This Roasted Cauliflower with Basil Avocado Sauce is the perfect Summer side dish. A little bit of char on the cauliflower mixed with a smooth, refreshing basil avocado sauce – you’ll forget what the main dish is.
I am a huge believer in the idea that everything happens for a reason.
And recently, I experienced that first hand. Most of the time, it’s a very after-the-fact realization. You know, something happens, effects slowly take place because of that thing, and a couple years later you realize why that thing happened. For me, this ‘thing’ had a quick turnaround. An emotional day it was.
I’m not going to go into detail, but to give you a hint: long distance relationships are hard. I don’t care how far away you are from each other, whether you’re a two-hour drive away, or across the country, it ain’t easy.
I recently made a mistake. And it really hurt someone who I consider to be another part of me. It was not on purpose, (and it’s not what you think… as in, I was NOT unfaithful!) but it upset him, and the amount to which I was sobbing, knowing I hurt someone I care about more than words can describe, gave me a wake up call. And after a long talk, a million tears, countless lower lip quivers, and about ten snot-filled tissues (you’re welcome for the visual), everything was better again. Actually, no – everything was even better than before. Because before, things weren’t so hot.
Like I said, long distance relationships are rough. I know, everyone says that. But it’s been about two years now, and I never really took that to heart until I experienced it first-hand. There was a little bit of trouble in paradise, but after this mistake I made, I realized that we needed this little hiccup. This little hiccup made us even stronger.
And this little hiccup made me realize that it’s okay to make mistakes. I spend so much time trying to be perfect and live a life with no mistakes, that I wonder sometimes what this has prevented me from experiencing. With every mistake comes a lesson, and with each lesson comes strength.
[Tweet “With every mistake comes a lesson, and with each lesson comes strength.”]
When it was all said and done, I was thanking God that this had happened. I had been looking for an answer for so long, praying for direction. And this was it.
Sometimes, all you need is a mistake.
Something that has absolutely, positively helped me through the long distance woes? This blog. Holy hell it takes up a lot of my time and if it didn’t, I’d probably just be moping around calling Christian every five minutes like, “I MISS YOUUUU”. Wait, I already do that hehehe just kidding but seriously.
So speaking of cauliflower…
Okay yeah worst segue ever but anyway, you guys, this cauliflower was da shiz.
I’m not sure if I’ve ever said this on here before, but I’m the worst at fitting vegetables into my diet. But once I muster up the strength to eat something other than peanut butter, I’m really glad I did. There are few ways to eat veggies that are better than roasting them in the oven. The simplicity of ingredients required to bring out the flavors of vegetables, especially roasted cauliflower (because cauliflower can be a bit bland), when roasting is not only wonderful, but perfect for me – the lazy cook.
If you’re looking for an easy yet delicious side dish this summer, this roasted cauliflower is it, yo.
[Tweet “Roasted Cauliflower with Basil Avocado Sauce – the perfect Summer side!”]
- [b]Cauliflower:[/b]
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- [b]Sauce:[/b]
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees and prepare a baking sheet by either greasing it, covering with foil (and greasing), or parchment paper.
- Lay cauliflower florets across sheet and drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place in the oven for 20-25 minutes.
- Flip, then bake for another 10-15 minutes.
- For the sauce, add the avocado, basil, olive oil, Parmesan, salt, and pepper into a food processor. Process until completely smooth.
- Remove cauliflower from oven and move to a large bowl. Either mix the sauce in with the cauliflower (and serve immediately), or leave sauce for individual dipping.
[Tweet “You’re going to want to put this sauce on everything.”]
Join the conversation:
Have you ever made a mistake, then realized you were glad it happened?
Have you ever been in a long distance relationship? Any tips?
Did you like this recipe? Be sure to pin it for later!
ACKTIVE LIFE says
The last time I was in a long distance relationship I was in my 20’s…My advice would be to…be patient and make sure that you communicate. If it is meant to be, it will be! Um and this recipe…delicious! XOXO
The Blissful Balance says
I think it’s been a blessing in disguise – we’ve learned so much about ourselves and it’s made us stronger!
