What To Serve With Buffalo Cauliflower (24 Perfect Pairings!)

Buffalo cauliflower originated in the United States, as a plant-based alternative to buffalo wings.

It’s soared in popularity in recent years, particularly among vegetarians and those looking to reduce meat intake yet still enjoy spicy, tangy flavours reminiscent of the original chicken dish.

Pubs and restaurants now regularly feature it on menus, while home cooks enjoy its simplicity and versatility.

But what do you serve it with? 

Here’s the short answer…

When it comes to what to serve with buffalo cauliflower, good choices include dipping sauces like classic blue cheese and ranch dressing, celery and carrot sticks, coleslaw, sweetcorn salsa, Greek salad, garlic bread, sweet potato fries, baked tofu, and falafel balls. 

Read on for more ideas and serving suggestions… 

Dipping Sauces

Buffalo cauliflower pairs wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces.

Each sauce can enhance the experience with its unique flavour profile.

Classic Blue Cheese Sauce

Ingredients:

• 150g blue cheese, crumbled
• 120ml sour cream
• 60ml mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
• 1 tbsp milk (if needed for consistency)

Combine the blue cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and chives in a bowl.

Mash together until smooth, adding milk if a thinner consistency is desired.

Serve chilled.

Ranch Dressing

Ingredients:

• 240ml buttermilk
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Whisk together the buttermilk, minced garlic, parsley, dill, salt, and pepper.

Chill in the fridge for an hour before serving to let the flavours meld.

Spicy Aioli

Ingredients:

• 120ml mayonnaise
• 1-2 tsp hot sauce
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt to taste

Stir the mayonnaise, hot sauce, lemon juice, and minced garlic in a bowl.

Season with salt and adjust spiciness with additional hot sauce if necessary.

(You’ll also enjoy what to eat with bang bang cauliflower!) 

Side Dishes

When you serve buffalo cauliflower, complementing it with the right side dishes enhances the overall meal.

Consider these options to balance the spice and provide refreshing contrasts.

Celery and Carrot Sticks

• Celery Sticks: A classic choice, celery’s crisp texture and cool taste offer a refreshing break from the heat.
• Carrot Sticks: Their natural sweetness and crunchiness are a perfect counter to the zesty buffalo cauliflower.

Coleslaw

• Classic Coleslaw: Made with shredded cabbage, carrots and a creamy dressing, coleslaw brings a tangy and crisp freshness to your plate.
• Vegan Coleslaw: Use a vegan mayo to keep your meal plant-based.

Sweetcorn Salsa

• Ingredients: Mix sweetcorn, diced tomatoes, red onion, coriander, and lime juice.
• Serving: Serve chilled to provide a sweet and tangy accompaniment that contrasts nicely with the buffalo spice.

(If you love getting creative with veggies, you might also want to check out what to eat with broccoli casserole). 

Salad Pairings

When it comes to what to serve with buffalo cauliflower, a refreshing salad can balance out the spiciness.

Here are three salads that complement the dish beautifully.

Greek Salad

A Greek Salad brings a medley of crisp vegetables and tangy feta cheese which pairs wonderfully with the heat of buffalo cauliflower.

• Ingredients:
  • Cucumber
  • Tomatoes
  • Red onion
  • Kalamata olives
  • Feta cheese
• Dressing:
  • Olive oil
  • Lemon juice
  • Oregano

Caesar Salad

Your buffalo cauliflower will go great with a Caesar Salad, its creamy dressing and crunchy croutons offering a contrasting texture.

• Ingredients:
  • Romaine lettuce
  • Croutons
  • Parmesan cheese
• Dressing:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Anchovies
  • Garlic
  • Lemon juice

Quinoa Tabbouleh

Quinoa tabbouleh is a light but satisfying option, featuring protein-rich quinoa and fresh herbs which provide a clean taste against the spicy cauliflower.

• Ingredients:
  • Quinoa
  • Parsley
  • Mint
  • Tomato
  • Spring onions
• Dressing:
  • Lemon juice
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Starches and Grains

Pairing your buffalo cauliflower with the right starches and grains can balance the heat and add satisfying texture to your meal.

