These Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls are a flavorful, plant-based twist on the classic Middle Eastern dish. Roasted spiced cauliflower is served over a bed of fluffy grains, crisp veggies, and a creamy tahini dressing for a satisfying and nutritious meal. Perfect for meal prep, these bowls are packed with bold spices, fresh textures, and vibrant colors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A healthy, plant-based alternative to traditional shawarma
- Bursting with bold, aromatic Middle Eastern spices
- Perfect for meal prep or a quick, nutritious weeknight meal
- Easily customizable with different grains, proteins, and toppings
- Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free with a creamy tahini dressing
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Roasted Cauliflower:
- Cauliflower, cut into florets
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Coriander
- Turmeric
- Cinnamon
- Salt and black pepper
- Lemon juice
For the Bowl Base:
- Cooked quinoa, rice, or couscous
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Cucumber, diced
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Pickled red onions (optional)
- Hummus (optional)
For the Tahini Dressing:
- Tahini
- Lemon juice
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Water (to thin)
- Salt and black pepper
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set to 425°F (220°C).
- Season the Cauliflower: Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet.
- Roast: Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cauliflower once roasted.
- Make the Tahini Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Add water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide cooked quinoa (or your grain of choice) into bowls. Top with roasted cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley.
- Drizzle with Dressing: Spoon the tahini dressing over the bowl and add hummus or pickled onions if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Mix everything together and enjoy your flavorful, nutritious meal!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or falafel for extra protein.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or drizzle with harissa.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap quinoa/rice for cauliflower rice or a bed of greens.
- Extra Creaminess: Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or dairy-free tzatziki.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle with toasted almonds or pine nuts for texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm the cauliflower in an oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Dressing Storage: Store tahini dressing in the fridge for up to a week. Stir well before using.
FAQs
What is shawarma seasoning?
Shawarma seasoning is a blend of Middle Eastern spices like cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon that create a warm, aromatic flavor.
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and pat it dry before seasoning and roasting.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes! This dish is completely plant-based.
Can I use a different dressing?
Absolutely! A yogurt-based dressing, hummus drizzle, or garlic sauce would also work well.
What’s the best grain for this bowl?
Quinoa, rice, bulgur, or farro all make great bases.
How do I make the cauliflower extra crispy?
Roast at a high temperature and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure crisp edges.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes! Roast the cauliflower and chop the veggies in advance for quick assembly.
What other toppings go well with this?
Olives, feta cheese, or a drizzle of pomegranate molasses add great flavor.
Can I make this oil-free?
Yes, roast the cauliflower using vegetable broth instead of oil and skip the olive oil in the dressing.
How do I keep leftovers fresh?
Store the components separately and assemble just before eating to maintain freshness and texture.
Conclusion
Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls are a flavorful, healthy, and easy meal that’s perfect for busy days. Packed with warm spices, fresh veggies, and a creamy tahini dressing, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious. Try it today and customize it with your favorite toppings!
Description
These bowls are inspired by Middle Eastern shawarma flavors, featuring roasted cauliflower coated in warm spices, served over fluffy grains with crisp cucumbers, tomatoes, and a creamy garlic tahini dressing. Perfect for a nourishing lunch or dinner!
For the Shawarma Cauliflower:
For the Bowl Base:
For the Garlic Tahini Dressing:
-
Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Roast the Cauliflower:
- In a large bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil and spices until well coated.
- Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
-
Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
- Add water a little at a time until the dressing reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
-
Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide quinoa or couscous between serving bowls.
- Top with roasted cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Add a dollop of hummus and sprinkle with feta, parsley, and nuts if using.
-
Drizzle & Serve:
- Drizzle the garlic tahini dressing over the bowls and serve immediately.
Notes
- Protein Boost: Add roasted chickpeas, grilled chicken, or tofu for extra protein.
- Spice it up: Serve with a dollop of harissa or spicy chili sauce.
- Make it meal-prep friendly: Store the cauliflower and toppings separately and assemble fresh before eating.