This Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpea Salad tossed in a tangy mustard vinaigrette is my new go-to salad! It’s so satisfying and simple to make!
I’m thinking after a nice long holiday weekend of overindulging, this healthy little number may be just the ticket!
So how was everyone’s 4th of July?! Did you enjoy the fireworks? Backyard BBQ? Pool party perhaps? Come on, fess up. Did you indulge in one hot dog or hamburger too many?? Did the stretchy pants have to make an appearance? Well, today I’ve got ya covered folks.
A few weeks ago, Tom and I were invited to our friends Kevin and Catherine’s to celebrate their daughter Evelyn’s birthday. I don’t think I’ve ever been invited to their home and haven’t been wowed by the meal they serve! Kevin is an expert sushi maker, chili maker, grillmaster and the list goes on. And Catherine always contributes something just as delicious to the menu! As a food blogger, you may think I always want to take the reigns in the kitchen, but getting invited somewhere and taking note of what other people serve is always a treat.
Catherine made this Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpea Salad for the party, and I have to say, it was love at first bite, so I knew I’d have to share the recipe with you guys. I don’t make cauliflower often enough at home because Tom and my boys are not fans. I however, am a HUGE fan, and the simplicity of this salad and the fabulous flavor make it a total winner in my book!
The recipe is as easy as roasting up the cauliflower that’s been tossed in a bit of olive oil and salt and pepper on a large sheet pan until nice and golden brown. Adding in one can of chickpeas and continuing to bake until they’re heated through, and then removing from the oven and tossing in a light and tangy mustard vinaigrette. It couldn’t get any easier. Just before serving, sprinkle with a bit of parsley and serve either warm or at room temperature and you’ve got a tasty little numba that will wow your guests and keep you out of those stretchy pants and in that stylish summer bikini all summer long… thanks to my good friend Catherine! Enjoy!
Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpea Salad
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower
- 3-4 Tbsp. olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 15.5 oz. can chickpeas rinsed
- 1 Tbsp. fresh parsley finely chopped
Mustard Vinaigrette
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 Tbsp. whole grain mustard
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon Mustard
- 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Cut head of cauliflower into somewhat evenly sized florets. Toss with 2-3 Tbsp. olive oil until well coated . Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Roast, tossing occasionally to promote even browning, for 40 minutes
- Toss rinsed chickpeas with 1 Tbsp. olive oil. Add to pan and continue to roast for 5 minutes. Remove tray from oven and place in a large bowl. Toss with vinaigrette. Sprinkle with parsley. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
- Mustard Vinaigrette: In small bowl, combine all vinaigrette ingredients. Whisk until well blended.
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Sounds like you have quite the friends, Mary Ann! What a salad! Like you, I’m a big fan of cauliflower (and chickpeas) so this one is right up my alley. This crispy chickpeas are so good, aren’t they? Pinning this one and will be enjoying all year round cause I know it’s fantastic. Though, I don’t know about that bikini ;) Have a wonderful weekend! XO
Mary Ann
Me too Dawn! I hope you enjoy this one if you give it a try! No bikini for me either!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
I have to confess, I’ve never though of using cauliflower in a salad, but I love cauliflower, so I know I will love it. Can’t wait to try :)
Mary Ann
I love cauliflower Jennifer and really don’t eat enough. This recipe is so delicious and so easy. You’d love it!
annie@ciaochowbambina
How’d you know there was a little (ahem) overindulgence involved with last weekend?! This dish has definitely come at the right time! As a matter of fact – I’m picking up the ingredients today! This looks amazing, and I’m certain will be a weekly treat on our dinner table! Pinned!
Mary Ann
Yay! I’m so glad Annie! I definitely overindulged! That’s what holidays are for!
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop
I love the brown little bits on the cauliflower. I’ll bet that brings out amazing flavor. This is such a clever salad and definitely one to WOW everyone!
Mary Ann
It wowed me Kathy! I’ve made it a few times since I had it at my friend Catherine’s!
Amisha
This is such a gorgeous healthy salad! My mouth was watering as I was reading it. Being vegetarian, I am always looking for good easy vegetarian options, and this salad hits the spot :)
Mary Ann
You definitely should give this one a go Amisha! It’s really flavorful!
Matt
Love this idea, nothing beats roasted cauliflower!
Mary Ann
Thanks Matt! I agree!
Gerlinde
I love to have friends prepare a nice meal for me and it doesn’t have to be fancy. This looks like a great salad to slim down a little bit.
Mary Ann
Yes, and it’s just what I need during the summer!
Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen
I love roast cauliflower, Mary Ann. And I love recipes like this – simple and delicious and so good for you. No big 4th plans here – my dog is terrified of fireworks so need to stay home and keep her calm. Hope you had a good one!
Mary Ann
My dog was so upset too Geraldine! I love everything about the 4th, but that!
Sarah | Broma Bakery
This is exactly what I want and then some. I’ve been just loving chickpeas lately!
