Get ready to transform the most underrated vegetable into a mind-blowing culinary experience that will have everyone begging for seconds! This Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Healthy Ranch Dressing isn't just another boring side dish – it's a flavor explosion that combines crispy, golden-brown cauliflower with a creamy, herb-packed ranch that will make you forget all about traditional salads. Whether you're a veggie lover, a health enthusiast, or someone who typically runs from cauliflower, this recipe is about to change everything you thought you knew about healthy eating.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Cauliflower
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Ranch seasoning mix
- Greek yogurt
- Fresh herbs
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Wash the cauliflower thoroughly and cut into uniform bite-sized florets. Aim for pieces that are roughly 1-
- 5 inches in size to ensure even roasting.
- In a large mixing bowl, drizzle the cauliflower florets with olive oil. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the cauliflower. Toss well to ensure even coating.
- Spread the seasoned cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are not overcrowded to allow proper roasting and caramelization.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking. Look for golden brown edges and a slight crispy texture.
- While cauliflower is roasting, prepare the healthy ranch dressing. In a separate bowl, mix Greek yogurt with ranch seasoning mix and finely chopped fresh herbs.
- Once cauliflower is roasted, remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter.
- Drizzle the prepared ranch dressing over the roasted cauliflower. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.
- Serve warm as a side dish or let cool to room temperature for a salad-style presentation.
Tips
- Size Matters: Cut your cauliflower florets into uniform sizes (1-
- 5 inches) to ensure even roasting and prevent some pieces from burning while others remain undercooked.
- Don't Overcrowd: Spread the cauliflower in a single layer with some space between pieces. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting, which means goodbye crispy edges!
- High Heat is Key: Roasting at 425°F creates those irresistible golden-brown caramelized edges that add incredible depth of flavor.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Use freshly chopped herbs in your ranch dressing for maximum flavor impact. Think parsley, chives, or dill for a bright, fresh taste.
- Meal Prep Hack: This salad can be prepared ahead of time. Roast the cauliflower and make the dressing separately, then combine just before serving to maintain the perfect texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
