Cauliflower Chimichurri Bowl: Ultimate Smoky Bowl Recipe

Ultimate Cauliflower Chimichurri Bowl Recipe

We’ve created a flavor-packed, plant-based meal that is wholesome and satisfying—this Cauliflower Chimichurri Bowl is an absolute must. Every bite explodes with ingredients. Smoky, roasted cauliflower takes center stage, complementing the bold, tangy chimichurri sauce perfectly. To balance the flavors, creamy avocado enters the mix, complementing the wholesome base of grains, creating the ultimate nutritious meal.

One of the best things about this bowl is just how versatile it is. It makes an excellent meal prep option, remaining fresh and delicious for days. Whether you enjoy it fresh or use the leftovers as tacos, this meal always delivers. It’s the perfect way to indulge in a comforting bowl while still keeping things light and healthy. Give this recipe a try, and it just may become an instant favorite in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you like bold and zesty flavors, you’re going to love this Cauliflower Chimichurri Bowl. The fresh chimichurri sauce has an herbaceous, garlicky flavor that makes every bite taste divine. Roasting infuses the cauliflower with all the flavors, making this meal both nutrient-dense and flavor-rich—teeming with vitamins, protein, and fiber.

What makes this recipe so great is just how versatile it is. You can enjoy it as a bowl, stuff it into a taco, or roll it up as an easy, delicious grab-and-go meal. Whether you’re craving something light or hearty, this recipe adapts to your needs. Plus, it’s meal prep friendly—prepare the components in advance for quick, easy weekday meals.

I love making this on Sundays, so I have a wholesome, flavor-packed option ready for the week. The crunch of the cauliflower paired with the tangy chimichurri always impresses. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with family, this bowl is a show-stopper. If you love vibrant and wholesome bowl meals, you should also try this Oaxacan Bowl recipe, packed with bold flavors and fresh ingredients.

Step-by-Step Guide

For the Roasted Cauliflower:

Roasting cauliflower brings out its natural sweetness while giving it a satisfying crunch. Start with 1 medium head of cauliflower, breaking it into florets and ensuring they are evenly sized for consistent cooking. Coat the florets well with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

To elevate the flavor, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon of cumin over the cauliflower. These spices add a deep, smoky essence that pairs beautifully with the fresh chimichurri. Then, add 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder and 1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander for a touch of heat and an earthy aroma. Toss everything together to distribute the seasoning evenly.

Arrange the florets in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. The result? Tender, golden cauliflower with crispy edges.

For the Chimichurri Sauce

A fresh Chimichurri Sauce elevates any meal over the top, and it’s one that I love to make fresh at home. What makes this sauce so tasty is the balance of flavors.

Start by blending together 1 shallot, finely chopped, and 3 cloves garlic, minced—these give an earthy, aromatic base. If you want some heat, add in 1 diced red chili pepper (optional, if you want some heat) for an added kick.

A splash of fresh herbs is necessary to give the sauce some brightness. Combine 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped, and 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped. These two give an earthiness and brightness that complements the flavor of roasted cauliflower nicely.

A splash of tanginess comes from pouring in 1/2 cup red wine vinegar, balancing out the richness. Next, add in 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, giving the sauce silky richness. Finish by seasoning with salt & black pepper, adjusting it to taste.

The sauce comes together instantly and adds an explosion of flavor to the Cauliflower Chimichurri Bowl. I love drizzling it over warm, roasted cauliflower—it soaks up every bold, herbaceous flavor. Whether meal-prepping or whipping together an easy lunch, this bowl offers an excellent way to enjoy fresh ingredients with satisfying flavor.

Cook the Black Beans (or Chickpeas)

A Cauliflower Chimichurri Bowl has an abundance of bold flavors and fresh ingredients, and one necessary accompaniment to this meal is perfectly seasoned beans.

In order to achieve them just so, warm a little pan over medium. This is necessary, as it allows them to get cooked evenly, so the spices blend well with the beans. Add black beans, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and a splash of water to the warm pan. The blend of paprika and cumin infuses the black beans with an earthy, full flavor, slightly smoky, so that every bite tastes richer. The splash of water allows the seasonings to cover the black beans, so that they stay moist.

Then, mix well and let them simmer, covered, for 5-7 minutes, heated through. In this time, the black beans absorb all the flavors, becoming rich and tender. Be sure to keep an eye out, so you need to stir them every so often, so that they don’t get stuck to the bottom

Assemble the Bowl

A well-structured bowl starts with a base, and here, my preference always starts out with rice or quinoa. The grains soak up all the flavors, so every bite tastes divine.

Next, I add the centerpiece of the meal—roasted cauliflower. The caramelized outside and smoky taste add richness, while the yielding center makes it so satisfying.

Next, I add some black beans, seasoning them, giving it protein. A rich, earthy taste, they complement the other ingredients well. Now comes my favorite—adding plenty of chimichurri sauce. The fresh herbs, garlic, and vinegar give an excellent balance, creating an added kick.

In add-ins, my preference includes slicing an avocado, creating creamy contrast. The pickled onions add a nice tang, while arugula or cabbage add a nice crunch. If added crunch, I add chopped almonds. Simple, this adds so much, creating a satisfying crunch per bite.

A Game-Changer for Plant-Based Meals

If you’re a flavor seeker who also eats plant-based, the Cauliflower Chimichurri Bowl is an absolute game-changer. The meal has an amazing blend of textures and flavors, so every bite is an adventure. The roasted cauliflower adds a rich, smoky flavor, while the spiced beans provide protein and heat. But the star of the show is the tangy chimichurri, giving an energetic, spicy kick that complements the flavors just perfectly.

Mix, Match, and Have Fun with Toppings

What makes this bowl so fantastic is just how customizable it is. Easily mix and match ingredients to suit you. Need it heartier? Add some quinoa or brown rice. In the mood for fresh? Choose the avocado or pickled onions. The best part is playing around with add-ins until you find your ultimate bowl. However you build it, this meal is full of flavor and fulfillment.