Crispy Cauliflower Tahini Salad (Print View)

Air-fried cauliflower on mixed greens with a smooth tahini dressing, delivering vibrant flavors and satisfying crunch.

# Components:

→ 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)

# Directions:

01 - Set the air fryer to 400°F and allow it to preheat.
02 - In a large bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until completely coated.
03 - Arrange the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer inside the air fryer basket and cook for 15 to 18 minutes, shaking halfway through until golden and crispy.
04 - Combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, parsley, and pumpkin seeds in a large bowl or platter.
05 - Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, minced garlic, salt, and optional maple syrup until smooth; add additional water by teaspoon increments to achieve desired consistency.
06 - Place 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 -
  • The cauliflower gets impossibly crispy on the outside while staying tender inside, without any deep frying mess.
  • That tahini sauce tastes restaurant-quality but takes five minutes and ingredients you probably already have.
  • It's flexible enough to eat as a light lunch or dress up as a side for grilled fish.
02 -
  • Tahini sauce seizes when you first add lemon juice and water—keep whisking and add liquid gradually, or you'll end up with a grainy mess.
  • Don't skip the halfway shake in the air fryer; that's how you get even crispiness instead of soft spots.
03 -
  • Make the tahini sauce while the cauliflower cooks so everything comes together at the right moment.
  • If your tahini sauce splits or becomes too thick, add water one teaspoon at a time while whisking; patience here prevents disaster.
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