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Keto Tahini Cauliflower Salad

author avatar Dr. Eric Berg 11/01/2024

Craving a flavorful, healthy dish that’s easy to make? This tahini cauliflower salad is a vibrant, nutrient-packed option that satisfies your taste buds and health goals.

It’s incredibly versatile, perfect as a side dish, light lunch, or a satisfying snack. This fresh meal is absolutely delicious.

The Nutritional Powerhouse: Tahini Cauliflower Salad

Cauliflower, the star of this salad, is a low-carb, high-fiber vegetable packed with vitamins and minerals. It’s a great option packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. It supports your immune system, bone health, and overall well-being.

Tahini, made from sesame paste (ground sesame seeds), is another nutritional powerhouse. It’s rich in healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium.

Tahini has been linked to several health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and promoting heart health. It also has a creamy texture.

Reap the Benefits of Tahini

Often called “the other nut butter," tahini comes from toasted, hulled, and finely chopped sesame seeds. Its texture resembles natural peanut butter, and its taste is rich, earthy, and nutty.

Some varieties offer bolder, sharper notes, while others are sweeter. Tahini is versatile enough for both savory dishes and sweet recipes.

Its unique nutrient composition can contribute to various health advantages. Its use adds acidity and supports blood and overall vitamin intake. To add flavor, you can add fresh herbs.

Nutrient

Amount per 100g

Protein

17g

Fat

50g

Fiber

12g

Iron

8% of the recommended daily intake

Calcium

9% of the recommended daily intake

This data shows how tahini adds essential nutrients to a balanced diet. Incorporating it into your meals boosts your dietary intake.

Making the Perfect Tahini Cauliflower Salad

This salad is incredibly simple, needing just a few ingredients. Roasting the cauliflower perfectly is key to achieving a tender-crisp texture that complements the creamy tahini dressing. For dressing consistency, follow these directions.

Cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower are very beneficial to our health. Find more helpful information on cruciferous vegetables.

Ingredients

  • 1 large head of fresh cauliflower, cut into florets.

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil.

  • ¼ cup tahini paste.

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice.

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced.

  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley.

  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste.

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a sheet pan. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and tender-crisp. This unlocks the cauliflower’s natural sweetness for a delightful textural contrast.

  2. While the cauliflower roasts, make the tahini dressing. In a large bowl, whisk together tahini paste, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy; the balance of creamy, tangy, and savory is important for this tahini sauce. Aim for desired consistency.

  3. Once cooked, transfer the cauliflower to a serving bowl. While still warm, drizzle with the lemon tahini dressing and toss gently to coat. A warm salad enhances flavors and makes it more inviting.

  4. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy this nutritious salad. It can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Keto broccoli salad

Variations and Salad Serving Suggestions

This salad is incredibly versatile, with countless variations. For more nutrients, add chopped vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots, and celery.

Toasted nuts like pine nuts or seeds like pumpkin seeds add a satisfying crunch and complexity.

This tahini cauliflower salad can be an interesting addition to specific diets, like Healthy Keto. As an important keto meal, it helps maximize energy levels.

Here are some cauliflower serving suggestions:

  • Serve warm or at room temperature.

  • Add cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.

  • Pair it with roasted broccoli or sprouts salad.

  • Include pickled red onion for a tangy kick.

Here are some dressing adds to change the flavor profile of your lemon tahini dressing:

  • Dijon mustard.

  • Red wine vinegar.

  • Ground cumin.

  • Smoked paprika.

  • Garlic powder.

keto tahini dip

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Variations: Adding Tahini for a Keto Twist

If you enjoy a classic Broccoli Cauliflower Salad, this tahini cauliflower variation is a perfect keto-friendly twist. By swapping in tahini as the main dressing ingredient, you’ll add a rich, nutty flavor along with healthy fats, making this salad both satisfying and low in carbs.

Tahini pairs beautifully with cauliflower and broccoli, enhancing the salad with a creamy texture and a boost of nutrients.

This version of the salad is ideal for those following a keto lifestyle. It combines low-carb vegetables with a high-fat dressing that helps you stay full and energized.

Try adding extras like toasted seeds, fresh herbs, or even a squeeze of lemon to elevate the flavors and make this tahini cauliflower salad a standout in your keto meal rotation.

Conclusion

Tahini cauliflower salad is a flavorful example of how healthy, simple ingredients can come together to create a nutritious and satisfying meal.

With cauliflower's essential minerals and healthy fats, this dish is perfect for those on a keto diet or anyone looking to add more wholesome ingredients to their meals.

The lemon-tahini dressing brings a tangy, nutty richness that elevates the salad, making it both a delicious and nourishing option.

Beyond its health benefits, this salad is incredibly versatile. Whether serving it as a side dish, packing it for a quick lunch, or enjoying it as a light snack, tahini cauliflower salad fits effortlessly into various meal routines.

It’s a reminder that healthy eating doesn’t mean compromising on taste and that nutrient-rich dishes can be simple to prepare and full of flavor.

Whether following a keto lifestyle or just seeking a nutritious addition to your diet, this vibrant salad makes healthy eating a delicious experience worth savoring.

FAQs about Tahini Cauliflower Salad

 

Is tahini cauliflower salad keto-friendly?

 

Yes, it’s typically keto-friendly due to cauliflower’s low carbohydrate content and the healthy fats from tahini and olive oil. If the dressing recipe calls for sweeteners, omit them or use a keto-friendly option. Be mindful of any added ingredients.

 

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

 

Absolutely. Roast the cauliflower and make the dressing ahead. Store separately and combine just before serving for the best crunchy texture.

 

What can I substitute for tahini?

If you don’t have tahini, try other nut kinds of butter, like almond or cashew butter. The flavor will be a little different. This is a great option when tahini paste isn't available.

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