Roasted Cauliflower Bowl

Featured in: Everyday Kitchen Plates

This nourishing bowl brings together perfectly roasted cauliflower florets seasoned with oregano, thyme, and smoked paprika. The golden cauliflower rests on a bed of fluffy basmati rice, surrounded by crisp cherry tomatoes, refreshing cucumber, sweet shredded carrots, and tender baby spinach.

The star of this bowl is the zesty tahini sauce—a creamy blend of tahini, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of maple syrup that ties all the flavors together. Each bite offers a satisfying mix of textures from tender roasted vegetables to crisp fresh produce.

Ready in just 50 minutes, this versatile bowl works perfectly for meal prep and easily accommodates additions like chickpeas or grilled tofu for extra protein.

Updated on Wed, 04 Feb 2026 18:09:25 GMT
Golden-brown herb-roasted cauliflower florets, freshly roasted and paired with fluffy white rice, vibrant cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and shredded carrots in a bowl. Save
Golden-brown herb-roasted cauliflower florets, freshly roasted and paired with fluffy white rice, vibrant cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and shredded carrots in a bowl. | crunchysfenj.com

This Roasted Cauliflower Bowl is a vibrant and nourishing meal featuring herb-roasted cauliflower served atop fluffy rice. Accompanied by colorful vegetables and a zesty tahini sauce, this dish is both visually stunning and packed with wholesome flavors.

Golden-brown herb-roasted cauliflower florets, freshly roasted and paired with fluffy white rice, vibrant cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and shredded carrots in a bowl. Save
Golden-brown herb-roasted cauliflower florets, freshly roasted and paired with fluffy white rice, vibrant cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and shredded carrots in a bowl. | crunchysfenj.com

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Roasting the cauliflower at a high temperature with herbs like oregano and thyme brings out a deep, savory sweetness. When combined with the cool crunch of fresh vegetables and the richness of tahini, every bite is perfectly balanced.

Ingredients

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  • For the Roasted Cauliflower:
  • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • For the Rice:
  • 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • For the Vegetables:
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups baby spinach or mixed greens
  • For the Tahini Sauce:
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp water (plus more as needed)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp maple syrup or honey
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prep
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Season
In a large bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Roast
Roast cauliflower for 25–30 minutes, tossing halfway, until golden and tender.
Step 4: Cook Rice
Meanwhile, place rice, water, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is cooked. Fluff with a fork.
Step 5: Make Sauce
Prepare the tahini sauce: whisk tahini, lemon juice, water, olive oil, maple syrup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth. Add more water for desired consistency.
Step 6: Assemble
To assemble, divide rice among bowls. Top with spinach, roasted cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, and red onion.
Step 7: Serve
Drizzle with tahini sauce and serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure even roasting, make sure the cauliflower florets are cut into similar sizes and are spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Tossing them halfway through the cooking time is essential for that perfect golden-brown finish.

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Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily substitute quinoa or brown rice for the basmati rice if preferred. For an extra protein boost, add chickpeas or grilled tofu to the bowl, or try a sprinkle of feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this bowl immediately while the cauliflower is warm for the best experience. The combination of warm roasted vegetables and fresh, cool greens makes it a satisfying meal for any time of day.

Zesty tahini sauce drizzled generously over a colorful roasted cauliflower bowl with spinach and red onion, served on a rustic wooden table. Save
Zesty tahini sauce drizzled generously over a colorful roasted cauliflower bowl with spinach and red onion, served on a rustic wooden table. | crunchysfenj.com

With its blend of warm herbs and fresh vegetables, the Roasted Cauliflower Bowl is a reliable recipe for anyone seeking a nourishing and flavorful vegetarian main dish.

Questions & Answers

Can I make this bowl ahead of time?

Yes, the roasted cauliflower and rice can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Store components separately in airtight containers and assemble when ready. The tahini sauce also keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.

What other grains work well in this bowl?

Quinoa, brown rice, or farro make excellent substitutes for basmati rice. Adjust cooking time accordingly based on your chosen grain.

How can I add more protein?

Chickpeas, grilled tofu, or roasted chickpeas pair perfectly with these flavors. You can also add a hard-boiled egg or serve with a side of roasted chicken if desired.

Can I roast different vegetables with the cauliflower?

Absolutely. Bell peppers, zucchini, sweet potatoes, or broccoli roast beautifully alongside cauliflower. Just ensure all pieces are similar sizes for even cooking.

Is the tahini sauce essential?

The tahini sauce complements the roasted flavors beautifully, but you can substitute with other dressings like lemon-herb vinaigrette or avocado cream if needed.

How do I store leftovers?

Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The roasted cauliflower keeps for 3-4 days, while fresh vegetables are best consumed within 2-3 days.

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Roasted Cauliflower Bowl

Herb-roasted cauliflower served over rice with fresh vegetables and creamy tahini dressing.

Prep time
20 minutes
Time to cook
30 minutes
Complete time
50 minutes
Created by Victoria Ballard


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine style International

Portions 4 Serves

Diet preferences Plant-based, No dairy, No gluten

What You’ll Need

Roasted Cauliflower

01 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
02 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 1 teaspoon dried oregano
04 1 teaspoon dried thyme
05 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Rice Base

01 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice, rinsed
02 2 cups water
03 1/2 teaspoon salt

Fresh Vegetables

01 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
02 1 cup cucumber, diced
03 1 cup shredded carrots
04 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
05 2 cups baby spinach or mixed greens

Tahini Sauce

01 1/4 cup tahini
02 2 tablespoons lemon juice
03 2 tablespoons water, plus more as needed
04 1 tablespoon olive oil
05 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
06 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

Step 01

Prepare Oven and Cauliflower: Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, toss cauliflower florets with 2 tablespoons olive oil, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 02

Roast Cauliflower: Roast in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, tossing halfway through cooking, until golden brown and tender.

Step 03

Cook Rice: Place rinsed rice, water, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover with lid, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is fully cooked and water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.

Step 04

Prepare Tahini Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, olive oil, maple syrup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Gradually add additional water as needed to achieve desired consistency.

Step 05

Assemble Bowls: Divide cooked rice evenly among serving bowls. Top each portion with baby spinach, roasted cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, shredded carrots, and red onion slices.

Step 06

Finish and Serve: Drizzle tahini sauce over each bowl and serve immediately.

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Tools Needed

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Saucepan with lid
  • Whisk
  • Serving bowls

Allergy notes

Review each ingredient for allergens, and talk to a healthcare expert for questions.
  • Contains sesame (tahini)
  • May contain soy depending on sauce selection; use certified gluten-free soy sauce for gluten-free preparation
  • Verify all ingredient labels for potential cross-contamination and allergen warnings

Nutritional breakdown (per portion)

These nutrition details are for reference—always check with your healthcare provider.
  • Energy: 340
  • Total fat: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Proteins: 8 g

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