Name: Chili Lime Roasted Cauliflower
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 large head cauliflower , cut into florets; 2 garlic cloves , minced; 2.5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1.5 tsp chipotle powder (more or less for spiciness!); 3/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp lime juice (1 medium to large lime); 1 tbsp coriander/cilantro leaves , finely chopped (optional, sub parsley or chives)

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Chili Lime Roasted Cauliflower is an exciting twist on a classic side dish. With its crunchy exterior and tender inside, this vibrant dish is an instant crowd-pleaser. Coated with a perfect blend of chipotle powder and lime juice, every bite delivers an explosion of flavor that dances on your palate. It makes for a fantastic addition to any meal — ideal for barbecues, busy weeknights, or delightful dinner parties, you’ll find it hard to resist going back for more.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Chili Lime Roasted Cauliflower
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Chili Lime Roasted Cauliflower

My love for this recipe began on a quest to uplift the humble cauliflower, and I stumbled upon the magic of roasting. Simply tossing the cauliflower with a few simple ingredients transforms it into a dish bursting with zest and personality. In just a few steps, you find yourself with a plate of vibrant, golden-hued cauliflower that looks as good as it tastes. You’ll be surprised how quickly this Chili Lime Roasted Cauliflower will win over family and friends. It’s time to give this recipe a try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prep takes only about 10 minutes, and that’s before a 25-minute roast.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chipotle heat and fresh lime brings it all together, producing bold, delicious flames of flavor.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With its caramelized edges, it’s a wonderfully vibrant centerpiece for any table.
Flexible Serving: Perfect as a snack, side, or even a main dish for vegan meals.
Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, it’s suitable for various dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets: The star of the show! Fresh cauliflower has a mild flavor that soaks up seasonings beautifully.
2 garlic cloves, minced: Adds a beautiful aromatic quality, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
2.5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: This not only helps create that crispy texture but also brings healthy fats into the dish.
1.5 tsp chipotle powder: Adjust according to your heat preference; it adds a smoky touch that elevates the dish.
3/4 tsp salt: Essential for enhancing the flavors of each ingredient.
1/2 tsp black pepper: A small touch of warmth that balances perfectly.
1 tbsp lime juice (about 1 medium to large lime): The zesty freshness is what truly pulls everything together.
1 tbsp coriander/cilantro leaves, finely chopped (optional, sub parsley or chives): This adds brightness and a garden-fresh element, but feel free to skip if you’re not a fan.

How to Make Chili Lime Roasted Cauliflower

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (390°F) to ensure it’s hot enough to roast the cauliflower to perfection.

Prepare Cauliflower: Place the cut cauliflower florets in a large bowl. Drizzle 2.5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the florets, then add the 2 minced garlic cloves. Use your hands to gently toss and coat the cauliflower, making sure each floret is well-covered in oil.

Season: Now, sprinkle 1.5 teaspoons of chipotle powder, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper over the cauliflower. Toss again until all pieces are evenly coated. This step is crucial for flavor layering.

Spread and Roast: Transfer the seasoned cauliflower onto a baking tray in a single layer. Roast in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, tossing once halfway through. Watch for the edges to caramelize and the florets to become tender.

Drizzle with Lime: Once the cauliflower is beautifully roasted, remove the tray from the oven and push the florets together. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice over them; it’ll brighten the dish up even more.

Garnish and Serve: If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle the cilantro or parsley on top before serving hot. The colors will pop, and the flavors will sing!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For longer storage, transfer to the refrigerator where it will keep well for about 3 days. If you want to save it for later, freeze the roasted cauliflower in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly after freezing, but refreshing it with a little extra lime juice can help!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet! This ensures even roasting and crispiness; give those florets some space.
Use room temperature cauliflower if possible; it helps with even cooking.
Adjust the chipotle powder based on how spicy you like it—some love it fiery, while others prefer it milder.
For more flavor, add some paprika or cumin to the seasoning mix.
Make-ahead: You can prep the cauliflower earlier in the day, keep it covered, then roast it just before you’re ready to serve.

If you’re looking to spice up your veggie rotation, Chili Lime Roasted Cauliflower is a delectable option. Easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests, its flavor and texture will wow those lucky enough to try it.

Recipe FAQs

How can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?

To tailor the spice level to your liking, feel free to decrease the chipotle powder to one teaspoon or even omit it entirely for a milder flavor. On the flip side, if you want more heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or using a sweeter pepper blend to keep the balance.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, you can definitely prep the cauliflower ahead of time! After cutting and seasoning, just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to roast it. It’s a fabulous side dish ready to go when you are.

What should I serve with Chili Lime Roasted Cauliflower?

This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or even a fresh salad. You could also toss it into a grain bowl with your favorite toppings, making it a tasty and versatile addition to any meal.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Chili Lime Roasted Cauliflower keeps well in the refrigerator and makes a great addition to meal prep meals. You can portion it out for lunches or dinners throughout the week, and if you add a protein, it creates a balanced meal.

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Chili Lime Roasted Cauliflower

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Author: Jennifer
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican

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Description

This Chili Lime Roasted Cauliflower features irresistible flavors that blend garlic, chipotle, and lime juice. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a quick dinner or healthy meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1 large head cauliflower , cut into florets
2 garlic cloves , minced
2.5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1.5 tsp chipotle powder (more or less for spiciness!)
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp lime juice (1 medium to large lime)
1 tbsp coriander/cilantro leaves , finely chopped (optional, sub parsley or chives)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 200°C/390°F.
In a large bowl, place the cauliflower and drizzle with olive oil, adding the minced garlic. Use your hands to mix and ensure the oil coats all the florets.
Sprinkle chipotle powder, salt, and black pepper over the cauliflower and toss to coat evenly.
Spread the cauliflower mixture out on a baking tray. Bake for 25 minutes, tossing once halfway through, until the edges are caramelized and the cauliflower is tender.
After removing from the oven, push the cauliflower together and drizzle lime juice over the top.
Sprinkle with coriander or alternative herbs and serve hot.

Notes

Adjust the amount of chipotle powder based on your preferred spice level.
Make sure to toss the cauliflower halfway through baking for even cooking.
Cilantro can be swapped for parsley or chives if desired.