What you imagine your favorite mouth-watering side dishes, which recipes come to mind?

For us, anything that includes potatoes comes to mind. But every once in a while, we find ourselves craving something lighter and fresher.

Fortunately, there is a way to avoid the heaviness that can come with potatoes. Not to mention the fact that it’s jam-packed with health benefits – cauliflower!

Health Benefits of Cauliflower

In addition to eating cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower can be a welcome addition to anyone’s diet.

Science has actually shown that cauliflower can significantly improve your health, in combination with daily physical activity and other healthy lifestyle habits.

Cauliflower… (1)

• Contains many nutrients (e.g., fiber, vitamins C, K, B6, folate, potassium, manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus)
• Is high in fiber
• A good source of antioxidants (it’s especially high in anti-cancer glucosinolates)
• May help with weight loss
• Is high in choline
• Is rich in sulforaphane

Numerous studies have shown that cauliflower can have anti-cancer effects on the body.

This is largely thanks to the fact that cauliflower contains a high amount of antioxidants known as glucosinolates and isothiocyanates.

In studies between 2004 and 2013, researchers found that cruciferous vegetables could actually slow down the growth of cancer cells (in both lab and human tests). (2,3,4,5,6)

Now that you have a greater awareness of how cauliflower can benefit you, let’s get to the tasty part of this article.

How to Make Balsamic and Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan

This incredible recipe was adapted from EatingWell. (7)

Ingredients

• 8 cups cauliflower florets (one-inch slices)
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• ¼ teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
• Freshly ground pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• ½ cup nutritional yeast

If you want something richer than plan nutritional yeast, take ¾ cup cashews, 3 tablespoons, nutritional yeast, ¾ sea salt, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and mix them all in a food processor until fine. Add a half-cup of this richer mixture into your recipe. (8)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450°F
2. Place cauliflower florets into a mixing bowl; toss with coconut oil, marjoram, salt, and pepper
3. Once coated, spread florets on baking sheet; roast 15-20 minutes until softened and browned
4. Take out cauliflower and cover evenly in balsamic vinegar and dairy-free cheese
5. Put cauliflower back into oven until cheese melts, excess moisture evaporates (5-10 minutes)
6. Enjoy!

Try Next: Buffalo Cauliflower Steaks (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

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