• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Nibble and Dine
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Appetizers
    • Entrees
    • Sides
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
  • About
  • Contact
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Contact
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Sides

    Cilantro Lime Roasted Cauliflower

    Published: Jul 30, 2021 · Modified: Aug 19, 2021 by Kate · This post may contain affiliate links

    1.5K shares
    • Share
    • Yummly
    • Mix
    • Email
    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
    roasted cauliflower in bowl with spoon and text at the top
    collage of roasted cauliflower in bowl and on pan with text in the center

    This easy roasted cauliflower recipe is extra special because it's flavored with lime, cilantro and garlic! You can make this fantastically flavorful cauliflower side dish with only 7 basic ingredients, and only 10 minutes active prep time!

    cilantro lime roasted cauliflower in white bowl with spoon

    Note: this post was originally published in 2019 and updated in 2021 with new photos and improved instructions.

    In my opinion, roasting is the #1 way to prepare cauliflower (although, my aunt did make an amazing battered and deep fried cauliflower that was on a whole other level!). But, for a quick, easy and flavorful cauliflower side dish, roasting is the way to go; it just gives so much rich and nutty flavor, and a beautiful caramel color that's hard to beat.

    And, you can make roasted cauliflower EVEN MORE delicious with this recipe for cilantro lime roasted cauliflower! Cauliflower florets are flavored with garlic, lime juice, and fresh chopped cilantro. But wait, there is even a secret ingredient...mayonnaise!

    It may sound unusual, but the mayo really helps to brown the cauliflower, and provides a rich mouthfeel that's a little different from only using oil. I don't think you can tell there is mayo in the final product either, but it's really doing a lot!

    (If you need a main course to go with this delicious cauliflower, check out my recipe for grilled balsamic chicken!)

    Recipe ingredients

    recipe ingredients with text overlay

    Ingredient notes

    • Limes: fresh lime juice is the best, but if you have bottled lime juice, that will also work.
    • Cilantro: I know cilantro can be divisive; if cilantro is not your thing, you can substitute with another fresh herb you like, such as parsley, chives, and/or dill.
    • Kosher salt: I used kosher salt in this recipe, which has a coarse grain. If you want to substitute fine grain salt, reduce the amount from 1 teaspoon to ¾ teaspoon.

    Step by step photos

    1. First, whisk together the kosher salt, black pepper, lime juice, garlic and mayo in a large bowl until smooth.

    whisking mayo dressing in large bowl

    2. Then, add the cauliflower florets into the bowl.

    cauliflower florets being added to bowl of mayo dressing

    3. Toss the cauliflower well with the mayo dressing, making sure the cauliflower florets are evenly coated.

    cauliflower florets being stirred with dressing

    4. Then, spread the cauliflower out evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Scrape out any remaining dressing from the bowl and pour it overtop the cauliflower.

    raw cauliflower florets being spread out on baking sheet

    5. Roast the cauliflower in a 425 degree F oven for 20 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and stir the cauliflower well, and spread it evenly on the baking sheet again.

    half roasted cauliflower being stirred with spatula on baking sheet

    6. Place the pan back in the oven for another 10 - 15 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and well browned. Sprinkle the cilantro overtop the cauliflower and toss everything together on the baking sheet.

    hand sprinkling chopped cilantro over roasted cauliflower

    7. You can also sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on the cauliflower too! Serve the cauliflower immediately, garnished with lime wedges if you like.

    hand sprinkling flaky sea salt overtop roasted cauliflower

    Tips and tricks

    • The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons lime juice, but if you want the roasted cauliflower to be extra tangy, you can increase the lime in the recipe up to 3 tablespoons.
    • When you are cutting up your florets, make them on the smaller side; about one and a half to two inch chunks is a good size. Of course, you can cut them larger, they may just need a little more time in the oven. (Also, be sure to add in all those little crumbles of cauliflower from the cutting board, they turn deliciously crispy in the oven!)
    • When you are tossing the cauliflower florets in the mayo and lime dressing, make sure to toss it very well, so the dressing seeps into all the nooks and crannies. You shouldn't see any dry bits of cauliflower remaining!
    • Likewise, when you remove the cauliflower from the oven after the first 20 minutes, stir the cauliflower very well so the remaining dressing is redistributed onto the florets.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

    This roasted cauliflower recipe will taste best when served right after roasting, but there are some steps you can do ahead to save time.

    First, you can cut the cauliflower florets ahead and store them in a zip top bag or food storage container in the fridge, up to 2 days in advance.

    You can also mix up the mayo and lime dressing up to 2 days ahead of time and store it in a small jar or tightly covered container in the fridge.

    How do I store roasted cauliflower leftovers?

    Leftovers can be stored in the fridge, kept in a tightly covered container, for 3 - 4 days. The cauliflower also reheats well in the microwave. Bonus points - after heating the leftovers, sprinkle some more freshly chopped cilantro over the top!

    Can I freeze this cauliflower recipe?

