This is not your average pasta salad.
It’s warm, bold, and packed with flavor from roasted cauliflower and a creamy curry dressing.
It’s one of those unexpected combos that just works.
Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or when you’re craving something a little different.
❤️ Why I Love This Recipe
I came up with this when I had leftover roasted cauliflower and a box of pasta that needed using. I added curry powder and a creamy dressing, and suddenly it became one of my go-tos.
- The cauliflower gets golden and slightly crispy
- The curry adds warmth and a twist you don’t see in most pasta salads
- It tastes great warm, cold, or room temp
- The creamy dressing ties everything together
- It’s easy to prep ahead and holds up in the fridge
🍽 Servings & Time
Serves: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
🔢 Macros (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
🧪 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Roasting cauliflower brings out its natural sweetness and adds crispy texture
- The curry powder boosts flavor with just a spoonful
- Greek yogurt or vegan mayo gives creaminess and tang
- Pasta holds the dressing well and makes it filling
🛒 What You’ll Need
For the Salad
- 8 oz short pasta (fusilli or penne work great)
- 1 small head of cauliflower, chopped into small florets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional)
For the Dressing
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or vegan mayo
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp curry powder
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- Salt to taste
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
- Baking sheet
- Large pot
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork
- Knife & cutting board
- Tongs or spoon for tossing
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- Use vegan mayo instead of yogurt for a dairy-free version
- Swap cilantro for parsley or leave it out
- Add chickpeas for more protein
- Try whole wheat pasta or gluten-free if needed
- Add a pinch of cayenne for heat
🧊 Make-Ahead Tip
- Roast the cauliflower and cook the pasta ahead of time
- Store dressing separately and mix just before serving
- Tastes even better the next day
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Roast the Cauliflower
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes until golden and slightly crispy.
2. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
3. Make the Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together yogurt or mayo, olive oil, lemon juice, curry powder, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
4. Mix the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, roasted cauliflower, red onion, green onion, and cilantro (if using). Pour in the dressing and toss until everything is coated.
5. Serve & Garnish
Transfer to a serving bowl and top with extra herbs or a sprinkle of curry powder if you like. Serve warm or chilled.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Give it a stir before serving and add a squeeze of lemon to refresh.
📅 Meal Plan Ideas
- Lunch prep: Portion into containers for easy grab-and-go
- Dinner side: Serve with grilled tofu or chicken
- Potluck dish: Holds up well at room temp
- Meatless Monday: Hearty enough to be the main
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Not roasting cauliflower long enough—it should be golden
- Overcooking the pasta—it gets mushy when mixed
- Skipping the lemon—it balances the curry flavor
- Adding dressing to hot pasta—it can separate or go oily
🍽 What to Serve With
- Grilled protein (chicken, tofu, or tempeh)
- Flatbread or naan
- Lentil soup
- Fresh cucumber salad
❓ FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It’s even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours.
Is it spicy?
Not really—just warmly spiced. Add chili if you want heat.
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, just thaw and pat dry before roasting.
Is this gluten-free?
Only if you use gluten-free pasta.
🥄 Final Thoughts
This curried cauliflower pasta salad is bold, cozy, and packed with goodness. It’s the kind of dish that makes meal prep feel exciting, not boring.
Give it a try, then come back and tell me what you added or changed—I’d love to hear your version!