Roasted Za'atar Shrimp and Cauliflower with Spiced Yogurt
A vibrant Middle Eastern-inspired sheet pan dinner that combines succulent shrimp and caramelized cauliflower with the earthy, tangy flavors of za'atar spice blend. The dish is by a cooling spiced yogurt sauce and fresh tabouli made with parsley, tomatoes, and feta. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or casual entertaining, this one-pan meal delivers bold Mediterranean flavors with minimal cleanup. The za'atar creates a beautiful crust on both proteins and vegetables while roasting.
Ingredients
- ½ pint cherry tomatoes, chopped
- ½ shallots, minced
- 4 oz feta, crumbled
- 1 large bunch parsley
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 ½ Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb shrimp, shelled and de-veined
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped
- 4 pita bread
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil, divided
- 4 tsp za'atar, dividedsumac + thyme + sesame seeds1:1middle-eastern
mix your own blend
- ½ lemon, wedges
- 1 cup Greek yogurt, plain
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 425F
- 2
Toss cauliflower with first portion of cooking oil and za'atar, season with salt and pepper
- 3
Spread cauliflower on sheet pan and bake until edges begin to brown
- 4
Toss shrimp with remaining cooking oil and za'atar, season with salt and pepper
- 5
Add shrimp to cauliflower and return pan to oven
- 6
Continue baking until shrimp are cooked through
- 7
Squeeze lemon juice over top
- 8
Serve with spiced yogurt drizzled over top, tabouli, pita and lemon wedges on the side
Tips
Cut cauliflower into uniform pieces to ensure even browning and cooking.
Don't overcrowd the pan - use two sheet pans if needed for proper roasting.
Pat shrimp dry before tossing with oil and spices for better searing.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days. Store components separately for best quality.
Prep vegetables and spice yogurt up to 1 day ahead. Roast just before serving.
Serve immediately while shrimp and cauliflower are hot for best texture.
Common Mistakes
Don't add shrimp at the same time as cauliflower to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Pat ingredients dry before seasoning to avoid steaming instead of roasting.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
mix your own blend
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, but thaw completely and pat very dry before seasoning. Frozen shrimp may release more moisture during cooking.
What if I don't have za'atar spice blend?
Mix 2 parts dried thyme, 1 part sumac, and 1 part toasted sesame seeds as a substitute.
How long will the leftovers keep?
Store in refrigerator up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.