Warm Cauliflower & Kale Salad Recipe (30 Minutes) (2024)

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Whenever I feel like I need to eat more vegetables but I’m having trouble getting in the mood for a salad, I’ll often use a couple of “salad tricks” to get myself psyched up. Thefirst “trick” isto add a more comforting component to my bowl of greens, whether that’s some cooked quinoa, brown rice, or in this case: a warm roasted vegetable. The second “trick” is to change up mysalad dressing. I’m guilty of getting into a lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil rut because it’s super easy, healthy, and I’m personally not big on heavier ranch-style dressings (vinaigrettes are more my thing). But even the small addition of a fresh herb or one new ingredient can take a salad from “meh” to a meal that makes mytaste buds excited again.

Today’s cauliflower and kale salad has both of those thingsgoing for it—warm roasted cauliflower and lemony sautéed kale with garlic and shallots, and my go-to lemon/olive oil dressing jazzed up with fresh parsley, salty capers, and chopped walnuts. It also has a cheesy toasted panko bread crumb and nutritional yeast topping that’s so good, I can’t help but sneak bites of it straight out of the mixing bowl before it even makes its way onto my salad.

If you’re finding yourself in a salad rut andyou’re looking for an easy way to change things up, this warm cauliflower and kale salad is great asa lighter meal, or served with baked tofu for extraprotein. All you need to do ispop sometofu in the oven with the cauliflower for a satisfying lunch or dinner that’s on the table in only 30 minutes.

P.S. Earlier this year I asked what types of recipes you wanted to see more of in 2017. Many of you asked for more main meals with less servings, which is why this hearty saladserves 2! If you have other recipe requests, definitely let me know. It’s important to me that the recipes I’m sharing resonate with you. ♥

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Warm Cauliflower and Kale Salad

Vegan,

Serves: 2

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time: 30 mins

Warm roasted cauliflower and lemony sautéed kale with garlic and shallots. This quick kale salad has a simple lemon olive oil dressing and a cheesy breadcrumb topping that you'll want to put on everything!

IngredientsInstructions

Ingredients

For the salad:

1 head cauliflower, de-stemmed and chopped into bite-size pieces
4 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil, divided, plus extra for drizzling
sea salt and pepper, to taste
1/3 cup panko bread crumbs
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1 shallot, peeled and sliced
2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 bunch lacinato kale, de-stemmed and roughly chopped
2 tablespoons water
1 lemon, zested
3 tablespoons toasted walnuts, chopped

For the dressing:

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
juice of 1 lemon
1 small bunch parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon capers, chopped

Cuisine: Vegan Servings: 2

Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 20 mins Total Time: 30 mins

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 475° F.
Cook the cauliflower: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the chopped cauliflower on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Arrange in a single layer and roast for 20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Once cooked, transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Make the cheesy breadcrumbs: While the cauliflower cooks, heat a medium non-stick pan over medium heat. Add 2 teaspoons of olive oil, the breadcrumbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir for 2 minutes, until lightly toasted. Transfer to a small mixing bowl and stir in the nutritional yeast. Wipe out the pan.
Cook the kale: Add 2 teaspoons of olive oil to the pan (keeping it on medium heat), followed by the shallot, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, for 2 minutes, then add the kale and water. Cook, stirring every so often, for 3-5 minutes, or until the kale has wilted. Add salt and pepper to taste. Turn off the heat and transfer to the bowl of cauliflower. Stir in the lemon zest.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 tablespoons of olive oil, juice of 1 lemon, parsley, and capers.
Divide the cauliflower and kale mixture between 2 bowls. Top with cheesy breadcrumbs, walnuts, and dressing.

Notes [1]

We sometimes like to serve this salad with baked tofu for extra protein. All you need to do is pop some cubed and lightly seasoned tofu on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake it with the cauliflower.