Roasted Purple Cauliflower

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 6 side dishes

Roasted purple cauliflower is a show-stopping vegetable side dish. Oven roasting brings out the flavor while creating crispy edges. The flavor is sweet and slightly caramelized. And it’s made with five basic ingredients!

Purple cauliflower with a wooden spoon in the bowl.

I am obsessed with roasted purple cauliflower. Its unique color adds a vibrancy to the table. But more than that, I love it in bowls, soups, and snacks! The flavor is mild and slightly sweet, similar to white cauliflower.

Quick Purple Cauliflower Answers

Is The Color Natural?

Yes, the color is natural. It was developed over years of traditional cross-breeding between different heirloom varieties and natural mutations discovered in fields. Over time, natural and non-genetically mutated colors developed. (Source)

Does It Taste Different?

Purple, orange, and white cauliflower all taste the same, and you can use them interchangeably in any recipe.

How Do I Store Cauliflower?

Keep it in the perforated plastic wrap that it came in from the grocery store. The perforations are necessary for air to circulate. Next, place it in the crisper drawer, stem up.

How Do I Cut Cauliflower?

Quarter the head, lay each quarter on its side, and cut it in half. Then cut each half in half to get four pieces. Angle the knife top down and cut out each floret.

Oven-Roasted Purple Cauliflower Ingredients

Ingredients used in making the recipe.

Purple Cauliflower

Look for heads with tight florets with fresh green leaves. 

Olive Oil

When roasting purple cauliflower, toss the florets with olive oil to coat them evenly. This helps them brown and caramelize in the oven. You can also use avocado or any heat-tolerant oil.

Garlic Powder

A light dusting is enough. A little goes a long way. 

See the recipe card for complete information on ingredients and quantities.

Oven-Roasted Purple Cauliflower Instructions

Raw cauliflower on a baking sheet and ready to go into the oven.

Step One: Prep

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Wash and pat dry the cauliflower. Using a sharp knife, cut the florets into uniform bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, toss the florets with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Arrange in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Roasted cauliflower on a baking sheet.

Step Two: Roast

Roast until the cauliflower is easily pierced with a fork and lightly charred, about 25-30 minutes or until the edges start charring. Remove from the oven, garnish, and serve.

Garnish Ideas

I like to top any oven-roasted vegetable with fresh lemon juice and parsley. Other popular garnishes include

  • Fresh basil
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Green onions
  • Roasted garlic
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Pine nuts
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Roasted Almonds
Cauliflower in a bowl

Storing and Reheating Instructions

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.

How Did It Go?

I hope you loved this roasted purple cauliflower as much as I do! Before you go, please leave me a rating and a comment letting me know how it went.

Roasted cauliflower in a bowl, cupped with two hands and a wooden spoon.

Oven Roasted Purple Cauliflower

Roasted purple cauliflower is a show-stopping vegetable side dish. Oven roasting brings out the flavor while creating crispy edges. The flavor is sweet and slightly caramelized. And it's made with five basic ingredients!
5 from 1 vote
Print Rate
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan
Servings: 6 side dishes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 purple cauliflower
  • 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step One: Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Wash and pat dry the cauliflower. Using a sharp knife, cut the florets into uniform bite-sized pieces.
  • In a large bowl, toss the florets with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  • Arrange the cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Step Two: Roasting

  • Roast the cauliflower for 25-30 minutes, or until it is easily pierced with a fork and lightly charred.
  • Remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the roasted cauliflower to a serving dish.
  • Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Optional Charring

  • After roasting, broil the cauliflower on low for 3-5 minutes, or until the outside is charred.
  • Keep a close eye on the cauliflower while broiling, as it can quickly burn.

Notes

Serve as a side dish as is (it tastes perfect!). You can also add a garnish.  Some of my favorites include:
  • Fresh basil
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Green onions
  • Roasted garlic
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Pine nuts
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Roasted slivered almonds

Nutrition

Calories: 37kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 29mg | Potassium: 290mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin C: 46mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 0.4mg

Did you make this? Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out!

2 Comments

  1. Vegan Focus says:

    Those are beautiful!

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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