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Fresh Nye Cocktails Dinner Bowl Recipe with Spicy Roasted Cauliflower

fresh nye cocktails dinner bowl - featured image

A vibrant, flavor-packed dinner bowl featuring smoky, spicy roasted cauliflower paired with fresh greens and a zesty cocktail-inspired dressing. Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknights or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 cups mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, romaine)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup cucumber, diced
  • ½ cup cooked quinoa or brown rice (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnishes: fresh cilantro or parsley, toasted pepitas or sliced almonds, crumbled feta cheese or vegan cheese alternative

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Rinse and pat dry cauliflower, cut into 1 to 1.5 inch florets.
  3. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss cauliflower florets until evenly coated.
  4. Arrange cauliflower in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, leaving space between florets.
  5. Roast for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through at about 15 minutes, until edges are crispy and insides tender.
  6. While cauliflower roasts, whisk together lime juice, orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, jalapeño, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust sweetness and heat to taste.
  7. Rinse and dry mixed greens, halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, and cook quinoa or brown rice if using.
  8. Assemble the bowl by layering mixed greens, quinoa or rice (if using), roasted cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
  9. Drizzle generously with the cocktail-inspired dressing and toss gently to combine.
  10. Garnish with fresh herbs, nuts, and cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra crispy cauliflower, broil for last 2 minutes watching carefully. Rest dressing in fridge for 10 minutes before tossing for better flavor melding. Avoid crowding cauliflower on pan to prevent steaming. Adjust cayenne and jalapeño to control spice level. Dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and shaken before use.

Nutrition

Keywords: dinner bowl, roasted cauliflower, spicy cauliflower, cocktail-inspired dressing, healthy dinner, quick dinner, vegan dinner, gluten-free