Skip to main content

Creamy Cauliflower Dip

3.6

(22)

Creamy Cauliflower Dip and Lettuce
Photo by Tara Donne, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Cyd McDowell

Earthy and rich without being heavy or filling, this creamy vegetable dip is just the thing to whet the appetite without ruining it before a big holiday meal.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    45 minutes

  • Yield

    Makes about 4 cups

Ingredients

1 medium head of cauliflower (about 2 pounds), florets and stem cut into 1-inch pieces
1 garlic clove, peeled
1/4 cup olive oil, divided, plus more for serving
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Coarsely chopped parsley (for serving)
Baby romaine hearts and endive leaves (for serving)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Pour water into a medium saucepan to a depth of 1/4"; add cauliflower and garlic. Cover, bring to a boil over high heat, and cook until florets are very easily pierced with a paring knife, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, heat 2 Tbsp. oil in a large skillet over medium. Add onion, cumin, and 1 tsp. salt and cook, stirring often, until onion is translucent, about 3 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring often, until onion is golden brown, about 5 minutes more.

    Step 3

    Transfer onion mixture to a blender. Add yogurt, lemon zest and juice, reserved cauliflower, and remaining 1 tsp. salt and purée until smooth. With the motor running, add 2 Tbsp. oil in a steady stream until well combined. If dip is too thick, blend in 1 Tbsp. water at a time to reach desired consistency. Let cool to room temperature.

    Step 4

    To serve, spread dip in a wide bowl or platter. Drizzle with oil and top with parsley. Serve with romaine hearts and endive leaves alongside for dipping.

  2. Do Ahead

    Step 5

    Dip can be made 5 days ahead; cover and chill.

Join the home cook community

Sign in or create account

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

Read More
With layers of flavor and centuries of history, chiles rellenos makes an excellent vegetarian main.
With haricots verts and crispy chickpeas, this two-bean salad will wow any party or potluck.
On this melty toast, the burrata comes in at the end, but it’s most definitely the star.
Scoop up these warmly spiced chickpeas with any flatbread or spoon them onto rice.
We swapped hard-to-find parathas for flour tortillas in this riff on paneer kathi rolls. With a tangy yogurt sauce and filling veg, it’s the ideal to-go lunch.
If you ever crave falafel in the morning, these chickpea flour waffles are for you.
This refreshing melon and cucumber salad works as a snack, starter, or side dish.
This sweet-salty flavor combo has centuries of history and is irresistible in any era.