If you’re looking for a simple and flavorful way to make cauliflower, this turmeric roasted cauliflower with lime is one of my go-to side dishes. It’s tossed with olive oil, fresh lime juice, and turmeric, then roasted until golden and lightly crisp. The bright yellow color might surprise you, but the flavor is so good that even picky eaters love it!
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❤️ Sandi’s Recipe Summary
This easy side dish is guaranteed to be a winner in your family! It isn’t often I will guarantee something, but this turmeric cauliflower was such a huge surprise. I didn’t expect my kids to devour it! This recipe was inspired by a recipe I had at a local takeaway place run by a caterer. It is no longer in business, but this turmeric and curry-flavored roasted cauliflower has stayed in my mind for years.
Don’t forget to check out all of my kid-approved side dish recipes. Let me know which ones your kids liked best. If you enjoy cauliflower, you may also enjoy these Mexican Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks.
Ingredient Notes:
For the full list of ingredients and amounts, please go to the recipe card below.
- Cauliflower – Use fresh, not frozen cauliflower. Frozen cauliflower will turn out soggy.
- Turmeric – A little turmeric goes a long way in flavor. Note it can stain your hands, so use a spoon and not your hands when handling the cauliflower.
- Curry Powder – Adds a slight sweetness and blends really well with the lime flavor.
- Lime – Use fresh lime.
- Oil – Any type of oil will work for roasting. I used avocado oil. (Note, if using an air fryer, you must use an oil that has a high smoking point.
- Salt and Pepper – Use to taste.
Sandi’s Testing Notes:
I’ve made this easy cauliflower side dish with both florets and as thick-cut steaks, with and without curry powder. Both versions were devoured by my family, but my kids surprisingly loved it more with the curry powder added.
A Note From My Kitchen
You can chop your own cauliflower or opt for a pre-cut bag to save time. I’ve used both, and it always turns out great. Sometimes I cut the cauliflower into thick “steaks” for fun presentation, but florets are just as tasty. If you’re short on time or it’s too hot for the oven, the air fryer works really well.
You can use a whole head of cauliflower and chop it up, or buy your cauliflower pre-chopped from the grocery store. Another fun idea is to slice your cauliflower like steaks!
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How to Make Roasted Turmeric Cauliflower:
- Preheat your oven to 375ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease it.
- Cut a head of cauliflower into bite-sized florets, or slice it into thick steaks for a different presentation.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, turmeric, and any additional seasonings (such as garlic powder or curry powder).
- Toss the cauliflower in the mixture until all florets are evenly coated, then spread it in a single layer on the baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd the cauliflower florets. You want them to cook all over evenly.
- You can also cook this in an air fryer, which is handy during the summer when you don’t want to use your oven.
- Serve hot
👀 Sandi Says: Don’t worry if the cauliflower turns deep yellow. It’s normal with turmeric! The color will mellow slightly as it roasts.
Air Fryer Directions:
- Prepare the cauliflower as listed in the steps above.
- Spray the air fryer with a high smoke point oil.
- Add the cauliflower to the air fryer basket. Try not to overcrowd so the florets can cook all around.
- Roast on 375ºF for 13-15 minutes.
🔑 Sandi says: Cauliflower steaks will take a bit longer to cook because they are thicker. Poke with a fork to check for tenderness before serving.
I hope you will move past the bright neon yellow color and give this oven-roasted turmeric cauliflower recipe a try. It is so good! If you love turmeric, give this delicious Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks recipe or this Turmeric Chicken Wings recipe a try!
Storage Tips:
Store this cauliflower in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will keep fresh for up to 4 days. I don’t recommend freezing this cauliflower because it will become mushy when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions:
The easiest way to cut cauliflower into steaks is to place the head of the cauliflower stem-side down on a cutting board. Use a knife to cut down thick slices.
Don’t steam your cauliflower. It will prevent it from getting slightly crisp edges, which are so tasty!
Try not to cut into all of the florets. Keep florets whole, then oil and season from there.
For a kick of spice, dust the cauliflower with crushed red pepper!
Serve this cauliflower side dish with my Mandarin Roasted Chicken or this Gluten-Free Oven Fried Chicken and a slice of my Gluten-Free Naan.
I know bright-colored foods can look a bit scary, but trust me, I know! But if you just try this recipe, you will be surprised. It has incredible flavor…even Mr. Fearless Dining will eat this cauliflower.
More Gluten-Free Side Dishes:
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💬 Did you make this gluten-free turmeric cauliflower recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out—and which pan or flour blend you used! Your feedback helps others (and helps me keep improving these recipes for you). ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Quick and Easy Roasted Turmeric Cauliflower
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375º F.
- Chop 1 head of cauliflower and put the florets into a bowl.
- Add 3 tablespoons olive oil and toss with the cauliflower to mix.
- Add 1 teaspoon curry powder, 1 teaspoon ground turmeric, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, and salt and pepper to taste Mix to coat the cauliflower with the seasonings.
- Put the cauliflower in a greased dish and bake for 20 minutes until the cauliflower is roasted.
- Serve hot.
Nutrition
Notes
- You can cut your cauliflower into florets or steaks. To cut as steaks, place your cauliflower head stem side down. Use a knife to cut thick slices.
- Feel free to add some spice by adding crushed red pepper flakes!
- This cauliflower will keep fresh for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- If you prefer to cook this in your air fryer, follow the directions in my Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks recipe.
Nutritional Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.
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Let us know how it was!
I make a similar cauliflower, but have never tried making it with lime. Sounds awesome!
I think the lime adds a little extra pop. My kids seem to like it :-).
I made this tonight for dinner. I loved it and will definitely make it again. Thanks Fearless Dining!
I am so glad you liked it Renee 🙂
A cauliflower is popular in the middle east, I love how you upgraded with turmeric and curry, nice combo!
Thank you so much Farida 🙂