17 Cauliflower Recipes That Will Make You Want to Eat This Vegetable All the Time

Everything from soups, salads, pastas, and pies is delicious with this versatile vegetable.

heads of cauliflower

Join us as we celebrate the cauliflower renaissance. Cauliflower is delicious roasted, steamed, or even raw, but it's also stellar in soups, salads, or riced. Cauliflower is packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, potassium, and folate. Vegans and vegetarians love the meaty nature of this hearty vegetable. Truly, it was only a matter of time before this cruciferous wonder vegetable had its chance to shine beyond its former supporting side dish status.

Though you can find cauliflower in the grocery store year-round, its true season begins in October and extends through April. When shopping for cauliflower—whether white, orange, or purple—look for unblemished heads with tight florets and fresh-looking leaves. At home, you'll want to store cauliflower heads wrapped in plastic or a reusable produce bag for three to five days. We doubt the vegetable will hang around that long, though—there are so many tempting ways to enjoy it. Need more proof? Browse our best cauliflower recipes. We're certain they'll inspire a new dinner idea.

01 of 17

Grilled Cauliflower With Spiced Yogurt Sauce

grilled cauliflower with spiced yogurt sauce
Credit: Yuki Sugiura

This is a spectacular vegetarian main starring our favorite cruciferous vegetable, paired with cucumber salad and yogurt sauce. We steam, then grill the head of cauliflower to make sure the interior is tender while the exterior has a tasty brown crust.

02 of 17

Cauliflower Faux-tato Salad

cauliflower faux-tato salad served in a pink bowl
Credit: Linda Xiao

A must for your next cookout! Steamed cauliflower is tossed with celery, onion, and a mustard vinaigrette for a carb-free salad with satisfyingly tender bites that get even better the next day as the flavors meld.

03 of 17

Wild Salmon With Edamame-Cauliflower Rice

wild salmon with edamame cauliflower rice served in a pan
Credit: Kate Mathis

Turning cauliflower into rice is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meal. Cooking it in the oven means it comes out crispy. Make it really healthy by adding edamame and serving with heart-healthy wild salmon. And the clincher: This winner meal is made on just one sheet pan.

04 of 17

Cauliflower-and-Chickpea Pitas With Creamy Yogurt Sauce

Cauliflower-and-Chickpea Pitas with Creamy Yogurt Sauce
Credit: Chris Simpson

If you hadn't considered using cauliflower as a sandwich filling, this recipe will inspire you! Cauliflower and chickpeas are roasted and spiced for this plant-based entrée that's inspired by the falafel and there's a bright, zippy lime-jalapeño yogurt sauce drizzled on top.

05 of 17

Sweet-Potato-and-Cauliflower Mash

sweet potato cauliflower mash
Credit: Louise Hagger

Better than mashed potatoes? Definitely a winner for color and nutrition, this mash is amped up with milk, butter, and a touch of nutmeg and cayenne.

06 of 17

Cauliflower-and-Mushroom Roast

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Credit: Bryan Gardner

Our deconstructed take on a grilled cheese sandwich uses roasted cauliflower steaks as a base and crunchy toasted bread as a garnish. Umami-rich mushrooms and nutty Gruyère turn them into a satisfying vegetarian dinner.

07 of 17

Tuna-Noodle Casserole With Cauliflower

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Credit: Linda Pugliese

And you thought tuna-noodle casserole couldn't get any better. The classic returns with cauliflower snuggled among the pasta.

08 of 17

Cauliflower Salad With Roasted Chickpeas

cauliflower salad with chickpeas
Credit: Bobbi Lin

We love the combination of raw cauliflower, cooked crisp-tender green beans, and crunchy roasted chickpeas in this salad. Fresh parsley and dried currants complete the dish.

09 of 17

Cauliflower Crust Pizza Margherita

cauliflower pizza
Credit: Bryan Gardner

Homemade pizza? Yes, please! If you haven't made a pizza using cauliflower as the crust, today is the day! Margherita is the classic topping but feel free to swap it for anything you like.

10 of 17

Whole Roasted Cauliflower With Green Herb Sauce

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Credit: Martyn Thompson

A whole head of cauliflower is roasted in a parchment paper packet, then uncovered to brown for the final minutes. The result is so tender that it's scoopable, and absolutely delicious when served with a garlic-mustard-herb sauce.

11 of 17

Bucatini with Cauliflower, Capers, and Lemon

bucatini-plate-022-d111637.jpg
Credit: James Ransom

Try this novel technique for a fast vegetarian meal: finely chopped cauliflower is broiled atop the pasta. Yes, it's a one-pan dinner!

12 of 17

Baked Cauliflower Custards

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Credit: Chris Court

Why does a dish always seem fancier when made in individual portions? Here we have roasted cauliflower with dairy upon dairy upon deliciousness (plenty of butter and milk plus Gruyère and Parmesan).

13 of 17

Cauliflower 'Rice' Stir-Fry

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Is there really nothing cauliflower can't do? We think not! Case in point: It makes an excellent base for a stir-fry, as a replacement for rice. Cauliflower is chopped finely in a food processor, then cooked with broth until tender, and topped with sautéed vegetables.

14 of 17

Potato, Cauliflower, and Cheddar Bake

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Potatoes and cheese have been friends for years, but why not add cauliflower to the mix? Here, our favorite vegetable adds a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor to this creamy casserole.

15 of 17

Creamy Cauliflower Soup

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Oh-so-easy and so smooth, this super simple recipe calls for cooking florets in chicken broth then blending. There's no dairy—the cauliflower magically creates a creamy texture.

16 of 17

Roasted Cauliflower With Paprika

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Paprika gives a beautiful golden color and subtle spice to this oven-roasted cauliflower. Roasting at high heat is the secret to crispy edges.

17 of 17

Easy Cauliflower Gratin

cauliflower gratin

This casserole, made with Gruyère cheese, is simple to make and comforting to eat. Your family will enjoy it paired with any protein!

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