Cauliflower in puttanesca sauce is addictive thanks to the classic Italian spicy salty sauce - vegan version for this recipe.

Cauliflower and tomato sauce in a large skillet.

Cauliflower in Puttanesca Sauce Recipe {Vegan}

If you think you don't like cauliflower, I beg you to give it another chance with this cauliflower with puttanesca sauce. Believe me, I know what you're thinking. "Ugh, not another mushy, flavorless cauliflower recipe." The same thought used to turn me away from this Vitamin C and Vitamin K-packed vegetable.

Then I started roasting it with spices, grating it for salads and using it as a base for a vegan soup. Cauliflower is now something that I actually crave. Yes, crave!

Puttanesca is one of my all-time favorite pasta sauces, mostly thanks to my love of all-things salty. Kalamata olives and capers simmered in a tomato sauce. What's not to love?! It's pairs very well with cauliflower.

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Cauliflower in Puttanesca Sauce Recipe {Vegan}
Tips for making this recipe
Ingredients for cauliflower puttanesca
Make-Ahead and Storage
What to serve on the side
Other Cauliflower Recipes You'll Love
Printable Recipe
Comments

Tips for making this recipe

Large skillet with a lid: I pulled out my very handy Everyday Pan (seriously, I you don't have one of these, you need to buy one...stat!) and set to work. Of course, any large skillet (preferably nonstick) will do.
Prep Work Efficiency: Have all your ingredients measured and ready before you start cooking. The sauce comes together in a matter of minutes, so having everything within reach helps streamline the process.
Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference. If you enjoy a bolder kick, feel free to add more; for a milder flavor, reduce the quantity accordingly.
Versatility with Beans: I've served this cauliflower recipe as both a side dish and an entree. To make this into a meatless dinner option, stir in some white beans (cannellini/great northern) for added protein.

Ingredients for cauliflower puttanesca

Cauliflower: You'll need about 4 cups of cauliflower florets for this recipe. Either cut them from a whole head of cauliflower or buy pre-chopped cauliflower.
Tomatoes: I used a large can (28 ounces) of petite diced tomatoes. If you prefer a smoother sauce, use canned crushed tomatoes instead.
Seasoning: Use fresh garlic cloves, dried oregano and crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust the red pepper flakes depending on the level of spice you prefer.
Olives: Look for pitted kalamata olives in any grocery store. Use a small sharp knife to cut each olive into quarters.
Capers: Briny capers add a wonderful punch of flavor. Capers can usually be found near the olives in well-stocked grocery stores.
Parsley: Mince some flat-leaf parsley to stir into the sauce after cooking.

See recipe card below for full ingredients list & recipe directions.

Chopped cauliflower florets on a cutting board.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead: Prepare the recipe in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you've made a batch of steamed cauliflower for your meal prep, stir it into the sauce at the end.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cauliflower puttanesca in a freezer-safe container for up to one month.

Reheating: To reheat, defrost in the refrigerator or on 50% setting in the microwave. Gently warm the leftovers on the stovetop or in the microwave.

What to serve on the side

Pasta or Rice: Serve the cauliflower puttanesca over your favorite pasta or a bed of fluffy rice for a complete and hearty meal. Add some protein, such as poached chicken breasts or cannellini beans.
Salad Greens: A green salad tossed with balsamic vinaigrette is an easy side dish.
Grated Parmesan or Vegan Parm Substitute: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese or a vegan Parmesan substitute over the cauliflower just before serving.

Cooked cauliflower and tomato sauce with olives in a skillet.

Other Cauliflower Recipes You'll Love

If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and comment underneath the recipe card below. Thank you!

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Cauliflower and tomato sauce with olives in a large skillet.

Cauliflower in Puttanesca Sauce

Cauliflower becomes utterly crave-worthy when simmered in a spicy, salty puttanesca sauce.

4.72 from 7 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Side Dishes

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 30

Servings: Cups

Calories: 116.2kcal

Author: Dara Michalski | Cookin' Canuck

Ingredients

2 teaspoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves minced
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 28 ounce can petite diced tomatoes
¼ cup pitted & quartered kalamata olives
2 tablespoons capers
1 ¾ pounds cauliflower cut into florets (about 4 cups)
¼ cup minced flat-leaf parsley
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet set over medium heat. Add the garlic, oregano and red pepper flakes, and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Avoid burning the garlic.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, kalamata olives and capers. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 5 minutes.
Add the cauliflower, stirring to coat and cover. Cook until the cauliflower is tender, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes.
Stir in the parsley, season with salt and pepper if necessary and serve.

Notes

Please note that I am not a medical or nutritional professional. I provide nutritional information for my recipes as a courtesy to my readers. It is calculated using the LoseIt! calculator. While I attempt to provide information that is as accurate as possible, you should calculate the nutritional information independently before relying on it.

Nutrition

Tried this recipe?If you make this recipe, I'd love to see it on Instagram! Just use the hashtag #COOKINCANUCK and I'll be sure to find it.

This post was originally published on October 1, 2014 and updated on February 20, 2024.

Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.