    Yes, you can freeze this roasted cauliflower! It will keep in the freezer (in an airtight container) for 6 months. Here is a great comprehensive guide on freezing vegetables.

    cilantro lime roasted cauliflower on baking pan

    Related recipes

    Easy Honey Orange Glazed Carrots in pan with garnishes on the side
    Honey Orange Glazed Carrots
    potatoes and green beans on platter with serving spoon on the side
    Potatoes and Green Beans
    Lemon Herb Roasted Asparagus Close up on Plate
    Lemon Herb Roasted Asparagus

    If you’ve tried this recipe, please leave a star rating and/or review in the comments section below, I would love to hear from you! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. And sign up for my weekly newsletter to get recipes delivered straight to you!

    Print

    Cilantro Lime Roasted Cauliflower

    Cilantro Lime Roasted Cauliflower in bowl FI
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    5 from 11 reviews

    This roasted cauliflower recipe is super easy but is packed with cilantro, lime and garlic flavor - elevating the basic roasted cauliflower to something truly special!

    • Author: Kate
    • Prep Time: 10
    • Cook Time: 35 minutes
    • Total Time: 45 minutes
    • Yield: 4 servings 1x
    • Category: Side Dish
    • Method: bake
    • Cuisine: American

    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 1 head cauliflower (about 2 ¼ pounds/1 kg before trimming), cut into small florets (see notes 1 - 2)
    • ⅓ cup (73 g) mayonnaise
    • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (see note 3)
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste, plus more for sprinkling (see note 4)
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • 3 large or 4 small cloves garlic, minced
    • ⅓ cup (19 g) chopped cilantro
    • optional garnish: lime wedges

    Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 425° F/220° C.
    2. Whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic, kosher salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add in the cauliflower florets and toss together until the cauliflower is well coated in the mayonnaise mixture (you should see no dry patches left on the cauliflower).
    3. Spread the cauliflower out evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If there is any remaining mayonnaise dressing in the bowl, pour it over the cauliflower.
    4. Roast for 20 minutes in the preheated oven. Take out the baking sheet and stir the cauliflower well so the remaining dressing is redistributed on the cauliflower pieces. Spread the cauliflower out evenly and put the baking sheet back in the oven for another 10 - 15 minutes, or until the cauliflower is browned and cooked through.
    5. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the cauliflower with the chopped cilantro. Toss the cauliflower on the pan to evenly distribute the cilantro. Taste a piece of the cauliflower, and if it needs it, lightly sprinkle the cauliflower with a bit more salt (recommendation - use flaky sea salt!) and serve immediately with lime wedges as a garnish.

    Notes

    Aim for florets that are about 1 ½ - 2 inches in size. If the florets are slightly smaller or larger, you may need to adjust the cook time slightly.

    If you are using pre-cut cauliflower florets, you will need about 6 cups.

    For a more intense lime flavor, you can increase the amount of lime juice from 2 tablespoons up to 3 tablespoons.

    Kosher salt is coarse grained; if you want to substitute fine grain salt, reduce the amount used in the dressing from 1 teaspoon to ¾ teaspoon (or, add salt to taste). For finishing the dish, flaky sea salt is a nice touch. If you don't have flaky sea salt, just a light sprinkle of the same salt used for the dressing will also work!

    The nutrition information below is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator, and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical, health, or nutritional advice. See our full nutrition disclosure policy.

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: ¼ recipe
    • Calories: 145
    • Sugar: 1.8 g
    • Sodium: 613 mg
    • Fat: 13.4 g
    • Saturated Fat: 2 g
    • Carbohydrates: 5.6 g
    • Fiber: 1.9 g
    • Protein: 1.6 g
    • Cholesterol: 7 mg

    Keywords: roasted cauliflower, cilantro lime cauliflower, cilantro lime roasted cauliflower

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @nibbleanddine on Instagram and hashtag it #nibbleanddine

    More Side Dish Recipes

    • air fryer baby carrots in bowl FI
      Air Fryer Baby Carrots
    • butternut squash cubes in bowl FI
      Microwave Butternut Squash
    • pumpkin and sweet potato soup FI 2
      Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Soup
    • crock pot stuffing with spoon FI
      Crock Pot Stuffing
    1.5K shares
    • Share
    • Yummly
    • Mix
    • Email

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    1. Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

      April 08, 2019 at 8:19 pm

      I will take cauliflower ALL ways. We love it. Roasted is best for sure. The perfect side to any dinner.






      Reply
      • Kate

        April 09, 2019 at 12:32 pm

        Yes I think so too! Thanks for commenting Gloria! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Elaine Benoit

      April 09, 2019 at 8:02 am

      That looks so delicious. I love all the flavors you have going - especially the cilantro and garlic! I've never put cilantro with my cauliflower but I can't wait to make your recipe as it looks so good!






      Reply
      • Kate

        April 09, 2019 at 12:31 pm

        Thank you Elaine I'm glad you like the recipe!

        Reply
    3. Dan from Platter Talk

      April 10, 2019 at 10:49 pm

      I'm loving this cauliflower recipe, especially because it is keto-friendly; will definitely be giving this one a try soon. Thanks for sharing!






