you have the grill on. Try it with my Tandoori Grilled Chicken, Lemon Garlic Butter Grilled Ribeye, Grilled Chicken Wings, or Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp.
- Meat Free: Cheesy Pesto Tortellini, Mediterranean Stuffed Butternut Squash, or Lemon Pasta.
- Kid Friendly: I am all about easy meals like these Healthy Baked Chicken Fingers or these Mac and Cheese Muffins.
Storage Tips
Once cooked and cooled, store leftover cauliflower in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. To reheat leftovers place in a warm oven, or your air fryer, for 10-15 minutes to crisp up again.
The yogurt tahini sauce can be stored in a jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just give the sauce a stir before using.
This is a dish that is best served fresh so I don’t recommend freezing as you will loose the crispy texture during the freezing and defrosting process.
Leftover Ideas
- Salad: Add the cauliflower florets to salads for an easy lunch the next day. Add it to my Grilled Chicken Greek Salad.
- Bowls: Try adding it to a grain bowl like this Chicken Shawarma Bowl.
- Platters: Ideal for adding to your favourite meat or vegetable platters. Great to dip in this Hummus Platter.
- Meal Prep: Ideal for meal prep for easy lunches and dinners through the week.
Recipe FAQs
Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend, combining a variety of dried herbs (thyme, basil, marjoram, oregano, savory) with dried sumac, cumin or coriander, as well as toasted sesame seeds. Recipe ingredients will vary from place to place.
You do not need to boil the cauliflower as it can make the cauliflower soggy. Roasting directly helps maintain its texture and enhances caramelization.
The trick to crispy roasted cauliflower is not to overcrowd the pan. Cut the cauliflower into even sized florets, which ensures an even cook. Then lay in the pan with plenty of space between each floret to allow airflow, so that the cauliflower roasts, rather than steams.
Roasting is a great way to cook cauliflower as you don’t loose any of the nutrients as you would if boiling it in water. Cauliflower is a vegetable that is low in calories, but high in fiber and rich in a variety of nutrients including folate and potassium, as well as vitamins B, C and K.
Yes you can but make sure to thaw and dry it first. Roast at a higher temperature {425 degrees F} to help evaporate excess moisture.
More Cauliflower Recipes
If you like cauliflower recipes I have some other ways you can use it in recipes. These are also great recipes to add to your rotation:
- Cauliflower Tabbouleh
- Cauliflower Gratin
- Cheesy Cauliflower
- Cauliflower Curry
- Air Fryer Cauliflower
- Creamy Cauliflower Soup
Za’atar Roasted Cauliflower with Yogurt Tahini Sauce
Ingredients
For the Za’atar Roasted Cauliflower:
- 1 large head cauliflower,, cut into 1 inch florets {about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds}
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves,, minced
- 2 teaspoons za'atar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
For the tahini yogurt sauce:
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 teaspoons tahini
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Dash of salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat over to 400 degrees F.
- In a large mixing bowl break the cauliflower into small florets and set aside.
- In a small mixing bowl combine the olive oil, garlic, za’atar and salt and pepper and whisk together.
- Pour the olive oil mixture over the cauliflower and use tongs to stir until all of the cauliflower is coated.
- Spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 30-35 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender, flipping halfway through.
- In a small mixing bowl whisk together the yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
- Remove the cauliflower the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and drizzle the yogurt tahini sauce on top.
Just made this roasted cauliflower recipe— delicious!!
I am so glad that you liked it! Thanks you for letting me know.
I have put this on my must try list Julia, we have recently discovered how delicious tahini is and this sounds like a perfect way to use it!!
Hope you love it!
This is so good. The Yogurt Tahini Sauce is just perfect for the Roasted Cauliflower. I never thought I could enjoy it this way. Amazing. Thank you for sharing this. You’re a brilliant cook.
Thanks! I am glad you liked it. I love that Yogurt Tahini sauce too!