This roasted za'atar cauliflower dish is a flavorful and healthy side dish that's easy to prepare and combines the earthy, aromatic flavors of Middle Eastern spices with the creamy richness of tahini. Vegetarian and Vegan.
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This roasted za'atar cauliflower is a great way to level up simple cauliflower into something fun and flavorful.
Roasting cauliflower with za'atar seasoning adds a depth of flavor that’s herbal and tangy, making this hassle free side dish a satisfying switch from your normal routine.
I use za'atar seasoning often. It's a Middle Eastern spice blend made from herbs like thyme and oregano, sesame seeds, and sumac. It's earthy and slightly tangy and I love using in recipes like this couscous halloumi salad, and bulgur pilaf.
Roasting brings out more flavor in your vegetables, something I do regularly, and do with sesame broccoli, broccoli and carrots, and sheet pans of root vegetables.
Za'atar cauliflower is perfect as a side dish, paired with brown rice and air fryer cumin chicken, or on the side of lemon pepper pasta.
This roasted cauliflower recipe is also great for meal prepping, to use later as a side dish, or in a Mediterranean grain bowl.
You’ll love how easy and flavorful this dish is!
Ingredients
See the recipe card for exact amounts.
- Cauliflower: The star of the dish. Cauliflower has a mild flavor on its own. You'll need one head for 4 side dish servings.
- Olive oil: I use extra virgin olive oil to coat the cauliflower and add flavor. It also helps the zaatar stick to the cauliflower. You could also use vegetable oil.
- Za'atar seasoning: A Middle Eastern spice blend made from herbs like thyme and oregano, sesame seeds, and sumac. It brings a unique, slightly tangy taste that complements the mildness of the cauliflower.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor. I use horseradish Dijon for a subtle kick.
- Tahini: A paste made from ground sesame seeds, tahini is rich and creamy with a slightly bitter, nutty flavor. This is the base of the dipping sauce.
- Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice adds acidity that cuts through the richness of the tahini.
- Brown sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the bitterness of the tahini and the acidity of the lemon juice.
- Ground cumin: A warm, earthy spice.
- Cayenne powder: Adds a subtle heat to the sauce. Omit if you don't tolerate heat well.
Substitutions
- Cauliflower: Try broccoli instead.
- Za'atar: Try Italian seasoning or Greek seasoning for a different flavor profile if you can't find za'atar seasoning.
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup and to ensure the cauliflower doesn't stick to the pan.
Instructions
Prep Tips
- Cut the head of cauliflower into even sized florets.
- Add the cauliflower florets to a bowl and toss with olive oil, Dijon, za'atar, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange the cauliflower in a single layer on a lined sheet pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until fork-tender and browned.
- Add all of the sauce ingredients except the water to a bowl and whisk well. It will be very thick.
- Slowly add cold water, whisking well in between. The sauce will thicken as the cold water reacts to the tahini.
- Just keep adding little bits of water until it reaches the consistency you like.
Serve the roasted cauliflower with a bowl of sauce for dipping or drizzle the tahini sauce over top of the plated cauliflower.
Tips for making roasted cauliflower
- Cut cauliflower florets into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. Give the cauliflower space to roast properly and develop crispy edges.
- Roasting the cauliflower at a high temperature (400°F/200°C) helps to develop those crispy, caramelized edges while keeping the inside tender.
- Taste and adjust the tahini sauce to your preference, adding lemon, salt, cayenne, or brown sugar as needed.
What to serve with Za'atar cauliflower
For a quick weeknight dinner pair roasted cauliflower with a simple grain like brown rice or couscous, adding a protein like air fryer chicken or air fryer salmon for a balanced meal.
If you're hosting a dinner party or doing something special, serve the za'atar cauliflower as part of a Middle Eastern-inspired spread with falafel or chickpea patties, tabbouleh or chickpea salad, pita, and hummus or toum.
More Recipes with Cauliflower
Storage
Store leftover cauliflower in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. The tahini sauce will last about a week in the fridge.
FAQs
While za'atar has it's own unique flavor, you can substitute other seasoning mixes for a different flavor profile while getting the same effect. Try herbes de Provence, Italian seasoning, Greek seasoning, or an all-purpose seasoning.
Recipe
Za'atar Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower cut into florets (870 grams)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon za'atar seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard I use horseradish Dijon mustard
- salt and pepper to taste
Tahini Sauce
- ⅓ cup tahini
- 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice from about half a lemon
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup water as needed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add the cauliflower florets to a bowl and add the olive oil, mustard, za'atar seasoning, and salt and pepper. Mix well.
- Arrange the cauliflower florets on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked to your preference.
- Make the sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, make the tahini dipping sauce. In a small mixing bowl, add all of the dip ingredients except the water. Whisk well. Taste and add more of any flavor you prefer.
- Add water slowly, until you reach a consistency you like. It'll thicken before it starts to thin out.
- Serve the cauliflower with sauce on the sauce for dipping, or drizzle on top.
Video
Notes
Nutritional information is an estimate. Values vary based on products used. Read our full Nutrition Disclaimer.
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