What To Serve With Mashed Cauliflower? 13 Best Side Dishes
Are you looking for the perfect side dish to serve with your mashed cauliflower?
Mashed cauliflower is a delicious and healthy alternative to mashed potatoes, but it can be tricky to know what to pair with it.
But don’t worry, I’m here to help!
Today, I’m sharing 13 of the best side dishes to serve with mashed cauliflower.
From roasted vegetables and salads to rice and pasta dishes, there is sure to be something on this list that your family will love.
So go ahead and give one (or all!) of these sides a try the next time you make mashed cauliflower for dinner!
Read Also: What To Eat With Mashed Potatoes? 21 Best Main Dishes
Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Mashed Cauliflower?
- Serving side dishes with mashed cauliflower can add a variety of flavors and textures to the meal. For example, roasted vegetables such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes can be served alongside mashed cauliflower for a crunchy contrast to its creamy texture.
- Side dishes also provide an opportunity to incorporate more nutritious ingredients into the meal. For instance, adding legumes like chickpeas or lentils will increase the protein content of the dish while providing additional flavor and texture.
- Finally, serving side dishes with mashed cauliflower allows you to create a complete meal that is both satisfying and balanced in terms of nutrition. This could include items such as grilled chicken or fish for added protein along with steamed greens like kale or spinach for extra vitamins and minerals.
What To Serve With Mashed Cauliflower? 13 Best Side Dishes
Mashed cauliflower is a great alternative to mashed potatoes, but it can be hard to know what sides will pair well with the dish.
Here are thirteen side dishes that we think would go perfectly with mashed cauliflower:
1. Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/533465518370498664/- What Is It? Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a hearty, comforting soup that combines the flavors of mushrooms, chicken, wild rice, and cream. The creamy broth is made with butter, garlic, onion, celery, mushrooms, chicken stock or broth, white wine (optional), thyme leaves and bay leaves. The wild rice adds texture to the soup while the cream gives it a rich flavor.
- Serving Ideas: This creamy mushroom chicken and wild rice soup pairs well with mashed cauliflower as an alternative to mashed potatoes. To complete the meal you can also serve a side salad or roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts or carrots. For added crunch you can top your bowl of soup with croutons or crispy bacon bits. If you want to make this dish even heartier you can add cooked shredded chicken at the end for extra protein.
2. Arugula Salad with Parmesan Cheese
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/22729173112118182/- What Is It? Arugula salad with Parmesan cheese is a simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with mashed cauliflower. The arugula provides a peppery bite, while the Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor. This salad can be served as-is or dressed with olive oil and lemon juice for an extra zing of flavor.
- Serving Ideas: To make this salad even more special, add some roasted vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms to the mix. You can also top it off with some crumbled bacon or crispy prosciutto for added texture and flavor. For a vegan option, try adding some toasted nuts like walnuts or almonds for crunch and protein. Serve this salad alongside your mashed cauliflower for an easy but delicious meal!
3. Honey Garlic Baked Pork Chops
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/98164466871169801/- What Is It? Honey Garlic Baked Pork Chops is a simple and delicious dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the savory flavor of garlic. The pork chops are marinated in a mixture of honey, garlic, olive oil, and spices before being baked until golden brown.
- Serving Ideas: Mashed cauliflower pairs perfectly with this dish! To complete the meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables such as carrots or Brussels sprouts for added texture and flavor. For an extra kick of flavor, top your mashed cauliflower with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley. You can also add some cooked quinoa to make it more filling.
4. Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/154459462210246158/- What Is It? Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken is a simple and delicious dish that combines the flavors of lemon, garlic, herbs, and butter to create a flavorful main course. The chicken is roasted in the oven until it’s golden brown and juicy.
- Serving Ideas: Mashed cauliflower pairs well with this dish because it adds a lightness to the meal without overpowering the flavor of the chicken. To complete your meal, serve roasted vegetables such as carrots or Brussels sprouts on the side. For an extra burst of flavor, add some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to your vegetables before roasting them. A light salad with vinaigrette dressing would also be a great accompaniment for this dish.
5. Beef Stir Fry
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/333759022396839974/- What Is It? Beef stir fry is a classic Chinese dish made with strips of beef, vegetables, and a savory sauce. The beef is usually marinated in soy sauce and other seasonings before being cooked quickly over high heat. The vegetables are added to the pan at the end to ensure they remain crisp and flavorful.
- Serving Ideas: Mashed cauliflower pairs well with beef stir fry because it adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to the meal. To complete the dish, serve it alongside steamed white or brown rice for a balanced meal. For an even heartier option, add some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to your stir fry for more color and flavor. If you’re looking for something lighter, try serving your stir fry over a bed of greens such as spinach or kale for a nutritious dinner that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
6. Tender and Juicy Pork Roast
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/79938962127650506/- What Is It? A tender and juicy pork roast is a classic dish that can be served as an entrée or used in other recipes. The pork roast is made by slow-roasting a cut of pork, such as the shoulder, loin, or leg. This method ensures that the meat stays moist and flavorful while cooking.
- Serving Ideas: Pork roast pairs well with many sides, including mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, sautéed greens, and stuffing. For a lighter meal option, serve it with a salad or steamed vegetables. To add more flavor to the dish, try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the rub before roasting. You can also top it off with a sauce such as barbecue sauce or apple cider glaze for added sweetness and tanginess.
7. Chicken Fried Rice
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/478366791681522016/- What Is It? Chicken Fried Rice is a classic Chinese dish made with cooked rice, chicken, vegetables, and seasonings. The ingredients are stir-fried in a wok or large skillet until the rice is lightly browned and the vegetables are tender. This dish can be served as an entrée or side dish.