Emily @ My Healthyish Life says
No relationship advice but I can totally relate to making a “mistake for the better.” Sometimes (especially living in close quarters with my family) something will build up and eventually I’ll snap (or someone will snap…it’s not ALWAYS me haha). After we cry, talk, listen, etc., we can move on and not have that underlying tension. I think the “moving on” part is a sign of true love and respect.
Ummm I freaking love roasted cauliflower! Made a batch this weekend to have with lunches
The Blissful Balance says
It really opened my eyes and I swear it was like an epiphany. So crazy! And yes I’m just a little obsessed with roasted cauliflower
Marina @ A Dancer's Live-It says
The hiccups definitely make everything stronger in the long run, even if you feel like things will never change at the time. If you EVER need relationship advice, I’m always here to talk! <3 My boyfriend and I started dating in high school 5 1/2 years ago but then we've been on and off long distance since because of being in different cities for college. Now that he has a job in DC, he's only 2 hours away which is nice! But now I won't see him till August. Long story short, I'm glad you realized that it was making you stronger as a couple!
Here are my top tips:
-Never go to bed angry at each other. It just makes everything sucky.
-FACETIME a lot but that's a no-brainer haha
-Phone calls at least once a week, and sometimes we like to send each other letters for fun!
Hope this helps, love ya girl! <3
The Blissful Balance says
Great tips Marina!! We talk on the phone everyday, and Facetime probably 1-2x a week. He graduates from graduate school in about a month so we’ll see where he ends up!! He’s looking for jobs close to me. Fingers crossed! <3
rachel at athletic avocado says
I do believe that everything happens for a reason too. God knows what he is doing and we might not understand it at one point, but we will later on because he works all things together for good! Speaking of good, this cauliflower looks poppin’! I love roasted cauliflower and that sauce is like icing on the cake
The Blissful Balance says
You’re so right Rachel <3 it can be hard to trust in God's plan, but I'm certainly learning to. I'd never thought to mix avo and basil - such a good combo!!
Claire @ My Pink & Green Life says
I need to try cauliflower again because this looks amazing! I originally tried it in my college dining hall and hated it… then again, I’m not sure there was anything that I tried for the first time in the dining hall that I actually liked. 😛
I’m fortunate enough to never have been in a LDR for too long. I met Eric during our first year of college and we’ve had to spend some of our breaks apart, but nothing longer a month, and that’s hard enough. Patience and communication are really, really important–but you of course already know that! Best of luck to you guys–it will be worth it in the long run.
The Blissful Balance says
Unfortunately it’s most of what we’ve known! We’ve been together over 3 years, 2 years of which have been spent long distance. And during the year we were together in college, he played football so even then I barely saw him! I think this all has been a blessing in disguise though. Every time we do see each other, we appreciate every second together.
Georgie @ Healthy Pears says
We did a long distance relationship for about a year back in 2012. Not going to lie, it sucked and wasn’t easy but we made sure we always had time to talk to each other and could see each other at least once a month! It just took alot of patience, and I just had to remind myself that it was going to be over at the end of that year when I moved across Australia! 4 years later, and an engagement it only made us stronger good uck with it! I’m sure it will all come out to be a positive! ps roasted cauliflower OMG my favourite!
The Blissful Balance says
It does suck haha!! I’m so happy to hear you and your man stuck it out and are happily together <3 Our situation has only made us stronger. We've had so many ups and downs, but have still remained together and in love - it has certainly prepared us for the job that is marriage I'd say haha
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday says
Making mistakes “for the better” is such a hard concept for (perfectionist) me to grasp, but I’ve experienced it, too. One day, I’ll finally realize that mistakes aren’t necessarily a bad thing.
The Blissful Balance says
They aren’t at all!! And totally – I’m the same way. Thanks for the love <3
Megan says
Thanks for sharing your struggle, it is definitely a valuable lesson to learn. I only just discovered roasted broccoli and cauliflower this year, I can’t believe I hadn’t tried it my whole life!
The Blissful Balance says
OMG roasted cauli/broccoli is the best, especially together!! Thanks Megan <3
Tonya says
Been in a LDR for over 7 years now. No resolution for at least 7 more years. It really is a day to day thing.
And yeah, this recipe looks fabulous! Thank you!
