40+ Easy Vegan Cauliflower Recipes (healthy!)
These vegan cauliflower recipes will definitely make you a fan (if you weren’t one to begin with)! While being super healthy, they also pack insane flavor! You’ll get addicted to this nutritious vegetable in no time.
Vegan Cauliflower Recipes
For more tasty recipes, see our vegan fall recipes, vegan broccoli recipes, vegan sweet potato recipes, vegan cabbage recipes and vegan Thanksgiving recipes.
Easy Vegan Cauliflower Recipes
1. BBQ Cauliflower “Chicken Wings”
It turns out that no one ever really needed chicken wings. We could have been enjoying that spicy-delicious BBQ sauce with cauliflower this whole time! Easy to make, these cauliflower wings are oven-baked and crispy and so much healthier than those chicken wings!
2. Cauliflower Soup with Vegan Sausages and Kale
When the weather starts to get cooler, you will want to have a hearty and healthy soup recipe in your toolkit. Creamy gluten-free cauliflower soup with kale and vegan sausage will satisfy you and warm your belly.
3. “Butter” Cauliflower
Spicy cauliflower florets simmer in a tomato and coconut cream sauce as an alternative to classic Indian butter chicken. Serve over steamed rice with non-dairy yogurt and some naan bread available to sop up the sauce.
4. Cauliflower Chickpea Curry
There are a lot of meatless curries out there but this one really stands out. Cauliflower and chickpeas belong together as bases for the green curry paste, ginger and garlic. Bonus — you’ll get plenty of fiber from the cauliflower and protein from the chickpeas.
5. Sticky Sesame Cauliflower Wings in Ginger Sauce
Need a great vegan recipe for your next game day party? Sticky sesame vegan cauliflower wings might be the best-ever stand-in for chicken wings. They might not all make it to the serving platter.
6. Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls
How can something made at home be easier than picking up takeout? Because meals like this Cauliflower Shawarma Bowl can be made in one big meal prep session that will take care of lunch for the whole week. Think of the cash you’ll save!
7. Cauliflower Schnitzel In Mushroom Sauce
Prepare yourself to be transported to the Bavarian Alps with cauliflower schnitzel with a ladle of the best mushroom gravy. Seared cauliflower steaks are breaded and baked until crunchy on the outside and perfectly tender inside. Make this for date night.
8. Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Need a break from pasta? How about a cheesy cauliflower casserole? This is lower in carbs and it is 100% dairy-free. Your vegan kids will jump for joy when they dig into the gooey cheesy sauce.
9. Teriyaki Cauliflower Power Bowls
Don’t you love it when everything you need to be a healthy human being is perfectly portioned in a single bowl? When it actually tastes delicious, can there be anything better? Treat yourself to this indulgence and make this Teriyaki Cauliflower Power Bowl ASAP.
10. Whole Roasted Cauliflower (with Garlic and Smoked Paprika)
You know the reaction home cooks get when they walk out of the kitchen carrying a steaming roast? Vegans shouldn’t be deprived of such showstopping drama. A garlic and smoked paprika whole cauliflower is worthy of that an entrance.
11. Kung Pao Cauliflower
Kung pao is one of the most popular preparations on any Chinese food takeout menu and for good reason — it’s totally delicious! This time, let cauliflower step up and take the heat. You can fry it or bake it but no matter how you make it, deliciousness will ensue.
12. Cauliflower Gyros
Gyros might be the most popular street food in the Middle East and Greece. Let’s give the gyro a healthy boost by filling pitas with generously seasoned roasted cauliflower, fresh veggies, and plant-based tzatziki.
13. Cauliflower Scampi in Garlic White Vine Sauce
You always hear about cauliflower replacing carbs, starches or even chicken but you never hear about it being the stand in for seafood — until now. Cauliflower Scampi can be ready in 30 minutes! Its luscious wine and garlic sauce will make you feel like you’re at a three-star bistro.
23. Cauliflower Hash Browns
I am so excited about cauliflower hashbrowns and you will be too! Do you remember those crunchy breakfast potato patties at McDonald’s? These are a riff on that recipe without any potatoes, eggs, gluten, or fat.
