This healthy Parmesan-Roasted Ranch Cauliflower With Avocado is a super easy side dish that is kid-friendly, too!
There are some days when I want nothing more than something over-the-top and rich, like goat cheese–stuffed chicken that basically cooks in its own cheesy sauce. And then there are nights when I just need something low-key that doesn’t trash every dish in my kitchen or have me prepping and chopping up 20 ingredients.
As someone who cooks for a living, I’ll admit that dinner at home often turns into “whatever I can throw in a bowl.” Sometimes it’s a stir-fry, sometimes it’s leftover oatmeal with a spoonful of something sweet on top. I hit a point recently where I just needed vegetables. Enter this foolproof roasted cauliflower tossed in homemade ranch seasoning, crisped in the oven, and finished with chunks of avocado and a sprinkle of Parmesan. What was initially one of those slap-it-together dinners has turned into something I now happily make on repeat.
The textures are what hooked me. Roasted cauliflower gets that gorgeous golden hue with crispy edges, and the Parmesan clings deliciously to the hot florets. Then, the cool avocado just mellows everything out in the best way. It’s salty, creamy, crispy, and completely satisfying.
Is Parmesan-Roasted Ranch Cauliflower With Avocado Healthy?
I certainly think so! Cauliflower, the star ingredient, is low in calories but high in fiber, vitamin C, and other antioxidants. It’s also a great option for those following a low-carb or keto diet. Avocado contains heart-healthy fats, potassium, and fiber, while the homemade ranch blend means no additives or artificial ingredients here.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly. It also works for low-carb eaters, and you could easily make it dairy-free by skipping the cheese or using a dairy-free alternative.
Parmesan Pairs Perfectly With Roasted Veggies
Parmesan isn’t just for pasta! When you toss it with some veggies and roast them in the oven, it crisps up into these delightfully salty, golden little nuggets. And with all the nooks and crannies in cauliflower florets, it works its way into every savory bite.
The trick is to use very finely grated Parmesan because you want it to melt quickly and cling to the cauliflower. I also love how the salty flavor contrasts against the mellow avocado for a seriously addictive combo.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Let the cauliflower cool completely, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The avocado chunks will eventually oxidize in the fridge, so keep that in mind. I don’t recommend freezing this dish; the avocado texture doesn’t freeze well, and the roasted cauliflower can get mushy.
Serving Suggestions
This delicious cauliflower recipe has all the flavor and texture you’re looking for and can act as a tasty snack all on its own! If you want to dress it up to make it a meal, I recommend pairing it with some Ranch Baked Greek Yogurt Chicken With Bacon And Cheese to keep that ranch theme going, as well as some greens: a Healthy Broccoli-Apple Salad With Greek Yogurt or a Grilled Zucchini And Green Bean Salad would complement these flavors really well. And to top it off, this Keto Chocolate Cake is a great low-carb dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cauliflower cut into large florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix recipe below
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese finely grated
- 1 large avocado cubed
- pinch sea salt
Ranch Seasoning Mix:
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, toss together the cauliflower and oil. Mix the ranch seasoning blend together and add 2 tablespoons of it to the cauliflower, tossing to coat.
- Spread the cauliflower onto a large, rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Try to leave some space between the florets.
- Cook for 15 minutes. Then, toss and cook another 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.
- Transfer to a bowl and toss with the cheese, avocado, and a pinch of salt.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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