Chili Lime Roasted Cauliflower
Chili Lime Roasted Cauliflower is a vibrant and flavorful side dish featuring crispy roasted cauliflower florets tossed in a zesty lime and smoky chili seasoning. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors with a delightful crunchy texture, making it an ideal accompaniment to grilled meats, vegan mains, or salads.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium fresh cauliflower head, cut into uniform florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Chopped green onions (scallions)
- Prep Your Cauliflower: Wash and thoroughly dry the cauliflower head. Cut it into bite-sized, evenly sized florets to ensure uniform roasting and maximum crispiness.
- Mix Your Seasoning: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create the marinade that will infuse the cauliflower with bold flavors.
- Toss and Coat: Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss gently but thoroughly, making sure every piece is evenly coated with the chili lime seasoning.
- Roast to Perfection: Spread the coated florets evenly in a single layer on a baking sheet to avoid steaming. Roast in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the edges are golden and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: After roasting, give the cauliflower a final squeeze of fresh lime juice and sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for a bright, fresh finish before serving.
Notes
- Make sure cauliflower florets are completely dry to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Roast in a single layer to prevent sogginess caused by trapped steam.
- Adjust chili powder quantity based on your desired spice level.
- Always use fresh lime juice for a brighter, fresher flavor.
- Flip the florets halfway through roasting for even browning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Chili Lime Roasted Cauliflower, roasted cauliflower, chili lime cauliflower, crispy cauliflower side dish, vegan side dish, gluten free, healthy vegetables