Crispy Cauliflower Tahini Salad (Printable Version)

Golden cauliflower florets paired with mixed greens and creamy tahini for a fresh, flavorful dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Crispy Cauliflower

01 - 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
04 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
05 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1/2 tsp salt
07 - 1/4 tsp 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 tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds (optional)

→ Tahini Sauce

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

# How To Make It:

01 - Set the air fryer to 400°F and allow it to preheat fully.
02 - In a large bowl, combine cauliflower florets with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until florets are evenly coated.
03 - Arrange the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook for 15 to 18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the florets are golden and crisp.
04 - While the cauliflower cooks, layer mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, chopped parsley, and toasted pumpkin seeds in a large salad bowl or platter.
05 - Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, minced garlic, salt, and maple syrup if using until smooth. Add additional water by teaspoon increments to reach desired consistency.
06 - Place the crispy cauliflower over the salad greens and drizzle evenly with the tahini sauce.
07 - Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley or pumpkin seeds if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The cauliflower gets impossibly crispy in the air fryer, giving you that satisfying crunch without the heaviness of deep frying.
  • Tahini sauce is a secret weapon that transforms simple greens into something restaurant-worthy and feels like a luxury you're sneaking onto your weeknight plate.
  • It comes together faster than you'd expect, making it perfect for when you want something that tastes like effort but doesn't demand it.
02 -
  • The moment you dress the salad, it starts to wilt, so assemble this close to when you're ready to eat—the whole magic is in that textural contrast, and waiting even ten minutes dulls it.
  • Don't skip shaking the air fryer basket halfway through; the cauliflower needs to be jostled so all the nooks and crannies get crispy, not just the tops.
  • If your tahini sauce breaks or stays grainy, add the liquid more slowly next time, whisking constantly, and be patient—it'll come together, I promise.
03 -
  • Don't pack the air fryer basket—give those florets breathing room or they'll steam instead of crisp, and that's the opposite of what you're after.
  • Make the tahini sauce while the cauliflower cooks and keep it at room temperature; cold sauce on warm vegetables is a textural letdown.
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