Crispy Cauliflower Salad Tahini (Print Version)

Air-fried cauliflower atop fresh greens, drizzled with creamy tahini for a flavorful, wholesome 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
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 - Set the air fryer to 400°F and allow it to reach temperature.
02 - In a large bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until fully coated.
03 - Arrange the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15 to 18 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy.
04 - While the cauliflower cooks, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and pumpkin seeds in a large bowl or platter.
05 - Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, minced garlic, salt, and maple syrup until smooth. Adjust with additional water, one teaspoon at a time, to reach desired consistency.
06 - Place the crispy cauliflower atop the salad greens and drizzle generously with tahini sauce.
07 - Garnish with extra parsley or seeds if desired and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes indulgent and restaurant-quality but takes less time than scrolling through your phone.
  • The crispy-meets-creamy contrast is genuinely addictive, and you'll find yourself eating faster than you planned.
  • It works as a solo lunch, a side dish, or the main event depending on your mood and appetite.
02 -
  • Don't skip the halfway shake in the air fryer; the florets on top cook faster, and this simple move makes the difference between some crispy pieces and all of them golden.
  • Tahini sauce thickens as it cools, so if you're not eating immediately, thin it back out with a splash of lemon juice just before serving.
  • The salad is best assembled just before eating—the greens stay crisp and the warm cauliflower doesn't make everything wilted and sad.
03 -
  • Toast your own pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet for five minutes if you have them; the difference in flavor is noticeable and worth the small effort.
  • Whisk the tahini sauce in a smaller bowl than you think you need—the narrow space makes whisking easier and prevents splashing.
  • If your tahini sauce breaks or looks grainy, add a touch more lemon juice and whisk harder; it almost always comes back together.
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