- Serving Ideas: Chicken Fried Rice pairs well with other Asian dishes such as egg rolls, spring rolls, dumplings, and wontons. It also goes great with grilled meats like steak or pork chops. For a complete meal, serve it alongside steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts for added nutrition and flavor. To make it even more flavorful, add some chopped garlic or ginger to the mix before cooking!
8. Pan Seared Scallops
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/43347215157228168/- What Is It? Pan seared scallops are a delicious and easy way to enjoy seafood. Scallops are a type of shellfish that have a sweet, delicate flavor and firm texture. They can be cooked quickly in a hot pan with butter or oil for an impressive meal.
- Serving Ideas: Mashed cauliflower is the perfect accompaniment to pan seared scallops. The creamy texture of the mashed cauliflower pairs well with the crispy exterior of the scallops, while its mild flavor allows the sweetness of the scallop to shine through. To complete your meal, serve your pan seared scallops with roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts or carrots, and a light salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice.
9. Chicken Pasta Salad
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1055599902372923/- What Is It? Chicken pasta salad is a dish made with cooked chicken, cooked pasta, and vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and onions. The ingredients are tossed together in a light dressing of mayonnaise or vinaigrette.
- Serving Ideas: Chicken pasta salad can be served as a main course or side dish. For a main course meal, serve the salad with crusty bread and a green salad. As a side dish, it pairs well with grilled meats or fish. To make the dish more substantial for dinner parties or potlucks, add additional proteins such as hard-boiled eggs or canned tuna.
10. Yaka Mein (Beef Noodle Soup)
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/295619163052626053/- What Is It? Yaka Mein is a traditional beef noodle soup from New Orleans. The dish consists of noodles, beef broth, and vegetables such as celery, bell peppers, and onions. It is usually served with hard-boiled eggs and hot sauce for added flavor.
- Serving Ideas: Yaka mein pairs well with mashed cauliflower because the creamy texture of the mashed cauliflower complements the savory flavors of the soup. Other side dishes that pair well with yaka mein include roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots, steamed greens such as kale or spinach, and a simple salad made with fresh tomatoes and cucumbers. For an extra kick of flavor, try adding some freshly grated Parmesan cheese to your mashed cauliflower before serving it alongside your yaka mein!
11. Quinoa Pilaf
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/514958538655979486/- What Is It? Quinoa pilaf is a flavorful side dish made with cooked quinoa, vegetables, and herbs. The quinoa is cooked in vegetable or chicken broth for added flavor and nutrition. The vegetables can be anything from onions to bell peppers to mushrooms, depending on your preference. Herbs like parsley, oregano, thyme, and rosemary are often used to add an extra layer of flavor.
- Serving Ideas: Quinoa pilaf pairs well with roasted meats such as pork tenderloin or chicken breasts. It also makes a great accompaniment to fish dishes like salmon or cod. For a vegetarian option, try serving it alongside grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted eggplant slices. To make the meal more filling, add some beans or chickpeas for protein.
12. Grilled Asparagus
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/70437486393895/- What Is It? Grilled asparagus is a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with mashed cauliflower. Asparagus is a vegetable that belongs to the lily family and has been enjoyed for centuries. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it an excellent choice for any meal. When grilled, asparagus takes on a smoky flavor that complements the creamy texture of mashed cauliflower.
- Serving Ideas: To make grilled asparagus, simply trim off the woody ends of the spears and toss them in olive oil before grilling over medium-high heat until lightly charred and tender. Serve alongside your mashed cauliflower with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or lemon zest for added flavor. For an extra special touch, top your grilled asparagus with some crumbled bacon or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
13. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/562668547206581220/- What Is It? Roasted Brussels sprouts are a delicious side dish that pairs well with mashed cauliflower. They are small, green vegetables that look like miniature cabbages and have a slightly bitter flavor when cooked. When roasted, the outer leaves become crispy and caramelized while the inner leaves remain tender and sweet.
- Serving Ideas: Roasted Brussels sprouts can be served as is or dressed up with additional ingredients such as garlic, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, or bacon bits. They also pair nicely with other roasted vegetables such as carrots or parsnips for an easy one-pan meal. For a more substantial side dish, try adding some diced ham or crumbled sausage to the mix before roasting in the oven.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mashed cauliflower is a delicious and healthy side dish that pairs well with a variety of main dishes.
From savory chicken soup to grilled asparagus, there are plenty of options to choose from.
The best side dishes to serve with mashed cauliflower are arugula salad with parmesan cheese, pork chops with honey soy, lemon herb roast chicken, vegetable stir fry with beef, pork loin roast, mixed vegetable fried rice, pan seared scallops, chicken pasta salad, beef soup noodles, quinoa pilaf, grilled asparagus, and roasted Brussels sprouts.
These side dishes offer a variety of flavors, textures, and colors that will make your mashed cauliflower dish complete.
With these 13 side dishes, you can be sure that your dinner will be a success.
What To Serve With Mashed Cauliflower? 13 Best Side Dishes
Ingredients
- Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
- Arugula Salad with Parmesan Cheese
- Honey Garlic Baked Pork Chops
- Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken
- Beef Stir Fry
- Tender and Juicy Pork Roast
- Chicken Fried Rice
- Pan Seared Scallops
- Chicken Pasta Salad
- Yaka Mein (Beef Noodle Soup)
- Quinoa Pilaf
- Grilled Asparagus
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Instructions
- Select your favorite recipe.
- Organize all of the required ingredients.
- Prep your dish in 25 minutes or less.
Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.