When you think of cauliflower, do you imagine a plate of plain, boiled, and sad vegetables? Well, cauliflower is actually more versatile than you could ever imagine. It’s a great source of vitamins, is high in fiber, and makes a great low-carb alternative to grains and legumes, if you’re into that kind of thing. I love cooking with cauliflower because you don’t have to sacrifice taste for health. Still skeptical? These 15 vegan cauliflower recipes prove just how awesome this veggie is.
1. Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry
A stir-fry is the classic midweek meal where you toss together a ton of veggies and put it on some rice. In this recipe, Minimalist Baker shows you how to blitz cauliflower in a food processor to make your own rice. This rice stir-fry is also the ultimate meal-prep dish since it can be stored in the fridge for a few days (just store the cauliflower rice and the veggies separately to keep it fresher longer).
2. Cauliflower Pizza
This cauliflower crust pizza is light enough that you can eat the whole thing without your stomach hurting. When working with cauliflower as a dough substitute, it’s important to drain as much water out as possible to avoid a soggy pizza crust.
3. Cauliflower Wings
Cauliflower wings are my greatest weakness, and these wings by Hot For Food are no different. Enjoy some crunchy, oily, buffalo-sauced goodness and forget that you’re getting a serving of vegetables. These wings are even perfect on top of a salad if you want to maximize healthiness, so save any leftovers for your lunch the next day to spice up your packed lunch.
4. Cauliflower Tacos
Even vegans like myself can’t say no to the perfect combination of flavors that make up tacos, with or without the typical meaty toppings. However, if you want to avoid a taco stuffed with meat and cheese, these cauliflower tacos are a great alternative. Who said that vegan cauliflower recipes can’t be tasty and fun? I personally make sure to load up my tacos with cashew cream, avocado, salsa, and tons of beans for added protein.
5. ‘Cheesy’ Cauliflower
This vegan ‘cheesy’ cauliflower dish is the ideal casserole for cold, rainy days. You can’t even taste the handfuls of kale and cauliflower that make up this dish thanks to the generous serving of cashew cheese sauce on top. Sprinkle some nutritional yeast on top of the dish before putting it into the oven—’nooch’ is my all-time favorite seasoning.
6. Vegan Spanish Rice Bowl
Who needs meat when cauliflower is so versatile? Not only does this dish by Vegan Richa use taco seasoning to spice everything, but it’s also vegan, delicious, and super healthy. This would be another good taco alternative; just load up a tortilla with this mixture, drizzle on some salsa or cashew cream, and enjoy.
7. Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Throw out your old takeout menus, because this sticky sesame cauliflower by Yup It’s Vegan will make you want to cook dinner yourself. Plate the cauliflower over rice or in a wrap and you’re bound to be full in no time. The dish is one of the best vegan cauliflower creations out there. Plus, cooking your own ‘takeout’ at home saves so much money in the long run. Increasing your veggie intake and savings in one dish is a definite plus.
8. Creamy Cauliflower Soup
Soup is my go-to meal when I’m sick, sad, or just in need of a pick-me-up. This creamy cauliflower soup is no exception and the cheese-free pesto drizzle on top adds a perfect kick. Sub butter for vegan butter in this garlic bread recipe, and I guarantee that you’ll feel better in no time.
9. Cauliflower Shepherd’s Pie
Use cauliflower instead of the classic potatoes as you follow this recipe and dig in—I promise it tastes just as good without the taters. I made this recipe last Thanksgiving, and my relatives were shocked to see that it was not only meat-free, but had cauliflower too! Cauliflower is such an undervalued ingredient because it can imitate any carb if prepared right. Dough, potatoes, meat… what can’t cauliflower become?
10. Cauliflower Curry
I don’t know about you, but I could eat curry for every meal without complaining. This recipe uses cauliflower and coconut together to create a rich, creamy dish. I especially love to grab some warm naan to dip into the leftover sauce in the bowl after I’m done. Clean plate club, anyone?
11. Butter Cauliflower
One of the top dishes I missed after going vegan was an indulgent plate of butter chicken. After trying this recipe, I don’t need to deny my cravings anymore—this butter cauliflower has quickly become one of my favorite vegan cauliflower recipes. The sauce is a dairy-free alternative that’s just like the real deal, and the cauliflower is a surprisingly good stand-in for meat.
12. Creamy Cashew Cauliflower Alfredo
Most vegans have made a ‘cream’ sauce before, but cauliflower isn’t usually the first ingredient to come to mind. The Glowing Fridge totally changes your mind by combining cauliflower and cashews into a decadent sauce perfect for pasta. This recipe is also a great example of ‘sneaking’ veggies into otherwise carb-loaded dishes. Sometimes you just want to get vitamins without actually tasting anything healthy. I blend veggies into just about anything, like pasta sauce, smoothies, and even brownies.
13. Cauliflower Meatballs
You don’t need to use soy-based products for a convincing vegan meatball anymore. While soy is an awesome protein source and meat alternative that most vegans love, you can sometimes get sick of ‘fake’ foods in your diet. This Savory Vegan has come up with an easy way to have your spaghetti with meatballs, all while using a healthy ingredient like cauliflower instead of imitation meats.
14. Savory Vegan Cauliflower Cobbler
If you love biscuits and gravy, you’ll love this vegan take on the dish. The recipe uses chunks of cauliflower and some other veggies in a rich, creamy sauce perfect for fluffy biscuits. I had never made vegan biscuits until I tried this recipe last weekend, and I was surprised at how light they were, even with vegan ingredients. Anyone who says vegan baking isn’t as good as non-vegan baking is straight-up lying.
15. Cauliflower Sloppy Joes
Last but not least, try out this mouthwatering take on the sloppy joe by Food Faith Fit. Don’t be stuck with a frozen veggie burger at the next barbecue you attend. I bet that if you make enough for everyone to share, the meat patties on the grill will be long forgotten in favor of this messy dish.
As you can tell, there’s no reason to give up delicious meals in the name of health. There are countless vegan, plant-based alternatives to all of your favorite meals. Use these vegan cauliflower recipes the next time you want to chow down on some comfort food.