26. Glazed Orange Cauliflower
Orange chicken is a pretty popular take-out dish. So why not make this yummy dish vegan with cauliflower bites that are battered, breaded, and fried in a wok or skillet? They are coated with a sticky orange glaze.
34. Easy Cauliflower Pops
Cauliflower pops are the equivalent of tater tots only with cauliflower. These are smoother in texture than tots because the cauliflower is mashed. You will want to make a large batch because they will disappear fast.
35. Sheet Pan Cauliflower Fajitas
I love sheet pan meals because they don’t require much effort or cleanup. Sheet pan fajitas fit that bill. Simply roast seasoned cauliflower, bell peppers, and onions. Serve with tortillas, avocado slices, and lemon wedges.
Healthy Vegan Cauliflower Recipes
14. Cauliflower Fried Rice
Making fried rice is pretty easy but making cauliflower fried rice is ridiculously easy. Pulse it in the food processor and then sauté it with a bunch of lovely veggies. Best of all, you can eat a mound of it without the slightest hint of guilt.
15. Buffalo Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
When cauliflower mac and cheese isn’t quite awesome enough, why don’t you break all the rules and make Buffalo Cauliflower Mac and Cheese. Pasta with little florets of cauliflower all tossed with a zingy, spicy Buffalo cream sauce. This is the vegan comfort food you never knew you needed.
16. Tequila Lime Cauliflower Tacos
This recipe is the perfect example of kitchen wizardry. If you treat the cauliflower like it’s a protein, it will behave like a protein. Here, it’s marinated in tequila, lime and spices and then roasted. Next thing you know, it’s the star of the best taco ever.
17. Cauliflower Alfredo Pasta
If you don’t feel like saucing your cauliflower, why not make your cauliflower the sauce! In this Easy Vegan Broccoli Alfredo Pasta, the cauliflower is hiding in the sauce, using all of its wiles to add creaminess and vitamins to your unsuspecting dinner. We’re on to you, cauliflower.
18. Creamy Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
There’s a trend of mashing cauliflower and trying to pass it off as a mashed potatoes substitute. If you reject this, you’re not alone. This recipe solves the problem. There’s no reason why these two veggies can’t they work together. Vegan Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes gives you the best of both worlds.
19. Cauliflower Leek Soup
Most people know that potatoes and leeks get along very well in a soup. On those occasions where potato has other obligations, cauliflower is more than happy to step in. You can make this healthy, dairy-free Cauliflower and Leek Soup in only 30 minutes!
20. Lemon Pepper Cauliflower Bites
Lemon pepper wings are a signature dish in Atlanta. These tangy, sweet, and peppery cauliflower wings will have you going back for more. And you do have to eat them with your fingers to honor the local tradition.
21. Moroccan Roasted Cauliflower Steaks
Whoever decided to cut cauliflower into cross sections and call them steaks was genius! Treat them just as you would a steak, like how this recipe seasons them with a sinfully fragrant Moroccan spice blend. Add a few lentils and some saffron rice and dinner’s ready!
22. Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Almond Butter Dressing
What do you do with leftover cauliflower? You create a roasted cauliflower salad! Add a few other veggies and then make some tasty Almond Butter Dressing. Toss the whole thing together and you have a super economical and diet-friendly meal everyone will enjoy.
24. Cauliflower Steak Green Peppercorn Sauce
Elegance. That’s what Cauliflower Steaks with Green Peppercorn Sauce brings to the table. This veganized version of a classic French preparation is a winner all the way around. It can also be an appetizer or even an entrée when paired with some other lovely sides.
27. Basil Curried Couscous Salad
Did you know that couscous is the fasted grain to cook? It only takes 5 minutes! So while your sheet pan of spiced cauliflower and sweet potatoes are roasting for 20 minutes, you’ve got 15 minutes free. Clean your kitchen or surf the internet. It’s up to you!
29. Cauliflower Creamed Spinach
When you think of creamed spinach, you picture a steak house side dish that is so packed with butter, cheese and cream that the poor spinach has been lost in the shuffle. Not here! In this lighter recipe, cauliflower creates the creamy in the spinach.
30. Curried Cauliflower Veggie Soup
When the weather has turned cold and you’re in the mood to curl up in front of the fireplace with a bowl full of soup, this is the recipe you should use! The warm spices of this curry and the cauliflower will keep the winds of wintertime at bay.
