Running out of cauliflower happens to the best of us. Sometimes, it feels like it just vanishes from the fridge. No worries, we’ve got some tasty swaps that are just as good—if not better.
Ever tried making your favourite dish with broccoli? We did, and it was a game-changer. Or how about zucchini? It’s a fantastic alternative that adds a fresh twist.
We promise, you won’t miss the cauliflower one bit. These substitutes are not only delicious but also keep things interesting in the veggie department. So, ready to give it a go?
7 Easy Substitutes for Cauliflower
The beauty of these swaps is their versatility. Use them in stir-fries, casseroles, salads or enjoy them all on their own.
| Vegetable | Taste | Texture | Suitable Dishes for Substitution |
| Broccoli | Mild, slightly bitter | Firm, crunchy | Stir-fries, salads, soups |
| Cabbage | Mild, slightly sweet | Crunchy, dense | Coleslaw, stir-fries, salads |
| Brussels Sprouts | Earthy, slightly bitter | Dense, leafy | Roasted, sautéed, salads |
| Kohlrabi | Mild, broccoli-like | Firm, crunchy | Hash browns, salads, soups |
| Bok Choy | Mild, slightly sweet | Crisp, tender | Stir-fries, soups, salads |
| Turnips | Peppery, slightly sweet | Firm, crunchy | Mashed, roasted, salads |
| Zucchini | Mild, slightly sweet | Soft, tender | Grilled, sautéed, stir-fries |
1 – Broccoli
Broccoli, the green cousin of cauliflower, earns its spot on our list. It’s packed with vitamins and perfect for many dishes. We tossed it into a stir-fry last week. Big hit. It cooks fast, adding a crunch we all enjoyed. Plus, it slides into almost any recipe cauliflower does.
Broccoli brings a slightly different flavor – a bit more earthy. We love that. Easy to chop and cooks in minutes. It’s also a winner in the health department. Talk about a nutrient boost for your meals.
We usually swap cauliflower for broccoli at a one-to-one ratio. No fuss there. Got a favorite cauliflower recipe? Try it with broccoli. You might find a new go-to veggie.
Interested in other swaps? Check this out for more ideas on how to keep your meals exciting. Find great broccoli substitutes here.
2 – Cabbage
Cabbage steps up as our next star. It’s versatile and brings its A-game to any dish. Seriously, toss it into salads or stews. We found it adds a fresh twist, keeping meals interesting.
Its leaves are crisp and have a mild taste. This makes cabbage a top choice. We threw it into a mix last Thursday. What a refreshing change. It blends well, adding texture and layers of flavor.
Cabbage and cauliflower swap seamlessly. We go one-for-one. Got a dish in mind? Swap in cabbage. You’ll see, it freshens up the recipe.
For those curious about more veggie swaps, here’s a link for further reading. Discover other green cabbage substitutes and recipes here.
3 – Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts, the tiny greens we often overlook. They pack nutrients and flavor. We added them to pizza last Friday. Surprising crunch and taste. These greens fit into many meals, much like cauliflower. Brussels sprouts make dishes pop.
We’ve noticed they’re great roasted or sautéed. A little seasoning goes a long way. In recipes, we swap cauliflower with Brussels sprouts, one for one. It works well. Looking to spice up a dish? Try Brussels sprouts.
Check out this link for ideas on how to switch it up in the kitchen. Interesting ways to use Brussels sprouts in your cooking.
4 – Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi steps in, a round veg we often skip. It’s full of nutrients. We tossed it into a salad last week. What a game changer. It’s crunchy, slightly sweet.
Works like a charm in place of cauliflower. We swap them equally, no sweat. Got a recipe needing a twist? Slide in some kohlrabi.
For those craving more ideas, hit up this: discover versatile kohlrabi swaps here.
5 – Bok Choy
Bok Choy steps in with all its glory. This leafy green gets things done in the meal department. It’s got a light, fresh flavor that really mixes up the vibe on your plate. We like it a lot. Our stir-fry transformed last Tuesday. It added just the right touch.
Cooking it? Simple. Whether you chop it or leave it whole, Bok Choy cooks quick. It slips into places cauliflower usually goes. You can swap them at a 1:1 rate. Got a cauliflower dish? Swap in Bok Choy. You’re in for a treat.
For those digging deeper, you might find value here: learn more about the alternatives that shake up your cooking.
6 – Turnips
Turnips step up to bat, offering a sturdy base for any meal. They’re not fussy and blend well. These root veggies have a mild, slightly peppery taste. We tossed them into a stew and, wow, did they enhance the flavor.
They cut easily, making prep a breeze. Turnips fill in for cauliflower without blinking. We swap at a one-for-one rate. Got a dish that usually calls for cauliflower? Slide in some turnips. You’ll nod in approval.
Craving more veggie switches that keep your meals lively? Slide over to read more about using turnips as a substitute, and see how they can refresh your next kitchen endeavor.
7 – Zucchini
Zucchini steps in as our final pick. It’s a green, nutrient-packed addition that can make your meals sing. It has a mild taste, so if you enjoy subtle flavors, this veg is for you.
We’ve baked it and sautéed it; both work well. The best part? Zucchini is easy to substitute equally with cauliflower in recipes. Have a dish on mind? Give zucchini a chance to shine.
Need more convincing? Discover how zucchini can be your go-to substitute for that usual cauliflower with these tasty ideas.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.