Vegetarian Lemon Cauliflower Piccata
dairy free | spring weeknight favorite
This sauce deserves a standing ovation.
Bright lemon, garlic, capers, silky broth… and roasted cauliflower soaking up every last drop of it.
Honestly? You’re going to want bread nearby.
This Vegetarian Lemon Cauliflower Piccata is inspired by my Lemon Chicken Piccata — same fresh, tangy, buttery-feeling sauce situation… just completely vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
And somehow it still tastes rich and comforting while also feeling light and fresh enough for Spring. So good.
This is one of those vegetarian dinners that doesn’t feel like it’s missing anything.
It’s flavorful, bright, satisfying, and the kind of meal you’ll keep thinking about the next day. Mostly because of the sauce. Definitely because of the sauce.
Why This Recipe Works
- Vegetarian
- Dairy free
- Gluten free
- Weeknight friendly
- Feels fancy without being difficult
- The sauce alone is worth making
The Sauce = Everything
If you know piccata, you already know the sauce is the whole point.
This version is:
- bright
- lemony
- garlicky
- silky
- loaded with capers
Basically Spring in sauce form. And yes… you will absolutely be scraping the plate. It’s rich but light…gives me all the feels for a warm and cozy meal when the weather happens to be getting warmer.
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What To Serve With It
This sauce needs something to soak into.
I love serving it with:
- jasmine rice
- a simple leafy salad
- gluten-free bread for sauce-mopping purposes
Easy Add-Ins: Want to bulk it up more?
Add:
- white beans
- chickpeas
- spinach
- roasted potatoes
Why It’s Perfect For Spring
This meal somehow feels, cozy, fresh, light and comforting.
All at the same time. The lemon keeps everything bright while the roasted cauliflower makes it feel hearty enough for dinner.
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I use all of the products that I link and reccommend them because they are high quality products that I trust.
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Vegetarian Lemon Cauliflower Piccata
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 1x
- Diet: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Paleo, Vegetarian
Description
This vegetarian lemon cauliflower piccata is gluten free, dairy free, and packed with bright lemon flavor and capers. A fresh and easy spring dinner recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided in half)
- 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper, plus more for seasoning the sauce
- 1 head cauliflower, 1 inch slices
- 3 shallots, sliced thinly
- 4-6 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1/4 cup capers with 1 tablespoon of the liquid
- 1 8 oz. can full fat unsweetened coconut milk
- 1 small bunch fresh parsley, chopped
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium high heat. Sprinkle both sides of the caulfilower steaks with salt and pepper. When the pan is hot, add the cauliflower to the pan. Let sit until the underside starts to brown – about 4-6 minutes.
- Carefully, flip the cauliflower steaks over and cook for 2 more minutes. Remove the cauliflower from the pan and let rest on a plate or platter.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, shallots, garlic and dried thyme. Saute until the shallots are softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in the lemons and capers and cook for 1 minute.
- Turn the down to medium low and stir in the coconut milk and bring to a low simmer. Taste test and sprinkle in more salt and pepper, if needed. Add the cauliflower steaks back in and nestle them into the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the cauliflower. Cover the pan and cook for 4-6 minuntes. Remove the top and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Hi, I'm Kat.
Thanks for being here.
Hi, I’m Kat — a Colorado-based Personal Chef and the heart behind White Sparrow Food Company. As a business owner, a soccer Mom to two daughters and always being asked “What’s for dinner?” – I get the challenges of everyday life.
Here, I share the same easy, wholesome, gluten free recipes I cook for my clients, made simple for real life at home. All recipes that YOU can make in your kitchen.
Take a look around, get inspired, and stay awhile — I’m so happy you’re here.
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