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Roasted Cauliflower Quinoa Bowls with Creamy Turmeric Dressing

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This Roasted Cauliflower Quinoa Bowl is so tasty and it's been served up with a Creamy Turmeric Dressing that is impossible to resist! If you're looking for a quick meal that is nutritious, with minimal effort in the kitchen - this is the recipe for you! With oven-roasted cauliflower florets, crispy chickpeas, and a vibrant turmeric dressing, this bowl is oil free, gluten free and loaded with plant-based protein.
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Oven Roasted Cauliflower Quinoa Bowls with Creamy Turmeric Dressing

Roasting your cauliflower is one of the most delicious decisions you can make. The cauliflower transforms into tender, golden-brown florets with a slightly nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. In this recipe, we’re taking it up a notch by combining oven-roasted cauliflower with plant based superfood quinoa, crispy chickpeas, and a vibrant creamy turmeric dressing. The ease of preparation makes this dish ideal for meal prepping for busy weeks!

The Creamy Turmeric Dressing might just be the star of this dish. Turmeric has a beautiful earthy, warm note to it that makes this dressing unique and impressive. Did I mention the beautiful colour? Paired with the creaminess of almond butter, a touch of ginger, and the sweetness of maple syrup, the dressing ties the whole bowl together. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a meal prep option that will keep you fueled throughout the week, this roasted cauliflower quinoa bowl has you covered.

Oven Roasted Cauliflower Quinoa Bowl Ingredients

  • Cauliflower Florets: Known for its versatility and mild, slightly nutty flavor. Cauliflower is an amazing ingredient to use when you want bold flavors to come from other places in the dish but are craving texture and nutrients. This recipe is a great way to use the whole cauliflower head at once. If you are making smaller portions you can easily pack the additional cauliflower away for another amazing dish like X.  When roasted, cauliflower develops a beautiful golden-brown color and a tender texture with crispy edges. It’s low in calories, and rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, making it a smart choice.
  • Chickpeas: Chickpeas are a powerhouse of plant-based protein and fiber, making them a fantastic addition to this bowl. When roasted, chickpeas become wonderfully crunchy and add depth and texture to the bowl. They’re also rich in essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, and B vitamins. Roasting chickpeas alongside the cauliflower not only adds crunch but also ensures the flavors mix together.
  • Quinoa: This plant based complete protein is not only nutrient-dense but also gluten-free. Quinoa’s slightly nutty flavor and fluffy texture make it an excellent base for roasted vegetables and dressing. It absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients, ensuring every bite has a pop of taste.
  • Baby Arugula: Arugula brings a peppery bite and a vibrant green color to the bowl, balancing the richness of the roasted vegetables and dressing. It’s a leafy green that’s low in calories but high in vitamins A, C, and K. Arugula’s slightly bitter taste is complimented by the sweetness of the raisins and the earthiness of the cauliflower.
close-up cauliflower florets in a bowl
pouring dry quinoa from a measuring cup into a pot of boiling water
  • Persian Cucumbers: My favorite cucumbers for salads as they are smaller and more tender than regular cucumbers. Their flavor is mild and almost sweet while their texture has a refreshing crisp. Cucumbers are also hydrating and low in calories and help balance the richness of the creamy turmeric dressing.
  • Cilantro Leaves: Adding a bright, herby flavor that pairs perfectly with the earthy cauliflower and the creamy dressing. Its slightly citrusy, fresh taste helps to lift the dish, adding a burst of freshness that complements the other ingredients.
  • Golden Raisins: For a touch of natural sweetness, the raisins contrast beautifully with the savory and spicy elements of the dish. Packed with fiber, iron, and antioxidants.
  • Pumpkin Seeds: Added for the satisfying crunch and nutty flavor they provide. Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals like zinc and magnesium. Pro tip: Roasting the seeds brings out their rich flavor, making them a perfect topping for the quinoa bowl!
pouring syrup into a glass jar with dressing ingredients
draining canned chickpeas through a mesh strainer into a glass bowl

