This Mexican-inspired roasted cauliflower is so flavorful and easy it might just become your new favorite veggie side dish! Cauliflower florets are tossed with flavorful spices and roasted until crispy and caramelized, served with a generous squeeze of lime juice, cilantro, red onion, and maybe even some avocado for good measure. It's ready in just 30 minutes, and an absolute crowd pleaser!
1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets (about 2 1/2 pounds – if you’re using a smaller cauliflower, reduce the amount of avocado oil, salt, and spices just a little bit. You can always add more salt after it’s done cooking)
3 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/2- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cilantro
Red or green onion
Fresh lime wedges
Avocado
Categories
Side Dish
Cuisine
Mexican
Steps
and line a large, if desired rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper (it doesn’t have to be lined, it just makes for easier clean up!).
Add cauliflower florets to a large bowl and toss with oil, dried spices, salt, and pepper – making sure the spices are well distributed. Transfer to a baking sheet and spread out the cauliflower until evenly spaced. Place as many florets flat, cut side down for some great contact with the pan for caramelization!
Transfer to the oven and bake, flipping halfway through, for about 20-26 minutes, or until cauliflower pieces are tender and nicely caramelized. You can always roast for a little bit longer for extra crispy florets!
Remove from the oven and serve topped with fresh cilantro, red or green onion, lime wedges, and avocado if desired.
Nutitrion
Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 148 calories
Carbohydrates: 11.4 g
Protein: 4.3 g
Fat: 11.2 g
Saturated Fat: 1.8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 238.1 mg
Sugar: 4.1 g
Reviews
Brianna on 2020-01-24 (5 stars): This was a great recipe all the way. I loved the addition of red onion and cilantro. This is a new staple for us!
Brynn Brown on 2021-01-23 (5 stars): This Mexican Roasted Cauliflower recipe is AMAZING!! This was one of the first items I made for Whole30 and it will be something I make forever! Whole30 or not! It is really so tasty, especially with the lime, cilantro and avocado added! Though even without those additions, you are sure to just love it! Perfect side dish to pair with so many different meals.
Tommy Hazleton on 2021-11-17 (5 stars): Without a doubt the best cauliflower I’ve ever had in my life. I say that with no exaggeration whatsoever. Absolutely delicious and finally a healthy veggie to serve along side tacos on taco night. Thank you!
carol clarkin on 2022-01-02 (5 stars): Very tasty. I wasn’t xpecting it to be as tasty As it was.
I will be making it again.
We were looking for a healthy way to get some real flavor without the calories.
This was perfect.
Never would have thought of it! Thanks
Yolanda on 2022-06-25 (5 stars): Everything looks delicious. Can I freeze spiced roasted cauliflower?
Thank you, Nyssa
Kelly on 2023-01-27 (5 stars): Made this last night to go with some low carb chicken enchilada rollups, it was the perfect side dish, thank you. I will definitely make this again soon.
Bestsubstitutes on 2023-03-14 (5 stars): I made this last night and everyone loved it. Even my little niece loved it and she is not usually a huge cauliflower fan.
Lucila Favors on 2023-04-16 (5 stars): OMG a wonderful delicious dish. I will definitely keep this recipe in my collection of recipes.
MoTyCu on 2025-08-19 (5 stars): Made this for lunch today paired with brown rice and it was pretty good. Definitely can’t go without the fresh cilantro and lime! Those two ingredients really bring the whole recipe together. Thanks for sharing!
