23 Smart Cauliflower Recipes If You're Trying To Eat Less Meat (2024)

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Hannah LoewentheilPublished on October 26, 2017
23 Smart Cauliflower Recipes If You're Trying To Eat Less Meat (2)

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1. Cauliflower Pizza Crust

23 Smart Cauliflower Recipes If You're Trying To Eat Less Meat (3)

Damn Delicious / Via damndelicious.net

Load this doughy, cheesy cauliflower crust with all of your favorite pizza toppings. Get the recipe.

2. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

23 Smart Cauliflower Recipes If You're Trying To Eat Less Meat (4)

The Mccallum's Shamrock Patch / Via themccallumsshamrockpatch.com

Introducing: Your new game day party pleasing recipe. Bake these spicy cauliflower nuggets in the oven until golden and crispy, then serve them with ranch or blue cheese for dipping. Get the recipe.

3. General Tso's Cauliflower

23 Smart Cauliflower Recipes If You're Trying To Eat Less Meat (5)

PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL / Via purewow.com

This better-for-you version of a Chinese classic is the smart (and delicious) alternative to ordering take out. Get the recipe.

4. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

23 Smart Cauliflower Recipes If You're Trying To Eat Less Meat (6)

Primavera Kitchen / Via primaverakitchen.com

Looking for a veggie side dish the entire family will love? Try these crispy cauliflower bites seasoned with garlic, black pepper, paprika and Parmesan. Get the recipe.

5. Cauliflower Fried "Rice"

23 Smart Cauliflower Recipes If You're Trying To Eat Less Meat (7)

Eat Yourself Skinny / Via eatyourselfskinny.com

The best part about this recipe is its versatility. Dress it up with any of your favorite stir-fry vegetables and proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Get the recipe.

6. Cheesy Cauliflower Breadsticks

Jo Cooks / Via jocooks.com

These gluten-free and low-carb "bread" sticks all start with riced cauliflower. Add eggs, mozzarella, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper, and bake it for 25 minutes until warm, cheesy, and golden. Get the recipe.

7. Cauliflower Quinoa Meatballs

The Almond Eater / Via thealmondeater.com

Add these on top of spaghetti, zucchini noodles, rice, or even polenta for an easy weeknight dinner. Get the recipe.

8. Lebanese Cauliflower

23 Smart Cauliflower Recipes If You're Trying To Eat Less Meat (8)

The Endless Meal / Via theendlessmeal.com

This side dish, which calls for lemon juice, sea salt, and tahini sauce, might be simple, but it takes your basic roasted cauliflower to the next level. Get the recipe.

9. Spicy Shrimp with Cauliflower Mash

23 Smart Cauliflower Recipes If You're Trying To Eat Less Meat (9)

Pinch of Yum / Via pinchofyum.com

The next time you're craving some southern comfort food, opt for this better-for-you take on shrimp and grits. Get the recipe.

10. Roasted Cauliflower Buffalo Pizza

23 Smart Cauliflower Recipes If You're Trying To Eat Less Meat (10)

This Savory Vegan / Via thissavoryvegan.com

You probably never thought cauliflower could be such a perfect pizza topping. The florets get tossed with olive oil, garlic powder, chili powder, pepper and buffalo sauce, then roasted in the oven. Get the recipe.

11. Cheesy Cauliflower Mushroom Risotto

Paleo Glutten Free / Via paleoglutenfree.com, Paleo Gluten Free / Via paleoglutenfree.com

There's no arborio rice involved in this cheesy, decadent risotto. Cauliflower rice gets seriously creamy thanks to mushrooms in truffle oil and a vegan cheese sauce made with coconut milk, cashews, and nutritional yeast. Get the recipe.

12. Buffalo Cauliflower Sandwich

23 Smart Cauliflower Recipes If You're Trying To Eat Less Meat (11)

Hot For Food Blog / Via hotforfoodblog.com

Whether you're cutting back on meat or just want to try something different, these addictive veggie burgers are made with milk (dairy or non-dairy), flour, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, butter, and hot sauce. Get the recipe.

