Lemon and Black Garlic Vinaigrette over Roasted Cauliflower Steaks
Roasted cauliflower steaks dressed in a tart lemon and umami-rich black garlic vinaigrette for a vibrant vegetarian dish. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs divided olive oil, mashed into a paste black garlic cloves, freshly squeezed lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 160 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, cut into 1-inch thick steaks cauliflower head
- 4 tbsp, divided olive oil
- 4, mashed into a paste black garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp, freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 3/4 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Brush 4 cauliflower steaks with 2 tbsp olive oil and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Arrange cauliflower steaks on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 4 mashed black garlic cloves, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to create the vinaigrette.
- Step 4: When cauliflower is done roasting, transfer to a serving plate and drizzle the lemon-black garlic vinaigrette evenly over the steaks.
- Step 5: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and serve warm as a flavorful vegetarian main or side.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon and Black Garlic Vinaigrette over Roasted Cauliflower Steaks take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Lemon and Black Garlic Vinaigrette over Roasted Cauliflower Steaks?
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 divided olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon and Black Garlic Vinaigrette over Roasted Cauliflower Steaks?
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 Lemon and Black Garlic Vinaigrette over Roasted Cauliflower Steaks 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 Lemon and Black Garlic Vinaigrette over Roasted Cauliflower Steaks vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.