Crispy Cauliflower Tahini Salad (Printable)

Air-fried cauliflower on mixed greens with a creamy tahini drizzle for a fresh, flavorful dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Crispy Cauliflower

01 - 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Salad

08 - 6 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, romaine)
09 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
10 - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
11 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
12 - 2 tablespoons toasted pumpkin seeds (optional)

→ Tahini Sauce

13 - 1/3 cup tahini
14 - 3 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
15 - 2 tablespoons water, plus more as needed
16 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
17 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
18 - 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
02 - In a large bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
03 - Place the seasoned cauliflower in the air fryer basket in a single layer and air fry for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy.
04 - Arrange mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and pumpkin seeds in a large bowl or on a platter.
05 - Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, minced garlic, salt, and maple syrup if using, until smooth and creamy. Add additional water by 1 teaspoon increments to reach desired consistency.
06 - Top the salad base with the crispy cauliflower and drizzle generously with the tahini sauce.
07 - Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley or seeds if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The cauliflower gets genuinely crispy and stays that way even after dressing, which feels like a small miracle.
  • You can make this vegan, or not, depending on your mood and what's in your fridge.
  • It tastes like restaurant food but takes less time than scrolling through delivery apps.
02 -
  • The tahini sauce will thicken as it sits, so if you're making it ahead, whisk in a little more water right before serving.
  • Don't skip shaking the air fryer basket halfway through—it's the difference between some golden florets and all golden florets.
  • The cauliflower's crispiness is non-negotiable, so serve the salad immediately rather than letting it sit dressed.
03 -
  • If the cauliflower seems to be browning too fast, lower the temperature to 380°F and add a few minutes to the cooking time.
  • Toast your own pumpkin seeds by tossing them with a pinch of salt and roasting at 300°F for 10 minutes—homemade always tastes better than store-bought.
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