13. Shepherd's Pie with Mashed Cauliflower

23 Smart Cauliflower Recipes If You're Trying To Eat Less Meat (12)

Oven Love Blog / Via ovenloveblog.com

Potato, potahto. This mashed cauliflower topping is the perfect way to make a comforting dinner just a little bit healthier. Get the recipe.

14. Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

The Healthy Foodie / Via thehealthyfoodie.com

This cheesy casserole will get even the pickiest eater to chow down on vegetables. Get the recipe.

15. Roasted Cauliflower and Fried Halloumi Tacos

Half Baked Harvest / Via halfbakedharvest.com

This cauliflower taco filling is seasoned in oil, paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper, then topped with sizzling sliced halloumi cheese. If you don't have time to make the spicy avocado basil guacamole, your regular guac will work just fine. Get the recipe.

16. Sticky Honey Sriracha Cauliflower “Wings”

Gimme Delicious / Via gimmedelicious.com

Serve these sweet and tangy cauliflower bites with rice, lo mein noodles, or on top of a bed of stir-fried veggies. Get the recipe.

17. Cauliflower Creamed Spinach

Living Chirpy / Via livingchirpy.com

Eat your veggies and indulge too with this drool-worthy party dip loaded with cauliflower, spinach, onion, and mozzarella cheese. Get the recipe.

18. Mashed Cauliflower with Parmesan and Chives

Foodie Crush / Via foodiecrush.com

How good would this mashed cauli look at your Thanksgiving table? Get the recipe.

19. Cauliflower Pizza Casserole

Clean Food Crush / Via cleanfoodcrush.com

It's like deep-dish pizza...without the crust. The best part is you can make the whole thing with almost no effort in your slow cooker. Get the recipe.

20. Cauliflower "Mac" and Cheese

23 Smart Cauliflower Recipes If You're Trying To Eat Less Meat (13)

Gimme Delicious / Via gimmedelicious.com

You'll crave this lower-carb alternative to classic mac and cheese. Instead of noodles, cauliflower florets get cooked until tender in a mix of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, and cream cheese. Get the recipe.

21. Cauliflower Parmesan

23 Smart Cauliflower Recipes If You're Trying To Eat Less Meat (14)

Fork and Beans / Via forkandbeans.com

Nope, that's not chicken. But when you coat cauliflower steaks in bread crumbs, top them with marinara sauce, and bake them until nice and crispy, you might not know the difference. Get the recipe.

22. Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Chowder

Simply Quinoa / Via simplyquinoa.com

Roasted garlic hummus, cashews, and miso paste make this soup extra thick and rich so you don't have to add any milk, butter, or cream. Get the recipe.

23. BBQ Cauliflower Steak with Chimichuri

Every Last Bite / Via everylastbite.com

These thick and hearty cauliflower steaks are a great dinner idea for anyone trying to cut back on meat. Get the recipe.

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    23 Smart Cauliflower Recipes If You're Trying To Eat Less Meat (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the healthiest way to eat cauliflower? ›

    You can keep more of its nutrients if you steam, roast, or stir-fry it. But boiling it can lower the levels of its B vitamins, vitamin C, and magnesium. Cauliflower is also a healthy low-carb, gluten-free alternative to legumes and grains.

    Is cauliflower a meat substitute? ›

    These vegetarian recipes are made with mild-tasting cauliflower which makes them the perfect meat substitute. One taste of our BBQ Cauliflower Nachos, Buffalo Cauliflower "Wings", or Cauliflower Burrito Bowls, and you'll turn into a cauliflower lover!

    What is the best way to cook cauliflower without losing nutrients? ›

    Steaming and microwaving cauliflower will better preserve its vitamin content, especially the B vitamins, than if it is boiled. To microwave: Put 2 cups of florets in a shallow microwavable dish, or cover a whole head of cauliflower with plastic wrap.

    What pairs well with cauliflower? ›

    Anchovy, beef, blue cheese, buffalo mozzarella, butter, cheddar cheese, chickpeas, curry, farro, feta cheese, gruyère cheese, parmesan cheese, pork, quinoa, rice, saffron, tahini, tofu, turkey, turmeric, yoghurt.

