Creamy Coconut-Cauliflower Mash with Green Onions
A luxurious, dairy-free mash made with cauliflower and coconut milk, offering a comforting base that supports digestion. This global-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian, whole30) ready in about 32 minutes pairs full-fat coconut milk, extra-virgin olive oil, sea salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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 large head (16 oz, broken into florets) cauliflower
- 1/4 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 (finely sliced, white and green parts) green onions
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Steam cauliflower florets for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well and transfer to a food processor.
- Step 2: Add coconut milk, olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp pepper to the food processor. Blend until smooth, scraping down sides as needed.
- Step 3: Return mixture to the pot and heat over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until creamy and warm. Stir in green onions and remaining salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Creamy Coconut-Cauliflower Mash with Green Onions take to make?
Total time is about 32 minutes (15 min prep + 17 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Creamy Coconut-Cauliflower Mash with Green Onions?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep full-fat coconut milk from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Coconut-Cauliflower Mash with Green Onions?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Creamy Coconut-Cauliflower Mash with Green Onions for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Creamy Coconut-Cauliflower Mash with Green Onions vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
