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Easy Roasted Cauliflower
Summer garden harvest season is upon us! Now is the time to cook up some delicious summer vegetable recipes like this one for easy roasted cauliflower with herbs and lemon.
This quick and colorful 1-pan cauliflower side dish is a definite favorite. It’s super easy and is the perfect accompaniment for a late summer celebration. I used a lovely tri-color blend of homegrown cauliflower roasted to perfection with simple seasonings and herbs.
This recipe is great for using up a lot of cauliflower at once, which is especially great for those of us with large gardens. I also like that this recipe uses herbs that can be harvested from summer herb gardens. Yumm…there’s nothing like fresh herbs to make a recipe come to life!Â
For those of you interested in using more herbs and spices in your cooking, check out this amazing list of herbs and spices by the Cooking Detective:Â Â An Ultimate List of Herbs and Spices for Use in the Kitchen

How to Make Easy Roasted Cauliflower
When it comes to versatile side dishes, few can compete with the delightful and flavorful combination of easy roasted cauliflower with a zesty lemon and herb twist. With a burst of citrusy goodness, it’s an excellent accompaniment to a wide range of entrées. Plus, the colorful mix of purple, orange, and white cauliflower makes it an ideal side-dish option for your next Ostara celebration or any special occasion.
Ingredients for Easy Roasted Cauliflower:
- 3 heads of cauliflower (1 purple, 1 orange, and 1 white if available)
- 1/3 cup of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon of chopped basil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of chopped thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 2 lemons
Instructions:
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Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step ensures that your cauliflower will roast to perfection.
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Prepare the Cauliflower: Wash the cauliflower heads thoroughly and trim them. Then, chop the florets into small, equally-sized pieces. This uniformity ensures even cooking and a consistent flavor throughout your dish.
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Combine with Flavors: In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower florets with the olive oil, chopped parsley, basil, and thyme. Give them a good toss, making sure that the florets are evenly coated with the fragrant oil and herbs. This step is where the magic begins, as the herbs infuse their aromatic essence into the cauliflower.
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Spread on a Baking Sheet: Take a large rimmed baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Spread the cauliflower mixture onto the sheet in a single, even layer. This arrangement ensures that each piece gets the right amount of heat and roasts to perfection.
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Season to Taste: Sprinkle the cauliflower with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the zest of a lemon. These seasonings add depth and zing to your dish. For an extra burst of citrus, squeeze the juice of two lemons over the cauliflower.
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Roast to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the cauliflower for approximately 40 to 50 minutes. Be sure to toss the cauliflower halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and flavor distribution. You’ll know it’s done when the cauliflower has a beautiful golden-brown color and is tender to the bite.
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Serve with Fresh Parsley: Once your easy roasted cauliflower is ready, remove it from the oven and serve it immediately. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of vibrant color and added freshness.
Notes:
Feel free to let your culinary creativity shine with this easy roasted cauliflower recipe. While parsley, basil, and thyme are a delightful combination, you can experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste. Roasted cauliflower is incredibly versatile, so don’t hesitate to get creative and have fun in the kitchen.
In conclusion, this Easy Roasted Cauliflower recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of side dishes. Its vibrant flavors, citrusy zing, and colorful presentation make it a standout option for any meal. Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty main course or making it the star of your Ostara celebration, this easy roasted cauliflower will never disappoint. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the simple preparation process as you elevate your dining experience with this delightful dish.

Lemon & Herb Cauliflower
Barbi GardinerEquipment
- Lemon zester
- Large baking sheet
Ingredients
- 3 heads cauliflower 1 purple, 1 orange, and 1 white, if available
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 Tbsp chopped parsley plus more for garnish
- 1 Tbsp chopped basil
- 1 1/2 tsp chopped thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 2 lemons
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Wash and trim cauliflower, chopping the florets into small equally-sized pieces.
- Add cauliflower to a large bowl with olive oil, parsley, basil, and thyme. Toss to combine, making sure the florets are coated evenly with the oil and herbs.
- Spread the mixture onto a large rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper in an even layer. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Squeeze lemon juice over the vegetables.
- Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, tossing halfway through cooking.
- Once the cauliflower has browned and is cooked through, remove from the oven. Serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
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