The Blissful Balance says
7 years?! Wow! You are amazing! And thanks very much <3
Emily says
YES! Mistakes are SO hard, but Christina, you have such a wonderful perspective. Your transparency about your relationship with Christian is a BLESSING to the rest of us, because it makes us remember that we aren’t the only ones that struggle. I’m so thankful that God works those things for good in His children’s lives, and you are learning and growing so much! Love ya girl!
This cauliflower? WOW. This would make even me eat cauliflower. I’m bad at fitting in vegetables, and it helps if I prepare them in a special way.
The Blissful Balance says
Thank you so much Emily! God is great <3
Diana @ Live Lean Eat Green says
I can’t even imagine how difficult it must be to be in a long distance relationship. I live with my boyfriend of 3 years and still have issues prioritizing time with each other. It’s HARD WORK but so worth it
The Blissful Balance says
It is hard but I think it’s prepared us for the future! I always tell him “all I want to do is go grocery shopping together” lol all I want to do is the normal, everyday things because I can’t! So I think it has made us completely appreciate our time together, whether we’re doing something exciting or doing absolutely nothing
Leslie says
My mouth just watered looking at these photos. This recipe looks unbelievable. I can’t wait to make it. Going to replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast since I am dairy free. Thank you for the inspiration.
The Blissful Balance says
Thank you so much Leslie I hope you enjoy it!!
Emily Weir says
Speaking as someone who married the guy she dated for a year and a half while he was half way across the country, all of the struggles are well worth it. Compared to other couples we know, we’re so much better at communication because for so long our only interaction was talking with each other with no face-to-face time. Whatever your hiccup was will probably go a long way to making your relationship stronger for the long haul.
Also, I’ll eat any veggie if it’s covered in basil avocado sauce!
The Blissful Balance says
That’s so great to hear! I believe it’s making us so much stronger and better at communicating too. Thanks so much for sharing <3
Ashley @ Fit Mitten Kitchen says
This brought tears to my eyes because I definitely understand long distance relationships. It is tough. Drew and I went through some not-so-great moments early on in our relationship in college, and they definitely make you stronger! I think in any relationship at any point, showing appreciation for your SO is important. Even if it’s for silly things I try to thank Drew to show his actions don’t go unnoticed, and he does the same for me.
You know how to find me if you ever need to chat <3
p.s. I love adding sauce like this to veggies.
The Blissful Balance says
That is totally right. And it has truly made us appreciate and cherish every second we have together! Thanks girl <3
Heather @ Polyglot Jot says
Sorry to hear youre going through some rough stuff–long distance sucks. I did it for a while while i was in college. So rough! This recipe looks delicious!
The Blissful Balance says
We go through our ups and downs but we will come out stronger in the end! It will all be over soon thankfully. Thanks so much Heather!! <3
Carly @ Fitliving Eats says
I, too, believe that everything happens for a reason! I just went through a really hard time at the juice bar where I worked and it didn’t end the way I would’ve wanted it to. However, now that I can look back I believe it was a blessing in disguise. This recipe looks delicious – pinned for later!
The Blissful Balance says
Oh no I’m sorry to hear that Carly! But you’ve got a great perspective. Everything happens for a reason <3
Meah says
Cauliflower and avocado are two of my favorites. I can’t believe I never thought to pair them together! I’m subbing nutritional yeast for Parmesan, but I’m sure it’ll be just as delicious.
Valencia @ Life of a Vegaholic says
I absolutely love roasted cauliflower. I would have never thought to pair cauliflower with avocados, but it looks like a really good pair. I’m also a believer in the saying, “everything happens for a reason”. God knows what he is doing. You might question what’s going on and not understand why everything is happening the way it is, but we will later on because God ALWAYS works all things out for the good. One of my favorite sayings is “Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes.” Without mistakes, how would we know what we had to work on and be able to carry those life lessons with us to help us further down the road?
Valencia @ Life of a Vegaholic recently posted….Cauliflower Broccoli Cheese Fritters
http://www.lifeofavegaholic.com/post/146229639736/cauliflower-broccoli-cheese-fritters
The Blissful Balance says
Thank you so much for your insight Valencia you are so right!! <3 I live by the idea that everything happens for a reason - it's so very true.