Mary Ann
Then you’ll love this one Sarah!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom
I love summer salads like this! gimme all the roasted cauliflower and chickpeas!
Mary Ann
You got it Alice!
Chris Scheuer
I love off-the-beaten-path veggie salads. This one sounds wonderful. I think roasted cauliflower is in the same family as candy. I can’t get enough!
Mary Ann
Me too Chris! I love this one.
Katherine | Love In My Oven
I love roasted cauliflower! I’ve had roasted cauliflower and chickpea tacos, and loved it so I’m sure I will love this salad also. Hope you had a great 4th of July Mary Ann!
Mary Ann
You’ll definitely love it then Katherine! Great idea to make it into tacos!
Marissa
I love picking up new dishes from friends – then it’s tied to that happy memory every time I make it. I can see why you had to make this one and, yes, perfect after the heavy eating weekend. Keith loves roasted cauliflower but is allergic to chickpeas (poor guy, right? no hummus!). Anyway, do you think cannellini beans would stand in here or would you suggest a different bean?
Mary Ann
Poor Keith! I think cannellini beans would be a great substitute Marissa. Hope you guys enjoy!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen
it sounds like a really lovely salad! crunchy chickpeas and that tangy mustard make it a fun bite!
Mary Ann
It is Gina! I hope you try it!
Nicole @ Young, Broke and Hungry
Cauliflower is one of my favorite vegetables but I don’t eat it nearly enough. That changes now! This salad looks like it packs in so much flavor with just a few ingredients.
Mary Ann
I know! It’s such an easy recipe Nicole! I know you’ll love it!
Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy
Absolutely LOVE these flavors! <3
Mary Ann
Yay!! Thanks Jennifer!
Laura | Tutti Dolci
I love roasted cauliflower and your mustard vinaigrette sounds so good!
Mary Ann
It’s so good Laura! I hope you try it!
Traci | Vanilla And Bean
Sounds like you had a fabulous 4th, Mary Ann… Splurging is a requirement! No fireworks here, but a pool party and lots of good food! We had a blast! This salad, you know I’m lovin’ it! That splash of mustard flips my switch! Delicious!
Mary Ann
Hope you’re enjoying your family in Texas Traci! Spent most of the fireworks night snuggling with Tucker our dog who was a nervous wreck! Ugh! I knew you’d love this recipe!
Kate @ Framed Cooks
I agree that it’s sometimes fun to be the one NOT in the kitchen! But I would happily be in the kitchen for this salad – I always forget about cauliflower in the summer, but of course it is delicious all year round!
Mary Ann
Yes, it definitely is Kate! I hope you try it!
Anne@ASaladForAllSeasons
This salad looks fantastic! I don’t think cauliflower gets enough credit. It’s a veg that I really like and you can do so much with it. And I bet that delicious mustardy dressing pulls it all together perfectly! :)
Mary Ann
I totally agree Anne! I hope you try this recipe. I think you’d love the mustard vinaigrette. It works perfectly. Thanks so much for following along and dropping by to leave a comment. Happy Sunday!
Tieghan
Yum! This salad sounds delicious!
Emily
Agree, I love cooking for friends, but it’s also such a treat to be cooked for by others. Mustard goes so well with cauliflower, and how nice to pair it with chickpeas for extra protein. Hopefully your boys will be eating all kinds of cauliflower after this one. :)
Mary Ann
It really is such a treat Emily. I loved this recipe the minute I tried it. I knew I had to share! I’m working on the boys, including my husband, on the cauliflower. Happy Monday! Hope you are having a great summer!
Cindy
This looks incredible. I made some cauliflower the other day for my parents, and I would have love to tried something new and wonderful like this. Keeping your site on easy bookmark this summer!
Mary Ann
Yay! This was a friends recipe and it’s so delicious! I’ve made it quite a few times now and I just love how tasty and easy it is.
Jessica Orika
Wow… This is great MaryAnn. I’ve never thought of using cauliflower in a salad before. Can’t wait to try this. I’m a bit scared of trying tho. Wish me luck! Thanks for sharing.
Mary Ann
You can do it Jessica! I know you’ll love it!
Dan Mills
This was an excellent healthy recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Mary Ann
You’re quite welcome Dan! Glad you enjoyed it! Happy Holidays!
Virginia
I made this salad for a pot luck today. And although the taste was delicious, my personal feelings is that 40 min roast time is way too much. I broke the pieces in good sized chunks and yet they were much too soft to me. I would have preferred a little more texture to the cauliflower and will roast it for only 25 min next time. Also, the color was bland. Lots of beige going on in this salad. To me it was better with a small amount of finely diced, red, green and yellow peppers to brighten up the dull color.
Mary Ann
Sorry to hear this one didn’t work exactly like you wanted Virginia. Next time I make it, I’ll trying roasting for 25 minutes. I’m always open to suggestions! Nice idea to add the peppers for color too!