Creamy Turmeric Dressing Ingredients

  • Almond Butter: The base of this creamy dressing. Almond butter offers a rich silkiness that complements the earthiness of the roasted cauliflower. A great source of healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E, making the dressing both nutritious and satisfying. You could use cashew or tahini as a substitute.
  • Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a bright, tangy flavor to the dressing that balances the boldness of the almond butter and the warmth of the turmeric. 
  • Ground Ginger: Infuses the dressing with a warm, slightly spicy flavor that complements the earthiness of the turmeric. Its subtle heat adds depth to the flavor profile, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
  • Garlic Powder: Garlic powder provides a savory, umami flavor that rounds out the dressing, adding complexity without overpowering the other ingredients.
  • Maple Syrup: The natural sweetness that this dressing is asking for! Maple syrup is the secret weapon to balancing almost any sauce and it’s a healthier alternative to refined sugar. 
  • Turmeric: Often known for its vibrant color – this spice is so much more than that! It’s a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich ingredient that has an easy but earthy flavor. Turmeric’s warm, golden hue also adds beautiful color to the dish, making it visually appealing.

How to Make This Oven Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. This ensures that your cauliflower and chickpeas roast evenly and become perfectly crispy.

Prepare the Cauliflower and Chickpeas

Toss the cauliflower florets and chickpeas with paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Spread them out on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for about 25 minutes, or until the cauliflower is golden brown and the chickpeas are crispy.

Prepare the Dressing

While the veggies are roasting, prepare the creamy turmeric dressing. Combine almond butter, lime juice, ground ginger, garlic powder, maple syrup, turmeric, water, and salt in a jar. Use a hand frother or whisk to blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Assemble the Bowls

Once the cauliflower and chickpeas are done roasting, it’s time to assemble your bowls. Start with a bed of arugula, then add the cooked quinoa. Top with the roasted cauliflower, chickpeas, sliced cucumbers, cilantro, golden raisins, and pumpkin seeds. Drizzle generously with the creamy turmeric dressing.

How to Customize Your Roasted Cauliflower Quinoa Bowls

One of the best things about these roasted cauliflower quinoa bowls is how easy they are to customize. You can switch up the greens by using spinach or kale instead of arugula. If you prefer a different grain, try swapping quinoa for brown rice or farro. For added protein, consider tossing in some baked tofu. Try sprinkling the dish with vegan parmesan cheese. Don’t like raisins? Dried cranberries or chopped dates make a great substitute. The possibilities are endless, making this dish perfect for using up whatever you have on hand!

Why You’ll Love My Oven Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

This oven roasted cauliflower recipe is a must-try for so many reasons. It’s packed with flavor, thanks to the perfect blend of spices and the creamy turmeric dressing. It’s also incredibly healthy, offering a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and vitamins. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for meal prep, meaning you can enjoy a nutritious and delicious meal any day of the week.

Oven Roasted Cauliflower Frequently Asked Questions

What to serve with roasted cauliflower?

Roasted cauliflower pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, such as a fresh green salad, roasted brussels sprouts, or as a topping for a hearty grain bowl like this one. 

How to store and reheat oven roasted cauliflower?

Store leftover roasted cauliflower in an airtight container once cooled in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.

Can I freeze my baked cauliflower?

Freezing roasted cauliflower is not recommended as it can become mushy when thawed and reheated. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.

Why is my roasted cauliflower mushy?

Mushy cauliflower can result from overcrowding the baking sheet, which causes the cauliflower to steam rather than roast. Be sure to spread the florets out in a single layer and use a hot oven to achieve that perfect crispy texture.

If You Liked This Oven Roasted Cauliflower Recipe Comment and Leave a Rating Below!

If you try it, be sure to leave a comment and let me know how it turned out. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with friends who love healthy and delicious meals!

Try These Other Delicious Roasted Cauliflower Recipes

Cauliflower and Chickpea Curry Tacos

Roasted Cauliflower Grain Bowl

Better Than Takeout Vegan Honey Cashew Cauliflower

Jackie Akerberg

Author of the Clean Vegan Cookbook, Food Blogger and Recipe Developer from Des Moines, Iowa. 

Jackfruitful Kitchen has proudly been featured in Forks Over Knives, Vegan Bowls, Vegan Food and Living, and DSM Magazine.

