Skip to Content

Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Chimichurri Sauce

Sharing is caring!

This recipe for whole roasted cauliflower with chimichurri sauce is both stunning and substantial.

Served whole, it's a perfect main dish for one or quartered it's a lovely side or appetizer for four. 

whole roasted cauliflower with sauce

What You'll Need to Make Oven Baked Whole Cauliflower

  • 1 whole cauliflower, leaves trimmed off
  • ½ cup olive oil, divided
  • ½ cup fresh parsley
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro
  • 3 tablespoons fresh oregano
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
head of cauliflower

How to Make Oven Baked Cauliflower

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 C).
  • Rinse the cauliflower, then use ¼ cup of olive oil, to coat the whole head, top to bottom, of cauliflower.
  • Place in a cast iron skillet or baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and cook for 30 minutes.
  • Remove aluminum foil and cook for an additional 60 minutes. The cauliflower will be golden brown when fully cooked.
  • Meanwhile, in a small food processor, combine the remaining olive oil, herbs, garlic, and spices. Blitz till combined, but still slightly chunky.
  • Remove cauliflower from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before topping with chimichurri sauce and serving.

Roasted Cauliflower is the Best Cauliflower

Cauliflower is in season year-round, but it does peak in the fall. I'm sure we've all eaten overdone, boiled cauliflower and thought it tasted like glue.

Roasting it in an oven (or on a grill) is a gorgeous way to cook cauliflower because it brings out the flavor, caramelizes it ever so slightly, and makes it perfectly tender. 


What is Chimichurri Sauce?

Chimichurri is an Argentinian sauce typically used on grilled meat. The chimichurri topping is not absolutely essential, but it's a tangy, complementary flavor that does not disappoint.

Alternatively, I think a splash of garlic butter would also taste great with the cauliflower. 

Healthy Side Dish Recipes You'll Love

roasted head of cauliflower drizzled with chimichurri sauce

I hope you enjoy this healthy, whole roasted cauliflower recipe! 


Yield: 4 servings

Whole Roasted Cauliflower

whole roasted cauliflower with sauce

This recipe for whole roasted cauliflower with chimichurri sauce is both stunning and substantial.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 whole cauliflower, leaves trimmed off
  • ⅓ cup olive oil, divided
  • ½ cup fresh parsley
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro
  • 3 tablespoons fresh oregano
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 C).
  2. Rinse the cauliflower, then use ¼ cup of olive oil, to coat the whole head, top to bottom, of cauliflower.
  3. Place in a cast-iron skillet or baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and cook for 30 minutes.
  4. Remove aluminum foil and cook for an additional 60 minutes. The cauliflower will be golden brown when fully cooked.
  5. Meanwhile, in a small food processor, combine the remaining olive oil, herbs, garlic, and spices. Blitz till combined, but still slightly chunky.
  6. Remove cauliflower from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before topping with chimichurri sauce and serving.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 208Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 293mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 5gSugar: 3gProtein: 3g

Skip to Recipe