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Fresh cauliflower and chickpea salad with creamy tahini dressing and herbs for healthy eating.

Sheet Pan Cauliflower & Chickpeas with Garlic Cashew Cream

Sheet Pan Cauliflower & Chickpeas with Garlic Cashew Cream is the perfect plant-based meal—easy, wholesome, and bursting with flavor! Learn how to make it, with top tips and substitutions included.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

For the Roasted Cauliflower & Chickpeas

  • 1 medium head of cauliflower cut into florets
  • 1 can 15 oz chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 2 medium bell peppers sliced (red, yellow, or orange)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¾ teaspoon pink Himalayan salt

For the Garlic Cashew Cream

  • 1 cup raw cashews soaked in hot water for 20–30 minutes
  • 1 garlic cloves peeled
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon agave syrup
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup water more or less, to desired consistency

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables and Chickpeas

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut one medium head of cauliflower into bite-sized florets and slice two bell peppers into strips. Drain and rinse one 15 oz can of chickpeas, then pat them dry thoroughly with a clean towel to ensure they crisp up during roasting.

Step 2: Season and Toss

  • Place the cauliflower, chickpeas, and bell peppers in a large mixing bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon turmeric, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ¾ teaspoon pink Himalayan salt. Toss everything together until the vegetables and chickpeas are evenly coated with the spices.

Step 3: Roast Until Crispy

  • Spread the seasoned mixture in a single layer on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Roast in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, flipping everything halfway through. The vegetables should be tender with crispy, golden edges, and the chickpeas should have a crunchy exterior.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Cashew Cream

  • While the vegetables are roasting, blend 1 cup soaked raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 20–30 minutes) with 2 garlic cloves, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon agave syrup, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and about ½ cup water. Blend until silky smooth. Add more water for a thinner consistency if desired.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

  • Once roasted, transfer the cauliflower, chickpeas, and bell peppers to a serving dish. Drizzle generously with the garlic cashew cream. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley, a sprinkle of chili flakes, or a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra layer of flavor. Serve warm and enjoy this hearty, plant-based sheet pan delight!
Keyword cashew cream, cauliflower, chickpeas