      Reply
      • Kate

        April 12, 2019 at 8:49 am

        I'm glad you like the recipe, thanks Dan!

        Reply
    4. Carrie | Clean Eating Kitchen

      April 11, 2019 at 10:45 am

      What a great way to add flavor to cauliflower! I do enjoy eating it, but it can easily become quite boring! Look forward to trying this recipe out soon!

      Reply
      • Kate

        April 12, 2019 at 8:49 am

        Thank you Carrie, and I agree cauliflower can use some sprucing up from time to time 🙂

        Reply
    5. Denise

      April 11, 2019 at 1:14 pm

      I love cauliflower. The flavors in this sound fresh! I am curious to try mayo when roasting! Thanks for sharing this.






      Reply
      • Kate

        April 12, 2019 at 8:50 am

        Thanks Denise, I hope you enjoy the recipe!

        Reply
    6. Lorie

      April 12, 2019 at 8:58 am

      I have never met a cauliflower dish I didn’t love. This one though may just be my new FAVE!!! The flavors are perfect!!!






      Reply
      • Kate

        April 16, 2019 at 2:09 pm

        I'm so glad you like the recipe Lorie, can't go wrong with garlic and lime I think 🙂

        Reply
    7. Jo

      April 13, 2019 at 2:41 am

      Cauliflower is one vegetable that I prefer to eat in any and all forms. It's so meaty, hearty and completely delicious! Love the flavors here, especially garlic. Garlic makes everything taste aamazing






      Reply
      • Kate

        April 16, 2019 at 2:11 pm

        Yes, I totally agree with you about garlic Jo!

        Reply
    8. Marisa F. Stewart

      April 14, 2019 at 10:58 am

      We love cauliflower even though it is quite colorless. It seems like it absorbs the delicious flavors you add to it. We love it spicy but now that I see that you've added cilantro and lime it gives it a little Tex-Mex touch. Very interesting. I hadn't thought of making it like this. I will definitely do so. Cauliflower is on my grocery list.






      Reply
      • Kate

        April 16, 2019 at 2:11 pm

        I bet if you add some minced jalapeno to make it spicy that would work really well here too!

        Reply
    9. Natalie

      April 14, 2019 at 1:52 pm

      I absolutely love having cauliflower as a side with some meat dinner. I never tried this lime version. But definitely sounds delicious. I'm saving this recipe and will give it a try very soon. It's so healthy and looks amazing!






      Reply
      • Kate

        April 16, 2019 at 2:12 pm

        Thanks Natalie!

        Reply
    10. Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness

      April 14, 2019 at 4:42 pm

      I am LOVING that cauliflower is having a moment! It used to be one of my favourite veggies, so I am glad it is featured everywhere now 🙂
      This sounds like such an interesting combo. I must try it out!!






      Reply
      • Kate

        April 16, 2019 at 2:13 pm

        Thanks Cathleen, I'm glad you like the recipe!

        Reply
    11. Daniela

      April 15, 2019 at 2:00 am

      Yum I love cauliflower, cilantro and lime! And your images are drool worthy! Thanks so much for sharing :).

      Reply
      • Kate

        April 16, 2019 at 2:08 pm

        I'm glad you like the recipe and pictures, thanks Daniela 🙂

        Reply
    12. Jagruti Dhanecha

      April 15, 2019 at 3:26 am

      Exactly my thoughts too, currently the humble cauliflower is a start ingredient amongst so many people and why not? it is nutritious, tasty and versatile l vegetable. Loving your recipe, bookmarking it.






      Reply
      • Kate

        April 16, 2019 at 2:07 pm

        I'm so glad you like the recipe Jagruti!

        Reply
    13. Tasha

      May 14, 2022 at 9:08 am

      Best cauliflower ever 👏👏👏
      Thanks for the inspiring recipe. I just added some red chili pepper flakes for a kick.






      Reply
      • Kate

        May 16, 2022 at 11:02 am

        Yay Tasha I'm so glad you enjoyed the cauliflower recipe, it's one of my favorites 🙂 Chili flakes sounds like a great addition!

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    author Kate holding mug

    Hi there, I'm Kate! I create quick and easy recipes for people who like to cook but are short on time and energy (like me!). I love comfort food, family recipes, and anything with cheese.

    More about me -- >

    Spring produce recipes

    • lemon herb roasted asparagus FI
      Lemon Herb Roasted Asparagus
    • honey orange glazed carrots featured image
      Honey Orange Glazed Carrots
    • two smoothies with kiwi FI
      Kiwi Banana Smoothie
    • cabbage and sausage soup FI
      Cabbage and Sausage Soup

    Most popular recipes

    • Creamy spinach artichoke chicken casserole FI
      Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole
    • Quick Red Beans and Rice in Bowls Featured Image
      Quick Red Beans and Rice
    • Easy cannoli cake FI
      Easy Cannoli Cake
    • Apple Cinnamon Mug Cake Featured Image
      Apple Cinnamon Mug Cake

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Disclosure Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates
    collage of featured in publications.

    Contact

    Contact Me Here!

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Nibble and Dine

    1.5K shares