The Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad is a vibrant celebration of fresh flavors, bold textures, and wholesome ingredients. Imagine golden, crispy-edged cauliflower florets tossed in a creamy, herb-packed green goddess dressing, mingling with crunchy vegetables and luscious greens. Every bite wakes up your taste buds, making this salad irresistible whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or your next gathering. This recipe turns simple cauliflower into something special and will quickly earn a place in your regular meal rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this salad plays a key role, from creating crave-worthy roasted vegetables to adding fresh pops of color. Not only does each component add a unique taste or texture, but together they make the Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad extra special.

Cauliflower: The star of the show, cut into bite-sized florets for caramelized, crispy edges.
Olive oil: Helps the cauliflower roast beautifully and infuses it with flavor.
Kosher salt and pepper: Enhances the natural taste of the veggies and brings out all their best qualities.
Baby spinach or mixed greens: A fresh, vibrant base that supports all the flavors.
Cherry tomatoes: Sweet, juicy bursts of color throughout the salad.
Cucumber: Adds crunch and an extra-refreshing bite.
Red onion: Sharp and zesty, sliced for just the right kick.
Avocado: Creamy, buttery texture balances all the other ingredients.
Green Goddess dressing: A blend of Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, lemon juice, and a hint of garlic for that iconic taste.
Fresh herbs (parsley, chives, tarragon): Chopped and sprinkled on top for the ultimate garden-fresh finish.

How to Make Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad

Step 1: Prep and Roast the Cauliflower

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut your cauliflower into even-sized florets, toss them generously with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them out on a baking sheet. Roast until they’re deeply golden and crispy on the edges—usually about 25–30 minutes—flipping halfway so every side gets nice and toasty.

Step 2: Make the Green Goddess Dressing

While the cauliflower roasts, whip up your dressing. In a blender or food processor, combine Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, lemon juice, a clove of garlic, and a splash of olive oil. Blend until smooth. Taste and tweak the seasoning—more lemon for tang, or more herbs for a burst of green. The green goddess dressing should be luscious and spoonable, not runny.

Step 3: Prepare the Salad Base

Grab a large salad bowl and add your baby spinach or mixed greens. Top with halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and chunks of ripe avocado. These veggies form the colorful, crunchy backbone of your Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad.

Step 4: Assemble and Toss

Once the cauliflower is roasted to perfection, let it cool just slightly, then scatter over the greens and veggies. Drizzle generously with green goddess dressing—don’t be shy! Use salad tongs to gently toss until everything glistens with dressing and deliciousness.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Right before serving, shower your salad with lots of freshly chopped parsley, chives, and tarragon. These herbs bring even more brightness, making the Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad pop with aroma and color.

How to Serve Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad

Garnishes

Add a final flourish with extra fresh herbs, a few cracks of black pepper, a squeeze of lemon, or even some toasted seeds or nuts for extra crunch. A few avocado slices on top look stunning and amp up the indulgence.

Side Dishes

This salad loves company! Serve it alongside warm pita, crusty sourdough, or grilled chicken for a heartier meal. It pairs wonderfully with grain bowls or a simple lentil soup if you’re after a plant-based feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider turning it into a deconstructed platter for a party, where everyone builds their own. Try stuffing the salad into pita pockets, creating lunchbox jars, or topping it with poached eggs for a gorgeous brunch spread. The possibilities for your Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad are endless.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, transfer the salad to an airtight container. Keep the greens and veggies separate from the dressing if possible so they stay crisp and fresh for up to two days in the fridge.

Freezing

Salad greens and avocado don’t freeze well, but you can absolutely roast and freeze the cauliflower ahead of time. Lay the florets out on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to one month. Thaw and re-crisp in a hot oven before serving.

Reheating

To revive leftover roasted cauliflower, spread it on a baking sheet and warm in a 400°F oven for 10 minutes until edges are crisp again. The rest of the salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so add the freshly reheated cauliflower just before eating.

FAQs

What are the best herbs to use in the green goddess dressing?

Classic green goddess dressing is all about variety, but parsley, chives, and tarragon are a must for that authentic flavor. Feel free to experiment with basil, cilantro, or dill for even more herbal complexity in your Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the Greek yogurt in the dressing for your favorite non-dairy yogurt or a silken tofu base. Just check the consistency and add an extra splash of lemon or olive oil if needed.

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

You can, but for best results, stick with fresh cauliflower. Frozen florets tend to release more moisture, which can prevent them from roasting up as crisp and caramelized as you’d like for the Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad.

How long does homemade green goddess dressing last?

Stored in a jar in the fridge, your homemade green goddess dressing will stay fresh for up to five days. Give it a stir before using, as the herbs and yogurt may separate slightly over time.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or even a jammy egg are all amazing additions that turn the Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad into a hearty, satisfying main course.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to shake up your salad routine, the Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad is your new favorite. It’s bursting with flavor, looks stunning on the table, and is surprisingly hearty. Give it a whirl—you’ll quickly see why it’s so loved in my kitchen!