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    Home > Recipes > Side Dishes

    Roasted Cauliflower with Warm Shallot Vinaigrette

    Published: Jan 6, 2022 · Modified: Sep 30, 2022 · by Jess Smith · Jump to Recipe · Leave a Comment · This post may contain affiliate links.

    roasted cauliflower
    roasted cauliflower

    roasted cauliflower in a grey bowl

    There’s always room at the dinner table for a roasted vegetable side dish, but sometimes you want one that feels a little extra special. Roasted Cauliflower with Warm Shallot Vinaigrette is here for it. Toss tender roasted cauliflower in a tart and tangy warm vinaigrette for a side dish you won’t be able to stop eating. 

    You know I love a good roasted cauliflower, but this twist that I came up with on a whim has become my absolute favorite. The cauliflower florets get nutty and tender in the oven, but it’s the vinaigrette that really makes these shine. Even the vinaigrette is warmed in the microwave so that the shallots get a bit tender and sweet and the whole dish stays nice and warm until it reaches the dinner table.

    This one is so easy! Here’s what you need.

    cauliflower florets on a grey cutting board

    roasting cauliflower on a sheet pan

    Video Recipe

    Check out this gorgeous cauliflower recipe in the video below along with a few extra tips from yours truly.

    Ingredients

    • Cauliflower - Buy a whole head and chop it into florets or just grab pre-chopped florets and save yourself some time and mess. 
    • Olive Oil and Apple Cider Vinegar - These are the base of the vinaigrette. While any cooking oil will work, the naturally nutty flavor of olive oil goes so well with cauliflower. 
    • Shallots - Shallots are naturally more sweet than garlic or onions and they add a great tart flavor to the vinaigrette. One clove should give you about what you need. Dice it small so you get a bit in every bite of cauliflower. 
    • Dijon Mustard and Honey - Tangy bite + natural sweetness. 
    • Garlic Powder and Kosher Salt - Seasoning for the vinaigrette.
    • Chopped Parsley - Totally optional, but a bit of color at the end is always nice.

    stirring vinaigrette in a glass measuring cup

    adding vinaigrette to cauliflower in a white bowl

    How Long to Roast Cauliflower

    For tender cauliflower, roast florets at 425°F / 220°C for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the florets with a spatula halfway through cooking. Keep in mind that the size of the florets will affect the cooking time. Larger florets with more of the sturdy stem intact will take longer to turn tender. Don’t forget to season with some salt before cooking!

    More Vegetable Side Dishes

    • Glazed Honey Mustard Carrots
    • Pan-Seared Zucchini with Garlic and Basil
    • Spicy Szechuan-Style Green Beans
    • Roasted Delicata Squash with Sage and Dried Cranberries
    • Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes

    FAVORITE TOOLS

    • Cutting Board
    • 6-inch Global Knife
    • Half Sheet Pan
    • OXO Flexible Spatula
    • Anchor 3-Piece Glass Mixing Bowls
    • Whisk

    roasted cauliflower in a grey bowl

    roasted cauliflower in a grey bowl
    Print Recipe
    4.72 from 7 votes

    Roasted Cauliflower with Warm Shallot Vinaigrette

    Take a classic vegetable side dish to a new level with tender roasted cauliflower florets tossed in a tart and tangy warm vinaigrette.
    To adjust the servings in this recipe, click on the number next to servings.
    Prep Time25 mins
    Cook Time25 mins
    Total Time50 mins
    Course: Side Dish
    Keyword: easy roasted vegetables, easy side dish, easy vegetable side, gluten free
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 87kcal
    Author: Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef
    Cost: $5.00

    Equipment

    • Half Sheet Pan
    • Mixing Bowl

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound Cauliflower Florets
    • 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil, divided
    • ½ teaspooon Kosher Salt
    • ¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder
    • 2 Tablespoons Shallots, diced
    • 2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
    • ½ teaspoon Honey
    • 1 Tablespoon finely chopped Parsley (optional)

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 425°F / 220°C.
    • Toss cauliflower florets with 2 Tablespoons olive oil, salt, and garlic powder. Spread out on a large sheet pan (be sure there is plenty of space between the florets so they will brown).
    • Roast cauliflower, without turning, until nearly tender, 15 minutes.
    • Remove cauliflower from the oven and use a flat spatula to gently flip the cauliflower.
    • Return cauliflower to oven and bake until very tender and golden 10 to 15 minutes more (cook time will vary slightly depending on the size of the florets).
    • When cauliflower is nearly finished, combine shallots, 1 Tablespoon olive oil, vinegar, mustard, and honey. Warm in the microwave just until bubbling, about 30 seconds.
    • Whisk parsley into vinaigrette.
    • When cauliflower is done roasting, gently toss with warm vinaigrette. Serve immediately.

    Video

    Notes

    Kosher Salt - I use Morton’s Kosher Salt to test recipes. If using table salt, reduce by about half. If using Diamond Kosher Salt, increase by about 25%. Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to salt, so be sure to taste and adjust as you go.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 87kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 65mg | Potassium: 244mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 37mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg

    Related

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    About Jess

    Hi! I'm Jess. I am the recipe creator and photographer behind the 900+ recipes you’ll find on Inquiring Chef. As a mom to three young kids and professional cook, my mission is to make every moment in the kitchen and around the table count. If you’re looking for easy, flavorful, family-approved recipes, you’ve come to the right place! Learn more about me here.

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