    What does cauliflower do to your gut? ›

    Because of its prebiotic fiber content, cauliflower helps feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut. “Having a healthy gut microbiome is crucial for your overall well-being, not to mention reducing your colon cancer risk,” Andrews says. Fiber also promotes healthy digestion and helps you have regular bowel movements.

    How many times a week should you eat cauliflower? ›

    How many times a week should you eat cauliflower? It's recommended to eat at least 3/4 cup of cauliflower every day. This means you should have almost 5 cups every week. For those who can easily digest this vegetable, it would be good to have 1.5 cups every day, which amounts to about 10 cups of cauliflower in a week.

    What is the best vegetable to replace meat? ›

    Mushrooms are one of the most popular vegetables to replace meat due to their savory umami flavor and meaty texture. Portobello mushrooms are large enough to eat just like a burger and sturdy enough to be able to throw on the grill without falling apart.

    What can I eat in place of meat? ›

    How to get protein without the meat
    • Pulses. Pulses are an inexpensive protein choice, are high in fibre and a source of iron. ...
    • Soya beans. ...
    • Quinoa. ...
    • Nuts. ...
    • Seeds. ...
    • Cereals and grains. ...
    • Quorn™ ...
    • Dairy.

    How to get protein without meat? ›

    5 Protein-Packed Foods for Healthy, Meatless Meals
    1. Eggs. Eggs are a great source of protein. ...
    2. Tree Nuts. Tree nuts include walnuts, almonds and pecans — don't confuse them with peanuts, which are legumes. ...
    3. Legumes. Legumes include a range of beans and peas such as black beans, chickpeas and lentils. ...
    4. Soy. ...
    5. Yogurt.

    Why you must not throw away cauliflower leaves? ›

    Because cauliflower leaves are not only edible, they're delicious! Leaves and stems are healthy and nutritious, chocked full of fibre, calcium and vitamin C (that's the one that gives you muscles, by the way).

    Why do you soak cauliflower before cooking? ›

    If you're planning to roast the cauliflower whole or slice it into steaks, slice off the thick stem at the base. Drop the whole cauliflower head upside-down into cool, salted water. Let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes to remove dirt, residue and bugs.

    What part of the body does cauliflower help? ›

    Cauliflower is high in fiber and water. Both are important for preventing constipation, maintaining a healthy digestive tract, and lowering the risk of colon cancer. Studies have shown that dietary fiber may also help regulate the immune system and inflammation.

    What to avoid when buying cauliflower? ›

    Avoid cauliflower with small brown specks on the florets; they are a sign of aging. The size of the cauliflower head does not affect its quality. Keep raw cauliflower in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped, for three to five days.

    What is broccoli and cauliflower together called? ›

    Romanesco, also known as broccoflower or Roman cauliflower, is a chartreuse, unique-looking vegetable prized for its appearance and mild flavor. It is sometimes assumed to be a hybrid between broccoli and cauliflower but is botanically different (although related).

    What to do if you eat too much cauliflower? ›

    While everyone's tolerance is different, too much cauliflower can create G.I. distress, like excess gas and bloating. “Make sure to drink enough water to move it through your system,” suggests Lincoln. Cooking it can also dial back digestion woes.

    Is cauliflower healthier, raw or cooked? ›

    Eating raw cauliflower provides maximum vitamin C content, but cooking cauliflower allows your body to absorb more nutrients, such as vitamin K and potassium. Roasting or steaming cauliflower brings out its natural flavors and adds a delightful texture.

    Is it healthier to steam or bake cauliflower? ›

    Evenly-sized florets: When cutting the cauliflower into florets, aim for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. Steaming for nutrient retention: Steaming preserves the cauliflower's natural flavors and nutrients best. This is the ideal option if you're looking to maximize health benefits.

    What is the healthiest way to eat broccoli and cauliflower? ›

    While eating them raw is the best way to consume broccoli, cauliflower, or broccoflower your next best option could be to steam them. Without contact with boiling water, steaming is a gentler way to cook.

    Does boiling cauliflower remove the nutrients? ›

    Steaming is a gentler way to cook because the vegetables don't come in contact with the boiling water.” Another 2009 study found peas, cauliflower and zucchini to be particularly susceptible to a loss of nutrients through boiling, losing more than 50% of their antioxidants.

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