Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini-Yogurt Sauce: A Vibrant, Nutty, Middle Eastern–Inspired Side

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini-Yogurt Sauce is a dish that transforms a simple vegetable into something remarkably flavourful and elegant. High-heat roasting turns cauliflower into golden, caramelised florets with crisp edges and a tender interior. The creamy tahini-yogurt sauce adds nutty depth, tanginess, and a silky richness that complements the roasted cauliflower perfectly. This recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, holiday spreads, or Mediterranean-style plates. I once tested the sauce with Greek yoghurt and a dairy-free almond-milk yoghurt, and both versions were beautifully smooth and balanced. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this dish delivers complex flavours with minimal effort.

Print

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cauliflower
Cauliflower’s mild flavour and sturdy texture make it perfect for roasting. It develops a nutty sweetness and crisp exterior when exposed to high heat.

Olive oil
Olive oil helps caramelise the cauliflower, enhancing its natural flavour while encouraging even browning.

Garlic
Garlic adds aromatic depth, lightly infusing the cauliflower with savoury warmth.

Paprika
A touch of paprika adds colour and subtle smokiness without overpowering the dish.

Salt and pepper
Simple, essential seasonings that heighten the flavours of both the cauliflower and the sauce.

Tahini
Tahini provides creamy richness and a distinctive toasted sesame flavour that pairs beautifully with vegetables.

Greek yogurt
Yoghurt adds tang and smoothness, balancing the nutty tahini and creating a velvety, pourable sauce.

Lemon juice
Fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce, cutting through richness and adding a refreshing acidity.

Fresh herbs
Parsley, dill, or mint add a vibrant finish and fresh aroma that elevates the overall dish.

Directions

Begin by preheating your oven and preparing a baking tray. Cut the cauliflower into even florets to ensure uniform cooking. Toss them with olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper until well coated. Spread the florets in a single layer on the baking tray, ensuring they have space to brown properly. Roast until golden, crisp on the edges, and tender in the centre.

While the cauliflower roasts, prepare the tahini-yogurt sauce. Whisk together tahini, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, a splash of water, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust the thickness with more water as needed; the sauce should be pourable but rich. Taste and adjust the seasoning.

Once the cauliflower is roasted, transfer it to a serving platter and drizzle generously with the sauce. Finish with chopped herbs and, if desired, an extra sprinkle of paprika or sesame seeds. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

Serves 4 as a side.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: Approximately 40 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store leftover roasted cauliflower in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in a 200°C (400°F) oven for 8–10 minutes to restore crispness. The sauce can be stored separately for up to four days; whisk before using. Assemble just before serving to maintain the texture of the cauliflower.

Variations and Customizations

Spicy Harissa Version

Add a spoonful of harissa to the sauce or toss the cauliflower with a pinch of chilli flakes.

Sumac and Herb Cauliflower

Sprinkle roasted cauliflower with sumac and fresh parsley for a citrusy, Levant-inspired twist.

Tahini-Free Yogurt Sauce

Replace tahini with olive oil for a lighter, tangier sauce.

Vegan Version

Use plant-based yoghurt in the sauce; tahini keeps it rich and creamy.

Za’atar Roasted Cauliflower

Season the florets with za’atar before roasting for an earthy, aromatic variation.

Pomegranate Garnish

Scatter pomegranate seeds over the dish for sweetness and visual contrast.

Garlic-Lemon Sauce

Increase garlic and lemon for a more sharply flavoured, refreshing sauce.

Roasted Chickpea Addition

Add crispy chickpeas for extra protein and crunch.

Smoky Paprika Version

Use smoked paprika to enhance depth and savouriness.

Cauliflower Steaks

Slice the cauliflower into thick steaks instead of florets and roast until caramelised.

FAQs

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, it stores well for up to four days.

Why is my tahini sauce too thick?

Whisk in more water or lemon juice until smooth.

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Fresh is best for crisp edges, but frozen works if roasted from frozen.

Is the dish served hot or cold?

It can be served warm or at room temperature.

Can I use low-fat yogurt?

Yes, though the sauce will be slightly less creamy.

Why didn’t my cauliflower brown well?

It may have been overcrowded; give the florets space.

Can I grill the cauliflower instead?

Yes, grilling adds smoky flavour and works beautifully.

Can I substitute broccoli?

Absolutely; broccoli roasts well and pairs nicely with the sauce.

Do I need to peel the garlic?

Yes, use minced garlic or garlic powder for even distribution.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use two trays so the cauliflower roasts rather than steams.

Conclusion

Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini-Yogurt Sauce is a simple yet sophisticated dish that elevates everyday ingredients into something vibrant and memorable. With its caramelised edges, creamy sauce, and bright herbs, it works effortlessly as a side, appetizer, or vegetarian main. Whether enjoyed warm or cool, this recipe guarantees layers of flavour and a beautifully balanced finish.

Hungry for more?  Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!