Looking for a vibrant, hearty, and nutrient-packed vegan dish that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor? This cauliflower spinach recipe vegan is the perfect solution!
Combining the mild crunch of cauliflower florets with the tender, earthy goodness of spinach, this recipe offers a delicious and satisfying meal that even non-vegans will love. Whether you’re a busy professional, a health-conscious eater, or simply someone who appreciates wholesome, plant-based cooking, this dish fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you can enjoy a warm, savory dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep. Plus, it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Ready to add this gem to your recipe collection? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cauliflower spinach vegan recipe shines because it’s:
- Nutritious: Loaded with vitamins C, K, and folate, plus fiber and antioxidants.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep and cooking time.
- Versatile: Perfect as a side dish, main course, or even tossed with grains or pasta.
- Flavorful: The combination of roasted cauliflower and sautéed spinach with garlic and spices creates a savory, comforting dish.
- Vegan and Allergy-Friendly: Free from animal products and common allergens like dairy and gluten.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 6 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional for some heat)
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Citrus juicer (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the cauliflower: In a mixing bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Ensure each floret is well coated.
- Roast the cauliflower: Spread the florets evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and tender with a slight crisp on the edges.
- Sauté the garlic and spinach: While the cauliflower roasts, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and sauté until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and red chili flakes if using.
- Combine and season: Once the cauliflower is done roasting, transfer it to the skillet with spinach. Stir gently to mix everything together.
- Add finishing touches: Remove from heat and drizzle lemon juice over the mixture. Sprinkle with nutritional yeast if desired for a cheesy depth, and toss to combine.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a bright, fresh finish.
Tips & Variations
“For extra texture, try adding toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts just before serving. You can also toss this mixture with cooked quinoa or rice for a complete meal!”
- Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper during the sauté step.
- Switch up the greens: Use kale or Swiss chard in place of spinach for a heartier texture.
- Add protein: Stir in cooked chickpeas or tofu cubes to boost protein content.
- Use different spices: Experiment with curry powder, turmeric, or Italian herbs for diverse flavor profiles.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or vegan cream after sautéing for a richer dish.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Vitamin C | 90% of Daily Value |
| Vitamin K | 110% of Daily Value |
| Iron | 15% of Daily Value |
Serving Suggestions
This cauliflower spinach vegan dish is incredibly versatile. For a light meal, serve it alongside a fresh green salad or crusty whole-grain bread.
If you want something more filling, pair it with warm quinoa, brown rice, or your favorite vegan grain bowl base.
It also makes a fantastic side to other plant-based mains or vegan protein options. For inspiration, check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe for a creamy pasta pairing or explore our Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes for an earthy complement.
Conclusion
Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned plant-based foodie, this cauliflower spinach recipe offers a delightful balance of nutrition, flavor, and simplicity. It’s a dish that celebrates fresh, wholesome ingredients without complicated techniques or hard-to-find items.
With its beautiful color, satisfying texture, and healthful benefits, it’s sure to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation. Don’t forget to experiment with spices and additions to make it your own.
For more plant-based culinary inspiration, try our Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food or explore our collection of Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes to keep your menu exciting and diverse.
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Cauliflower Spinach Recipe Vegan
Description: A nutritious and flavorful vegan dish combining tender cauliflower and fresh spinach with aromatic spices. Perfect as a light meal or side dish.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup water
- Fresh lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan and add cumin seeds until they sizzle.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until golden brown.
- Add turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala; stir for 1 minute.
- Add cauliflower florets and salt; mix well.
- Pour in water, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes until cauliflower is tender.
- Add fresh spinach and cook for another 3-5 minutes until wilted.
- Adjust seasoning and add lemon juice if desired.
- Serve hot as a main or side dish.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 18 g
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