Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad: A Vibrant, Flavor-Packed Delight
If you’re looking for a salad that’s hearty, flavorful, and bursting with color, this Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad is the perfect choice. Featuring crispy roasted cauliflower, creamy avocado, crunchy kale, smoky crispy bacon (or a plant-based alternative), and a luscious homemade green goddess dressing, this dish is a bold and satisfying twist on a classic salad.
Whether you’re making it for a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or even meal prep, this salad is packed with nutrients, flavor, and texture. The green goddess dressing—a creamy, herby blend—brings everything together with a refreshing and tangy kick.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
✔ Incredibly Flavorful – A creamy, herby dressing + crispy cauliflower + smoky crunch = the ultimate bite.
✔ Hearty & Satisfying – The roasted cauliflower and avocado make this a filling, nutrient-rich meal.
✔ Gluten-Free & Easily Vegan – Swap out a few ingredients for a 100% plant-based version.
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep – Stays fresh and delicious in the fridge for up to 3 days.
✔ Great for Any Occasion – Works as a main dish, side salad, or even a potluck favorite!
What is Green Goddess Dressing?
Green Goddess Dressing is a creamy, herbaceous dressing that originated in the 1920s in San Francisco. Traditionally made with mayonnaise, sour cream, anchovies, and fresh herbs, it’s a rich yet refreshing dressing that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, greens, and proteins.
This version is lighter and fresher, using Greek yogurt and avocado for creaminess, while still delivering big, bold flavors.
Ingredients for Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad
This salad combines wholesome ingredients that are nutrient-dense and satisfying.
For the Roasted Cauliflower:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Salad Base:
- 4 cups chopped kale (or mixed greens)
- 1 large avocado, sliced
- ½ cup crispy bacon or coconut bacon (for a vegan version)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- ¼ cup toasted nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts)
- Juice of ½ a lemon (to soften the kale)
For the Green Goddess Dressing:
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (or plant-based yogurt for a vegan version)
- ½ ripe avocado
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 small garlic clove
- ½ cup fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, basil, or a mix)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2-3 tablespoons water (to thin, if needed)
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Cauliflower
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 2: Prepare the Green Goddess Dressing
- In a blender or food processor, combine:
- Greek yogurt (or plant-based alternative)
- Avocado
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice & apple cider vinegar
- Garlic, Dijon mustard, and honey
- Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or basil)
- Salt & black pepper
- Blend until smooth. Add water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 3: Massage the Kale
- Place the chopped kale in a large bowl.
- Squeeze the juice of ½ a lemon over the kale.
- Using your hands, massage the kale for 1-2 minutes to break down its tough texture and make it softer and easier to eat.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
- Add the massaged kale to a large salad bowl.
- Top with roasted cauliflower, sliced avocado, crispy bacon (or coconut bacon), fresh cilantro, and toasted nuts.
- Drizzle generously with green goddess dressing.
- Toss gently and serve immediately!
Tips for the Best Roasted Cauliflower Salad
✔ Roast the Cauliflower Until Crispy – Don’t overcrowd the pan for even crispiness.
✔ Massage the Kale – This makes it tender and more enjoyable to eat.
✔ Make the Dressing in Advance – It gets better as it sits, so prep ahead!
✔ Customize Your Toppings – Try feta, goat cheese, or even roasted chickpeas.
✔ Keep It Fresh – Add the dressing just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Delicious Variations
Want to change things up? Try these fun variations:
1. Protein-Packed Roasted Cauliflower Salad
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
- Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds or hemp hearts.
2. Spicy Roasted Cauliflower Salad
- Use chipotle powder or cayenne in the cauliflower seasoning.
- Add pickled jalapeños for extra heat.
3. Vegan Roasted Cauliflower Salad
- Replace bacon with crispy chickpeas or coconut bacon.
- Use vegan yogurt and maple syrup in the dressing.
4. Mediterranean-Inspired Version
- Add feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and kalamata olives.
- Use tahini instead of yogurt in the dressing.
How to Store & Meal Prep
Refrigeration:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep the dressing separate and add just before serving.
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Roast the cauliflower up to 2 days in advance.
- Prep the dressing 3 days ahead and store in the fridge.
- Massage the kale a few hours before serving to keep it fresh.
Freezing:
- Not recommended, as avocado and kale don’t freeze well.
What to Serve with Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad
This salad pairs beautifully with:
- Grilled salmon or chicken 🍗 🐟
- Crusty sourdough bread 🥖
- A hearty lentil soup 🍲
- Roasted sweet potatoes or quinoa 🍠
For a lighter meal, enjoy it on its own as a nutrient-dense bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Keep the dressing and toppings separate until ready to serve.
2. What’s the best substitute for kale?
Spinach, arugula, or mixed greens work great!
3. Can I use store-bought green goddess dressing?
Of course! But homemade tastes fresher and has no preservatives.
4. Is this salad keto-friendly?
Yes! Just omit the honey and reduce the avocado slightly for lower carbs.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad is a deliciously vibrant, nutrient-packed dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With crisp roasted cauliflower, creamy avocado, and a bold herby dressing, this salad is both satisfying and healthy.
So grab your ingredients, roast some cauliflower, and enjoy this fresh, flavorful salad today!