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–+ servings
A white plate has been covered with a vibrant salad of za'atar roasted cauliflower, red onion, lentils and greens.
4.80 from 10 votes

Za’atar Roasted Cauliflower Salad

Author - Gena Hamshaw
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Salad:

  • 3/4 cup dry lentils (brown, green, French, pardina, or beluga)
  • 1 medium head cauliflower, chopped into bite-sized florets (about 1 3/4 lbs after prepping)
  • 1 large red onion, sliced into wedges
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil (substitute grapeseed, safflower, or another neutral cooking oil)
  • 2 tablespoons za'atar spice mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 4 heaping cups arugula

For the harissa tahini dressing:

  • 1/3 cup tahini
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1 large clove garlic crushed or very finely minced
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice about 1 lemon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon harissa paste (add more if you prefer more heat)

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400F. If you're cooking lentils from scratch, mix the dry lentils in a saucepan with enough water to cover them by two inches. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 25 minutes, or until the lentils are still tender but retain their shape and firmness. You can start testing them at the 20 minute mark for doneness. Drain the lentils and set them aside.
  • While the lentils cook, toss the cauliflower florets and sliced onion with the oil, za'atar, lemon, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Spread the veggies onto two parchment-lined baking sheets. Roast the vegetables for 20-25 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and lightly browning, and the onions are getting crispy. Check on the veggies and stir them on the sheet halfway through roasting. Allow the roasted vegetables to cool to room temperature.
  • While the veggies roast, whisk together the tahini, water, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and harissa to make the dressing. If it's too thick, add a few extra tablespoons of water.
  • When the vegetables are cool, toss them together with the lentils and arugula. Serve with dressing immediately. Alternately, you can store the roasted veggies and lentils, arugula, and dressing separately and mix when ready to eat.