This easy roasted cauliflower is elevated with bright lime, fresh cilantro, and garlic. With just seven simple ingredients and about 10 minutes of active prep, it makes a flavorful, hands-off side dish.
Note: originally published in 2019; updated in 2021 with new photos and clarified instructions.
Roasting is my top choice for cauliflower because it draws out a rich, nutty flavor and creates beautiful caramelized edges. This cilantro-lime version adds a bright, zesty finish: the florets are tossed in garlic, lime juice and chopped cilantro. A surprising addition—mayonnaise—helps the cauliflower brown deeply and gives a silky mouthfeel you won’t mistake for plain oil alone.
Recipe ingredients
Ingredient notes
- Limes: fresh lime juice yields the best flavor, though bottled lime juice will work in a pinch.
- Cilantro: if you don’t like cilantro, substitute parsley, chives, or dill for a different herb profile.
- Kosher salt: recipes here use coarse kosher salt. If substituting fine-grain salt, reduce the amount slightly (see recipe notes).
Step by step
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, minced garlic, kosher salt and black pepper in a large bowl until smooth.
3. Add cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss thoroughly so each piece is well coated with the mayo-lime mixture.
4. Spread the coated florets in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Scrape any remaining dressing from the bowl over the cauliflower.
5. Roast for 20 minutes, then remove the pan and stir the cauliflower, redistributing any dressing and turning pieces for even browning.
6. Return the pan to the oven and roast another 10–15 minutes, until the cauliflower is tender and well browned. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped cilantro and toss on the sheet to combine.
7. Finish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt if desired and serve immediately with lime wedges.
Tips and tricks
- For a stronger lime kick, increase lime juice from 2 tablespoons up to 3 tablespoons.
- Cut florets into roughly 1½–2 inch pieces for even roasting. Smaller crumbs from trimming become deliciously crisp—don’t discard them.
- Toss the cauliflower thoroughly in the mayo-lime dressing so no dry spots remain; this helps flavor and browning.
- After the first 20 minutes of roasting, stir the pan well to redistribute dressing and promote even caramelization.
Recipe
Cilantro Lime Roasted Cauliflower
Simple roasted cauliflower brightened with lime, cilantro and garlic—an easy side that feels special.
- Author: Kate
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower (about 2¼ lb / 1 kg before trimming), cut into small florets
- ⅓ cup (73 g) mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (increase to 3 tbsp for more tang)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for finishing (reduce to ¾ tsp if using fine salt)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 large or 4 small cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup (19 g) chopped cilantro
- Optional: lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, minced garlic, kosher salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add cauliflower and toss until well coated—no dry patches should remain.
- Spread cauliflower in an even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pour any remaining dressing over the florets.
- Roast for 20 minutes. Remove and stir well to redistribute dressing, then spread out again and roast 10–15 more minutes until browned and tender.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped cilantro and toss on the pan. Taste and add a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt if desired. Serve immediately with lime wedges.
Notes
Aim for florets about 1½–2 inches. Adjust cook time if pieces are significantly larger or smaller. If using pre-cut florets, plan on about 6 cups.
If substituting fine salt for kosher, reduce the salt in the dressing to ¾ teaspoon and adjust to taste. Flaky sea salt is a nice finishing touch but is optional.
Nutrition information is an estimate and not medical advice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ recipe
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 1.8 g
- Sodium: 613 mg
- Fat: 13.4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 5.6 g
- Fiber: 1.9 g
- Protein: 1.6 g
- Cholesterol: 7 mg
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