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quinoa bowl with roasted cauliflower, crispy chickpeas, and fresh arugula in a dark bowl
Jackie Akerberg

Roasted Cauliflower Quinoa Bowls with Creamy Turmeric Dressing

5 from 7 votes
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This Roasted Cauliflower Quinoa Bowl is so tasty and it's been served up with a Creamy Turmeric Dressing that is impossible to resist! If you're looking for a quick meal that is nutritious, with minimal effort in the kitchen - this is the recipe for you! With oven-roasted cauliflower florets, crispy chickpeas, and a vibrant turmeric dressing, this bowl is oil free, gluten free and loaded with plant-based protein.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, lunch, Main Course
Calories: 453

Equipment

  • oven, stove

Ingredients
  

  • 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 15 oz canned chickpeas, drained and patted dry
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt and pepper
  • 1 cup quinoa, cooked and cooled
  • 5 oz baby arugula
  • 2 Persian cucumbers, sliced
  • ½ cup cilantro leaves, chopped
  • 2 tbsp golden raisins
  • 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
Creamy Turmeric Dressing Ingredients
  • 3 tbsp almond butter
  • 1 large lime, juiced
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • ⅓ cup water
  • ½ tsp salt

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 425 and line a large metal baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Add cauliflower and chickpeas to a bowl and sprinkle with spices. Stir to combine. Spread on the baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes until golden and crisp.
  3. Meanwhile, prepare the dressing by adding all ingredients to a jar and using a fork or hand frother to combine. season to taste.
  4. Fill all 4 bowls or meal prep containers with a bed of arugula, top with quinoa, followed by roasted cauliflower and chickpeas, a sprinkle of cucumbers, cilantro, golden raisins and pumpkin seeds, and drizzle with the dressing.

Nutrition

Serving 1servingCalories 453kcalCarbohydrates 67gProtein 20gFat 15gSaturated Fat 2gPolyunsaturated Fat 5gMonounsaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0.003gSodium 939mgPotassium 1273mgFiber 14gSugar 12gVitamin A 1289IUVitamin C 81mgCalcium 219mgIron 6mg

*Macros are provided as an estimate for convenience. Your final numbers will vary depending on ingredient brands, substitutions, and how you portion the recipe.

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14 Responses

  1. 5 stars
    This was great. I love that the dressing uses almond butter instead of peanut butter because I don’t like the taste of peanut butter sauce. Thank you for this recipe!

    Reply

  2. 5 stars
    I honestly think this is the most delicious salad I have EVER had!!! My husband and parents agree. We are addicted and make a double serving every week! That dressing and the roasted cauliflower, even the golden raisins – every bite is absolute perfection. All your recipes are to die for, but this one is my favourite!!! Thank you!

    Reply

  3. 5 stars
    I just made this recipe and I love it! It’s absolutely delicious! The creamy turmeric dressing might be my new favorite! This meal is packed full of so much flavor!

    Reply

    1. Hey Destiny – thank you so much for the rating and review – This dressing is honestly addictive and I’ve made large batches of it since creating this recipe and pretty much find anything and everything to put it on!

      Reply

  5. 5 stars
    I made this for my husband and I for dinner tonight. I used mixed baby greens instead of just arugula, but wow!! I LOVE this salad! There’s enough left for tomorrow as well, and I can’t wait to eat it again. Great job, the dressing is truly wonderful as well! Thank you so much

    Reply

  6. 5 stars
    This is bowl is seriously so so good! That dressing is what brings it all together for sure. This is a keeper! Thanks Jackie! I always look forward to your new recipes.

    Reply

  7. 5 stars
    I made this recipe last night for dinner. It was SO good! Easy to make and delicious! I was surprised by how tasty the dressing was given there is no oil and added water. I will make this dressing for other salads as well!

    I prefer super crispy chickpeas but I wasn’t able to get them as crispy as I like without over cooking the cauliflower. Next time I make this dish, I will cook the beans on a separate sheet pan.

    Reply

    1. Hey Leah, thank you for this review! I am so happy that you enjoyed this recipe and love you sharing your experience! If your pan is overcrowded sometimes you won’t get the crisp you desire so yes – I hope next time you try this recipe you get the perfect crunch on your chickpeas!

      Reply

  8. 5 stars
    Amazing flavours and so healthy love ALL your vegan options they are the best and your presentation 👍

    Reply

    1. Hey Pam! Thank you so much for the love, I am so happy that you enjoy my recipes!! Keep an eye out because there is always something new and delicious waiting to be made! Appreciate the review 🙂

      Reply
5 from 7 votes

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