Description
Indulge in the vibrant and nutritious Spicy Roasted Cauliflower Salad, a delightful mix of charred cauliflower, crispy chickpeas, and fluffy quinoa, all enhanced with a zesty tadka dressing. This salad is perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to festive gatherings. The combination of flavors and textures creates a satisfying dish that stands out on your table. With its hearty ingredients and bold spices, this salad is not only delicious but also a healthy choice packed with protein and fiber.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3/4 cup dry quinoa
- 1/2 head cauliflower, chopped into florets
- 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 medium red onion, cut into thick strips
- 1 handful of mint leaves, finely minced
- 1 handful of cilantro leaves, finely minced
- Kosher salt
- Olive oil
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (sub with 1 finely minced garlic clove)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt, plus more as needed
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line baking trays with parchment paper.
- Cook quinoa by combining it with 1 1/2 cups water and a large pinch of salt in a pot; boil then reduce to medium-low heat, partially cover, and cook undisturbed for 10-12 minutes.
- Turn off the heat but leave the pot covered for an additional 10 minutes to steam.
- Spread chopped cauliflower florets, chickpeas, and red onion on prepared baking trays. Drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt; toss to coat well.
- Roast in the oven for about 25-30 minutes until cauliflower is charred and chickpeas are crispy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa with roasted vegetables along with minced cilantro and mint.
- In the same pot used for quinoa, add olive oil and spices set over medium-high heat. Heat until bubbling and fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Carefully stir in lemon juice and honey; mix well.
- Pour dressing over salad mixture; gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly. Adjust salt if necessary before serving warm!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg