25 Creative Ways to Enjoy Cauliflower

By , SparkPeople Blogger
It's naturally high in fiber, vitamin C, antioxidants, choline, calcium, potassium and other essential vitamins and nutrients. Including it in your daily diet could help protect against cancer, improve digestion, boost weight loss and strengthen bones. One cup of it contains only 27 calories, five grams of carbohydrates and virtually no fat.
 
But if you made a list of your top 10 most-craved foods, we'd bet cauliflower doesn't snag a spot. Hey, no judgment here—the cruciferous vegetable doesn't exactly win a lot of produce popularity contests. But if you're not a raving fan, could it be that you just haven't found the right recipe to make the most of this cabbage-like veggie?
 
The next time you find yourself with a head of cauliflower on hand and aren't feeling particularly creative in the kitchen, try one of these inspired ideas.
 
Curried Cauliflower: The perfect combination of spicy, salty and sweet, this veggie is great as a side dish or as a salad topper.


Image courtesy of The Big Man's World

 

General Tso's Cauliflower: Healthier than takeout, with just as much delicious flavor.


Image courtesy of Amanda's Cookin'

Healthy Mashed Cauliflower: Smooth and creamy, this low-carb option is delicious on its own or with your favorite potato toppings.


Image courtesy of Food on the Table


Cauliflower Au Gratin
: Topped with a crusty layer of breadcrumbs and cheese, this comforting casserole will have the family looking forward to eating their veggies.


Image courtesy of The Cooking Jar


Keto Cauliflower Ziti
: Enjoy all the flavors of a hearty Italian meal without the carbs. This keto casserole is meaty and cheesy.


Image courtesy of Simply Stacie


Vegan Cauliflower Tacos With Refried Beans: With a base of refried beans, these tacos are filled with winter vegetables, like Swiss chard and pickled red onions.


Image courtesy of Occasionally Eggs


Sticky Garlic Cauliflower
: The next time you're craving Chinese takeout, turn to this satisfying and healthier alternative.


Image courtesy of Amanda's Cookin'


Mashed Cauliflower
: Try this low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, flavored with cream cheese, brown butter and sage.


Image courtesy of Amanda's Cookin'


Greek Cauliflower Rice
: Give cauliflower rice a Mediterranean twist by adding Kalamata olives and feta.


Image courtesy of Foraged Dish


Chicken Fried (Cauliflower) Rice
: Enjoy all the flavor of takeout without any of the carbs, grains, calories or fat.


Image courtesy of Simply Sissom


Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
: These are the perfect appetizer or snack—and you don’t have to feel guilty for eating the whole plate.


Image courtesy of Six Sisters Stuff


Vegan Salad Dressing With Cauliflower
: The secret ingredient that gives this dressing its smooth creaminess is pureed cauliflower.


Image courtesy of Fannetastic Food


Cauliflower, Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry
: Serve this healthy curry with naan or rice for a plant-based comfort food meal that you can feel good about.


Image courtesy of Occasionally Eggs


Zucchini Cauliflower Fritters
: The perfect healthy snack or side dish, these meat-free fritters require just four core ingredients.


Image courtesy of The Big Man's World


Cheesy Cauliflower Soup
: Creamy and filled with vegetables, this soup is sure to warm you on a chilly night.


Image courtesy of The Girl Who Ate Everything


Tabouli Salad With Rice Cauliflower
: Low-carb and gluten-free, it's bound to be your new favorite, light, all-season salad.


Image courtesy of Avocado Pesto


Vegan Roasted Cauliflower Grain Bowls
: With pumpkin, garlic, bulgur and plenty of herbs, this budget-friendly weeknight dinner is like winter in a bowl.


Image courtesy of Occasionally Eggs


Cauliflower and Parsnip Soup
: This fall soup is topped with apples and caramelized onions.


Image courtesy of Foraged Dish


Cauliflower Pasta
: Made with roasted pumpkin and crunchy, nutty raw cauliflower, this is bound to be your new favorite meatless vegan dinner.


Image courtesy of Avocado Pesto


Baby Kale and Roasted Cauliflower Salad
: Baby kale and roasted cauliflower are drizzled with a creamy tahini dressing and sprinkled with pomegranate seeds for a beautiful and satisfying salad.


Image courtesy of Family Food on the Table


Cauliflower Gruyere & Thyme Gratin
: There aren't likely to be any leftovers of this consummate comfort food.


Image courtesy of Foraged Dish


Whole Roasted Cauliflower
: With whipped feta cheese and a zingy herb sauce, this is one of those cauliflower dishes you’ll come back to again and again.


Image courtesy of Amanda's Cookin'


Creamy Cauliflower Potato Soup
: Simply flavored with rosemary and garlic, it includes blended white beans for added protein and is topped with rye bread croutons.


Image courtesy of Occasionally Eggs


Roasted Cauliflower Soup
: This super creamy vegan soup is made with roasted garlic and coconut cream for a comforting weeknight dinner.


Image courtesy of Avocado Pesto


Roasted Cauliflower With Olives and Oregano
: Olives, lemon and oregano add a bright and savory twist to cauliflower in this sheet pan recipe.


Image courtesy of Foraged Dish

 
What are your favorite ways to enjoy cauliflower?