Creamy Avocado-Cauliflower 'Steak' with Basil Pesto
A satisfying vegetarian dish featuring a seared cauliflower 'steak' drizzled with vibrant basil pesto, packed with healthy fats and fiber. This Italian-inspired vegetarian recipe (keto-friendly), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs cauliflower, avocado oil, fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
- 1 tbsp pine nuts
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut cauliflower head into 3/4-inch thick slices. Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Sear cauliflower slices for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and tender, pressing gently to create a crust. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Blend 1/2 cup fresh basil, 1 tbsp pine nuts, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp lemon juice, and 1/4 tsp salt in a food processor until smooth, scraping down sides as needed.
- Step 4: Drizzle pesto over seared cauliflower 'steaks' and serve immediately while warm.









