I have a few staple vegetables that I use all the time (maybe overuse?) and cauliflower is one of them. The first reason is the most obvious–my husband and I love cauliflower. And the second reason has more to do with logistics. Cauliflower lasts a long time in the fridge. Since I plan my meals according to how long fruits and vegetables last after purchasing them, cauliflower ends up on my menu fairly often simply because I can buy it on a Saturday or Sunday and use it in a meal on Friday without worrying about it going bad. So typically when Friday rolls around, dinner involves cauliflower in some way. And, being big fans of cauliflower, we’re okay with that.
If you’re not a fan of cauliflower, you’re crazy you should really try roasting it. It brings out a complexity of flavor you just can’t get from steaming it alone. Although roasted cauliflower takes a little more time than its steamed counterpart, it doesn’t take any more effort. This recipe is my favorite way of preparing roasted cauliflower–pairing it with kalamata olives and lemon juice makes it a little more exciting than simply seasoning it with salt and pepper, which is what I usually end up doing. And how can you not love kalamata olives?!
Roasted cauliflower is paired with kalamata olives and fresh lemon juice in this easy (and healthy!) side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into small florets
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 c. kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- In a large bowl, toss cauliflower, olive oil, salt and pepper. Spread onto rimmed baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Remove sheet from oven and add kalamata olives. Stir until combined and roast 20 minutes more, or until cauliflower is browned, stirring halfway through. (Note that I like my cauliflower really brown--if you want it more golden, you may have to cut the cooking time.)
- Return cauliflower and olives to large bowl and toss with lemon juice.
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This looks delicious! I love roasted cauliflower. Must put on the menu for next week.
I hope it turns out well if you make it!
Sounds interesting!
I never would have thought to pair cauliflower and Kalmata olives! I’ve never tried roasting cauliflower either so this is definitely a must try recipe.
It’s so good! It really mellows out that sulfur-y flavor that people don’t like about cauliflower.
Roasted cauliflower is like amazingly good. I could eat an entire pan!
I know, I never get tired of it. I try to go grocery shopping only once a week, so cauliflower usually ends up on the menu because it lasts until the next shopping trip.
You’re recipes always intrigue me. I have a huge head of cauliflower in my garden right now that is ready to pick. I’ll have to try roasting some of it!
Oh, I’m trying to grow cauliflower for the fall! Did you have any problems with cabbage worms? There’s practically nothing left of some of the leaves.
We love roasting cauliflower so much that we don’t really make it any other way now! It’s also good just tossed with some olive oil and seasoning salt.
We absolutely LOVE roasted cauliflower. I don’t think we eat it any other way. We just use olive oil and sea salt on ours. I threw some in my Sausage Veggie Chowda the other day and it really added incredible flavor to it. I’m going to try it with the lemon juice and olives next time. I bet my husband and I will love that. Have a great weekend!
We don’t eat it any other way now either! It’s amazing how much better it tastes when it’s roasted. Usually we just do olive oil and sea salt or seasoning salt too.
This looks absolutely delicious. Would love for you to share your gorgeous pictures with us at foodepix.com.
Thanks so much for this recipe! I decided that I didn’t appreciate the lemon, but I otherwise really enjoyed this recipe and will certainly make it again (with everything but the last ingredient). It’s healthy, light, and flavorful!
Thanks for your comment! I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it, minus the lemon.
This is a great combo!!! I’m looking for different ways to prepare cauliflower, this is a winner!
Made this for dinner last night, just added a few Aleppo pepper flakes. Delicious. Thank you for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it!