Name: Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; ½ teaspoon turmeric; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat); 1 cup cooked quinoa or couscous (or rice for a gluten-free option); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 small cucumber, diced; ¼ red onion, thinly sliced; ½ cup hummus; ¼ cup crumbled feta (optional); ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley; ¼ cup toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds (optional); ¼ cup tahini; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey; 2-3 tablespoons water (to thin); Salt and pepper, to taste

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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!