31. Cuban Cauliflower Rice and Beans
You say riced cauliflower. I say cauliflower rice. We don’t have to call anything off because it’s the same healthy ingredient. Here it is paired with beans and Cuban or Adobo seasoning to make a super side dish or a light entrée.
32. Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Sesame cauliflower is a wonderful weeknight meal for the busy home cook. You can have this meal on the table in 30 minutes! The reason this is so good is the sticky sauce that is sweet, sour, and a little spicy.
33. Oven Roasted Cauliflower and Hummus Bowl
Let’s give roasted cauliflower a bump of protein by pairing it with homemade hummus. It’s an interesting combination that I hadn’t really thought of. Chances are good that you have most of the ingredients in your vegan pantry and fridge.
36. Creamy Cauliflower and Kale Soup
This soup is one way to get your kids to eat more veggies because it is so silky and tasty. It is also quick to prepare and amazingly healthy.
37. Cauliflower Rice Sushi
Sushi can take a little practice to make at home. This vegan sushi with cauliflower rice is actually not that tricky to make. And this recipe doesn’t call for any cooking.
Raw Vegan Cauliflower Recipes
25. Raw Cauliflower and Kale Rice
If you haven’t tried raw cauliflower, this salad will surprise you. Not only is it colorful and delicious, but it is also packed with nutrients and has a delightful texture.
Vegan Cauliflower Casseroles
Vegan Cauliflower Recipes with Air Fryer
Vegan Cauliflower Recipes with Instant Pot
28. Cauliflower Tikka Masala (Instant Pot)
Get out that Instant Pot — it’s Cauliflower Tikka Masala time. In only 30 minutes, you can be enjoying this vegan dream meal of cauliflower in a spicy, warm curry sauce. You may seriously want to double the recipe so you won’t be sad when there are no leftovers.
40. Mexican Cauliflower Rice Bowl (Instant Pot)
Watching your carbs? Don’t worry — you can still help yourself to this Mexican Cauliflower Rice Bowl. Seasoned riced cauliflower is the guiltless base that is kicked up with veggies, cilantro and lime. It’s a fiesta of flavors without any carb-regret.
41. Aloo Gobi (Instant Pot)
I don’t know about you, but when I go to an Indian restaurant, Aloo Gobi, potato cauliflower curry, is a must. I’ve made it at home but now that I know you can do it in the Instant Pot, I’m even more on board. It’s a vegan and gluten-free triumph.
38. Bean and Cauliflower Rice Enchiladas
Not only are these Bean and Cauliflower Rice Enchiladas vegan, they’re gluten, dairy and oil-free. How do they taste, you ask? Uh, insanely good! Corn tortillas and red enchilada sauce bring an amazing depth to the simple ingredients on the inside.
39. Whole Roasted cauliflower in Indian Masala
There is something so dramatic about presenting a whole roasted head of cauliflower at the table. If it’s dripping with heavenly Indian Masala, be confident you’ve created an epic mealtime win. Made in the Instant Pot, just slice into this baby and serve it like it’s cake.
What are your favorite vegan cauliflower recipes?
Let me know in the comments!
40+ Easy Vegan Cauliflower Recipes (healthy!)
These vegan cauliflower recipes will definitely make you a fan! While being super healthy, they also pack insane flavor! You’ll get addicted to this veggie.
- cauliflower
- BBQ sauce
- garlic
- water
Calories: 350kcal
Vegan Cauliflower Recipes FAQ
It is usually recommended to blanch cauliflower in salted water for 10-20 minutes before cooking. This can help remove insects, bacteria and dirt that may be hiding in the cauliflower.
Cauliflower is an extremely nutritious vegetable. It is very low in calories, making it a preferred ingredient amongst people who want to lose weight. It is a fantastic source of antioxidants and its sulforaphane content helps reduce the risk of cancer. It also supports hormonal balance and can help the immune system.
Grilling and pickling has been said to be the 2 best methods to make cauliflower taste more flavorful. My personal favorite method is marinating it in a mixture of lemon juice, salt, minced garlic and smoked paprika powder, then popping it in the oven.
Yes, studies has shown that cauliflower is an anti-inflammatory vegetable. It contains bioactive compounds that are known to reduce inflammation.