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These chili-lime roasted cauliflower, chickpea and quinoa bowls are topped with the yummiest quick-pickled crimson onions and creamy avocado. Naturally gluten-free, plant-based and SO flavorful.
When life will get busy and we want a fast feel-good dinner, a sheet pan of roasted cauliflower and chickpeas is certainly one of our household’s go-to beginning factors. However this specific combo that we improvised just lately ended up being such a winner that I needed to share it with you. ♡
It was impressed by this roasted cauliflower and chickpeas recipe that caught my eye on Pinterest. We occurred to be craving Mexican-inspired flavors that night time, so I adopted the same method however tossed the cauliflower and chickpeas with a zesty mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic and smoked paprika. Then we added some protein-packed pepitas, a number of cilantro and additional lime juice to the marinated crimson onion combination and completed every thing up with some slices of creamy avocado. And in about 45 minutes, this vibrant, flavor-packed, nourishing quinoa salad was able to take pleasure in.
The lime juice provides a vivid, tangy kick that basically brings every thing to life, whereas the nice and cozy, earthy, chili spices make the dish really feel so wealthy and satisfying. We saved our bowls plant-based, however this recipe would even be incredible with grilled hen, shrimp, or a sprinkle of crumbled cheese. And should you occur to produce other roast-friendly veggies hanging round, be happy to toss them on the sheet pan too.
Nonetheless you make it, that is a type of straightforward, endlessly customizable recipes that you simply’ll need to carry on repeat. So the following time you’re craving a comfy bowl of veggies and quinoa, I hope you’ll give this one a strive!
Chili-Lime Cauliflower Quinoa Bowls
Listed below are a number of fast notes concerning the substances you have to to make this chili-lime roasted cauliflower quinoa salad:
- Cauliflower: Cauliflower florets roast up within the oven till caramelized and tender, soaking in the entire zesty spices. Be happy to make use of a bag of pre-chopped cauliflower florets to avoid wasting time, or here’s a tutorial for the way to lower cauliflower should you’d like to purchase an entire head and chop your personal florets.
- Chickpeas: Crisped up within the oven alongside the cauliflower, roasted chickpeas add nice texture, nutty taste, and plant-based protein to the quinoa salad.
- Quinoa: Fluffy quinoa serves as our protein-rich, gluten-free base for these bowls, including a light earthy taste to every chew. I used tri-color quinoa within the batch proven right here, however any number of quinoa will work!
- Pink onion: Sliced crimson onions are quick-pickled in a mixture of lime juice, vinegar and seasonings, including a vibrant burst of shade and tangy brightness to steadiness the nice and cozy flavors cauliflower and chickpeas. Be happy to simply slice them with a pointy chef’s knife, or you possibly can use a mandoline should you desire delicate paper-thin slices.
- Lime juice: Freshly-squeezed lime juice helps to pickle the crimson onion and add a tangy kick that brings the entire seasonings to life.
- Apple cider vinegar:Apple cider vinegar pairs with the lime juice to marinate the onions, including simply sufficient acidity to reinforce their pure sweetness whereas softening their sharp chew.
- Dried seasonings: We’ll use a mixture of chili powder, garlic powder, floor cumin, and smoked paprika to offer the dish a daring, smoky, earthy taste with simply the correct quantity of warmth.
- Pepitas: Toasted pepitas add a satisfying crunch, a salty umami notice, and an additional 28 grams of protein to this salad.
- Avocado: Slices of contemporary avocado add a cool, buttery creaminess that balances the daring chili-lime flavors.
- Cilantro:Lastly, in terms of this recipe, I say the extra cilantro, the higher! Its contemporary, natural taste provides a pop of brightness to every chew and pairs superbly with all the opposite substances.
Recipe Ideas
Step-by-step directions are included within the recipe under, however listed here are a number of further ideas to bear in mind too:
- Pat the chickpeas dry after draining. You’ll want to pat the chickpeas dry with a clear kitchen towel (or paper towels) earlier than tossing them with the oil and seasonings, which is able to assist them get good and crispy as a substitute of steaming within the oven.
- Lower the cauliflower into even florets. No want for perfection, however usually attempt to lower the florets into similarly-sized items in order that they’ll roast evenly. I additionally suggest putting any flat sides down on the pan for further caramelization.
- Rinse the quinoa earlier than cooking. Quinoa has a pure coating known as saponin that may style bitter, so it’s value the additional minute to rinse it off below chilly water with a fine-mesh strainer.
- Use parchment for simple cleanup. Lastly, I like to recommend lining the baking pan with parchment paper to stop the meals from sticking and make for simple breezy cleanup!
Recipe Variations
Listed below are a number of straightforward variations you’re welcome to strive with this recipe:
- Add an additional protein. Grilled hen, pork, chorizo, shrimp, steak, salmon, cod, or scallops would all be scrumptious additions to spice up the protein.
- Add cheese. Attempt crumbled cotija or feta, or sprinkle on some shredded Pepper Jack.
- Use a unique base. Swap in farro, rice, couscous, orzo, or some other grain you like instead of the quinoa.
- Use totally different spices. Change the vibe fully by utilizing a unique spice mix, equivalent to curry powder, Italian herbs, Moroccan ras el hanout, or za’atar.
- Roast further veggies. Toss in additional of your favourite roast-friendly veggies, like bell peppers, candy potatoes, zucchini, carrots, or Brussels sprouts, to make the bowl even heartier.
Extra Roasted Cauliflower Recipes To Attempt!
Love roasted cauliflower as a lot as we do? Listed below are a few of our favourite roasted cauliflower recipes you would possibly take pleasure in:
Description
These chili-lime roasted cauliflower, chickpea and quinoa bowls are topped with the yummiest quick-pickled crimson onions and creamy avocado.
Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpeas:
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or any impartial oil)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon every: garlic powder, floor cumin, smoked paprika, high-quality sea salt
- 1 medium cauliflower, lower into bite-sized florets
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed, drained and patted dry
Marinated Pink Onions:
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon every: chili powder, high-quality sea salt, garlic powder, floor cumin
- 1 small crimson onion, thinly sliced
- 2/3 cup roasted pepitas, plus further for garnish
- 2/3 cup chopped cilantro, plus further for garnish
Quinoa Salad:
- 1 cup raw tri-color quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Roast the cauliflower and chickpeas. Warmth oven to 425°F. In a big mixing bowl, whisk collectively the oil, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika and salt till mixed. Add the cauliflower and chickpeas and gently toss till evenly coated. Pour the combination out evenly onto a parchment-covered baking sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes or till the cauliflower is barely charred across the edges and the chickpeas are largely crispy.
- Marinate the crimson onions. Briefly rinse out the identical mixing bowl. Add the lime juice, oil, vinegar, chili powder, salt, garlic powder and cumin and whisk to mix. Add the crimson onion, pepitas, cilantro and toss to mix.
- Cook dinner the quinoa. Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer. Add the drained quinoa to a saucepan and blend with 1 ½ cups water. Cook dinner over excessive warmth till the water involves a boil. Decrease the warmth to medium-low, cowl and simmer for 10 minutes. Take away the pot from the warmth and let it relaxation (nonetheless coated with the lid) for five minutes. Take away the lid and fluff the quinoa with a fork.
- Mix. Assemble the bowls with layers of quinoa, cauliflower and chickpeas, and the marinated onion combination. Serve with avocado slices, plus further pepitas or cilantro if desired, and luxuriate in!