This vibrant orange and purple cauliflower recipe is tossed with garlic, olive oil, and bright lemon and then finished with nutty parmesan, crunchy walnuts and fresh parsley.
If you weren’t yet aware, cauliflower comes in multiple hues. While the flavor profile of these colored cauliflower varieties is the same nutty, starchy taste you are used to, the colors themselves are nearly magical. Purple cauliflower gets its vibrant color from a type of compound called anthocyanin which is naturally occurring in purple cabbage. This compound has been said to be associated with lower risk of diabetes and heart disease, as well as improved eye and brain function. Orange cauliflower gets its sunshine inspired color from an extra dose of beta-carotene, which also boosts the vitamin A content to more than 125% of white cauliflower. Talk about nutritious!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Aside from the added health benefits we mentioned above, this lip-smacking oven roasted cauliflower recipe is striking on a plate. If it is true that we eat with our eyes first, this orange and purple cauliflower parmesan is extra fulfilling. Just be honest - have you ever seen such a pretty cauliflower dish? I didn’t think so! As an added bonus, this oven roasted cauliflower recipe is easy to make and just as easy to adapt. If you are unable to find vibrantly colored cauliflower, you can just as easily swap in regular cauliflower or romanesco (a.k.a. broccoflower) too. As if you needed more reasons to make this yummy veg side, it also happens to be low carb, keto friendly AND gluten free. The bright, sharp flavors of garlic, lemon and parmesan are perfectly suited to cauliflower’s natural flavors and are healthy to boot. Once you try this delicious cauliflower parmesan recipe, you’ll be finding any excuse possible to make it. Serve it as a salad, side or snack on any day of the year! This rainbow colored dish will be right at home on any celebration table, but is easy enough to make on a random Tuesday.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Cauliflower : The star of this vegetable dish is obviously cauliflower. While I love using both orange and purple cauliflower for a stunning visual presentation, you can feel free to substitute whatever type of cauliflower you have available. I promise it will still be yummy!! Parmesan Cheese : Parmesan is another key component of this dish, as the name “cauliflower parmesan” implies. The hard cheese imparts a bit of salty-creamy-umami deliciousness to the dish that plays beautifully against the flavors of the cauliflower. If you are a practicing vegetarian, be sure to opt for vegetarian parmesan. There are also vegan Parmesan options on the market now in the event that you are following Paleo, Whole30 or plant-based diets. Flavorings : The remaining ingredients for this colored cauliflower recipe are quite simple. Olive oil, salt and pepper are pretty much a given for any kind of roasted veggies. Garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley and red pepper flakes give this dish a Mediterranean flavor that is zippy enough to stand up to just about any meal.
How to make Roasted Cauliflower Parmesan
This orange and purple cauliflower recipe may look gorgeous, but I assure you it is quite simple to make. First, prepare your cauliflower. Using a sharp knife, cut it into thin slices. TIP: To get the most caramelization possible, make your slices even and flat. The more surface area that is touching the roasting pan, the more golden deliciousness will happen! Next, prepare your dressing. Simply stir together the olive oil, lemon juice and zest, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper in a small bowl. You’re almost done! Spread the cauliflower out on a sheet pan in a single layer. Toss together your cauliflower and prepared dressing. TIP: Want to make life even easier? Line your sheet pan with parchment to make clean up a snap! Pop the sheet tray into a preheated 425F oven. Roast for 15 minutes. TIP: For best results, let your oven preheat for 10 minutes past the beep. This will ensure a nice, toasty place for your sheet pan to get hot quickly. Remove the sheet pan from the oven. Flip the cauliflower pieces over to allow the opposite side to caramelize. Sprinkle with the walnuts, parmesan and parsley. Scatter thin slices of lemon across the top. Return to the oven for another 10 minutes, until the edges of the cauliflower are golden and crispy. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Storing and Freezing
While this orange and purple cauliflower recipe tastes best fresh from the oven, you can refrigerate the leftovers for up to 3 days. It will also last for up to three months in the freezer if properly sealed. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator. When you are ready to eat, reheat in the oven for 10-15 minutes and then serve.
Serving Ideas
I love the versatility of this oven roasted colored cauliflower parmesan. Some days, I’ll serve it as a big salad all by itself. Sometimes I make it as a snack. It is also a delightful side that goes well with just about everything. Try it with chicken, lamb, fish or tofu!
Here’s more vegetable inspiration for you
Instant Pot Cauliflower SoupGobhi AchaariArugula Apple Pear Pomegranate Fall SaladRoasted Sweet and Savory Butternut SquashSautéed Broccolini with Garlic ButterOven Roasted Sweet Potatoes
If you tried this delicious, multicolored Oven Roasted Cauliflower Parmesan recipe, please let me know how it turned out! I love seeing your ratings and reading your reviews. If you’d like more tasty recipes delivered straight to your inbox, you can sign up for my email newsletter, I promise to never spam you! You can also see what I’m up to in the kitchen by following me on Pinterest, Instagram or Facebook.
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