Garlic Bread

You’ll find that garlic bread is an excellent companion to buffalo cauliflower.

Its buttery, garlicky flavour complements the spicy kick of the cauliflower, and the crispy edges provide a pleasant contrast to the softness of the vegetable.

Simply toast slices of baguette with butter, garlic, and a sprinkle of parsley to create this side.

Sweet Potato Fries

For a sweeter side that counteracts the heat, sweet potato fries are ideal.

Cut your sweet potatoes into sticks, coat them with a bit of oil and your choice of seasonings, and roast them until they are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

They don’t just add a colourful side to your plate; their natural sweetness is a delightful foil to the spiciness of the buffalo cauliflower.

Quinoa Pilaf

A healthier grain option, quinoa pilaf, offers a nutty flavour and a protein boost.

Cook quinoa with finely chopped onions, garlic, and a selection of your favourite herbs to make a pilaf.

It’s a lighter alternative that will keep your meal feeling hearty without being too heavy, ensuring that the bold flavours of buffalo cauliflower remain front and centre.

Protein Complements

Buffalo cauliflower is a flavourful dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of proteins to round out your meal.

Grilled Chicken Strips

Grilled chicken strips are a classic choice.

They provide a lean, high-quality protein that complements the bold taste of buffalo cauliflower.

Marinate your chicken in herbs and olive oil before grilling to add an extra layer of flavour.

Baked Tofu

Baked tofu is an ideal option for those looking for a plant-based protein.

Slice firm tofu, season it with your favourite spices, and bake until it’s crispy on the outside.

This preparation method ensures that the tofu will have a satisfying texture to accompany your spicy cauliflower.

Falafel Balls

Falafel balls, made from ground chickpeas and herbs, offer a hearty and nutritious protein component with a Mediterranean twist when you’re wondering what to serve with buffalo cauliflower.

Serve them with a drizzle of tahini or a squeeze of lemon to enhance their natural flavours alongside your buffalo cauliflower.

Beverage Pairings

Choosing the right drink to complement the spicy, tangy flavours of buffalo cauliflower can enhance your dining experience.

Craft Beers

When it comes to buffalo cauliflower, a craft beer can be a refreshing partner.

Consider an IPA (India Pale Ale) with its hoppy bitterness that can cut through the spiciness of the dish.

Alternatively, a pale ale is a milder option that still offers a crisp finish to balance the bold flavours.

Lemonade

Homemade lemonade, with its sweet and tart profile, acts as a palate cleanser.

It can temper the heat from the buffalo sauce, offering a non-alcoholic choice that’s both refreshing and complementary.

Iced Green Tea

A glass of iced green tea provides a subtle, earthy base that doesn’t compete with the cauliflower’s robust taste.

Its antioxidants and slight bitterness can be a soothing backdrop to the spice, making it a sophisticated and healthful option.

Dessert Recommendations

After enjoying the spicy kick of buffalo cauliflower, you’ll likely crave something sweet to balance your palate.

Here are some delightful dessert options to consider:

• Fruit Salad: A fresh and light choice, which can help cleanse your taste buds.Mix favourites like strawberries, kiwi, and grapes.
• Lemon Sorbet: The zesty flavour of lemon sorbet is not only refreshing but also works wonders following a spicy meal.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Always a crowd-pleaser, vanilla ice cream is perfect for its cooling effect and smooth texture.Its simplicity complements the bold flavours you’ve just enjoyed.
• Chocolate Brownies: If you’re after something indulgent, a few chocolate brownies can be the perfect conclusion to your meal.Serve them warm for extra comfort.

Dessert Type	Suggested Pairing	Why It Works
Fruit Salad	Mint, a drizzle of honey	Refreshing, light
Lemon Sorbet	Fresh mint leaf	Zesty, palate-cleanser
Vanilla Ice Cream	A sprinkle of cinnamon	Soothing, creamy texture
Chocolate Brownies	Raspberries or raspberry coulis	Rich, comforting

 

Remember, when choosing your dessert, aim for something that won’t overwhelm the flavours you’ve experienced with your buffalo cauliflower but rather bring a soothing contrast to the table.

Be sure to also check out what to serve with buffalo chicken, and what to serve with buffalo chicken dip!