Say hello to your new favorite side dish—this Purple Cauliflower Puree is vibrant, velvety, and totally crave-worthy. Whether you call it mashed purple cauliflower or a low-carb mashed cauliflower alternative, this colorful twist on mashed potatoes brings all the comfort without the carbs.
Jump to:
Purple cauliflower isn’t just a pretty face—it’s packed with antioxidants like anthocyanins (yep, the same ones found in blueberries), plus fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. It has a slightly sweeter flavor than white cauliflower and mashes like a dream.
Whether you're after a purple cauliflower side dish to wow dinner guests or need a creative low-carb option for your weeknight menu, this dish has you covered.
If you're into veggie-forward meals, check out my Beetroot Carpaccio, Grilled Eggplant With Lemon Dip, or Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters for more colorful inspiration.
💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Nutrient-packed: Rich in antioxidants and essential vitamins—bonus points for that gorgeous color.
- Naturally gorgeous: The deep purple hue makes it a total showstopper.
- Creamy, comforting & low-carb: All the mashed potato vibes, minus the carbs.
⭐ Star Ingredients
- Purple Cauliflower: Mild, slightly sweet, and loaded with nutrients and color.
- Milk (or cream): For a silky, creamy texture.
- Butter: Rich flavor and smooth finish.
- Sea Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning duo.
- Chives or Herbs: Bright, fresh finishing touch.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Go extra creamy! I love swapping milk for coconut milk or heavy cream for a super silky mash.
- Cheese, please! Parmesan, cheddar, or a little cream cheese make this mash next-level delicious.
- Garlic all the way! Roasted garlic blended in? Yes, yes, and yes—so much flavor!
- Freshen it up! I toss in rosemary or parsley for that herby, just-right touch.
- Mix it up! Sometimes, I blend in mashed turnips or parsnips for extra texture and flavor fun.
Love mashed veggie sides? You’ll also love my Cheesy Cauliflower Mash and Air Fryer Baby Bella Mushrooms.
🔪 How To Make Purple Cauliflower Puree.
- Step 1: To steam your cauliflower in the Instant Pot, place one cup of water in the bottom of your inner pot. Place a trivet and steamer basket into the pot.
- Step 2: Wash and trim your head of cauliflower and then chop the purple cauliflower into florets or cook as a whole cauliflower. Keep as much of the stem as you like! Its all edible and will mash really well once steamed.
- Step 3: Close the Instant Pot lid, set the to pressure cook for 2 minutes on high pressure
- Step 4: Once the purple cauliflower is steamed, release the steam from the Instant Pot using a manual release.
- Step 5: Place your steamed cauliflower in a blender or food processor. I use a Vitamix but you can use any food processor you have.
- Step 6: Add your milk, butter, salt, pepper.
- Step 7: Let the processor roll until you achieve desired consistency.
- Step 8: Your purple cauliflower mash is now ready to be served. Garnish with your favorite herbs or chives and enjoy!
💡Hint: No Instant Pot? You can steam the cauliflower on the stovetop until fork-tender—easy and just as effective.
Visual Appeal & Serving Style Tips
Visual Appeal & Serving Style Tips
This dish doesn’t just taste good—it’s a looker, too.
- Base layer: Spoon it under grilled salmon, steak, or roasted vegetables for a restaurant-worthy plate.
- Garnish for contrast: Try feta crumbles, crispy onions, or a swirl of green herb oil to make that purple pop.
- Elegant ramekins: Great for dinner parties or plated holiday meals.
- Smooth vs. rustic: Puree for silky luxury or leave a bit of texture for a heartier mash.
💡Pro tip: White plates and light-colored dishes really show off the purple!
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- To Thicken Cauliflower Mash: If you find your cauliflower mash is too runny or watery for your liking, there are a few tricks to help thicken it up. If you have an immersion blender, blend the mashed cauliflower on low speed in circular motions until it starts to thicken. Alternatively, you can place the cauli mash in a food processor and pulse until it thickens.
- Thicken On The Stove Top: You can also cook the mashed cauliflower on the stove top for a few minutes to evaporate some of the moisture and help thicken it up.
- Want it ultra-smooth? Use a high-speed blender or food mill for next-level silkiness.
💭 Purple Cauliflower Puree FAQs
Purple cauliflower has a subtle sweetness and a naturally vibrant hue that holds up well during cooking. Its creamy texture makes for a satisfying mash, and its striking color adds a fun twist to a familiar dish.
Absolutely. Prepare your mash as usual, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, a gentle reheat possibly with a splash of cream or milk will bring it right back to its silky consistency.
Simple ingredients work wonders here. A dash of salt and pepper, a drizzle of olive oil or a pat of butter, and a hint of garlic can really elevate the flavor. Some cooks even like a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an extra kick.
Not always! It's most common in cooler months, but check specialty grocers or farmers markets.
Allow the mashed cauliflower to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, for 3 to 4 days, or place it in freezer if you plan to keep it longer. When reheating, add a small splash of milk or broth to revive the creamy consistency.
💖 Serving Suggestions
This purple cauliflower side dish pairs beautifully with:
You can even use the cauli mash as a side dish to your favorite pasta or soup! Cauliflower mashed potatoes or puree is also great with some freshly baked bread for dipping. Enjoy!
🌟 Also try it with:
- Quinoa-stuffed peppers
- Grilled tofu with chimichurri
- Seared pork medallions
- Lentil or barley stew
- Roasted carrots and beets for a full veg feast
Use it in place of mashed potatoes or serve it up as a visually stunning side for your next dinner party.
🍽 More Veggie Puree Recipes
Did you make this recipe? Leave a review and a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below, or tag us in our Facebook Group! Alternatively, bookmark it in your browser or save to Pinterest.
Purple Cauliflower Puree
Ingredients
- 1 Purple Cauliflower
- ¼ Cup Milk
- 1 Tablespoon Butter
- ½ Teaspoon Sea Salt
- ¼ Teaspoon Cracked Black Pepper
- ¼ cup Herbs fresh
Instructions
- Wash and trim your purple cauliflower into florets. Keep as much of the stem as you like! Its all edible and will mash really well once steamed.
- Steam your cauliflower on the stove top in a steamer basket for 10-12 minutes until fork soft.
- Place your steamed cauliflower in a blender or food processor. I use a Vitamux but you can use any food processor you have. Add your milk, butter, salt, pepper and let the processor roll!
- Your purple cauliflower mash is now ready to be served. Garnish with your favorite herbs or chives and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Do your kids love different Colored Veggies? What’s their fave? Let me know if they love this best cauliflower mash recipe.
More Veggie Recipes To Try:
This Purple Cauliflower Mash is as tasty as it is stunning! Creamy, colorful, and a fun twist on a classic side dish. I love how the vibrant hue adds a pop to any meal. Let me know if you give it a try!
ust made this purple cauliflower mash—so creamy and vibrant! The color alone is a showstopper, and the flavor is just as impressive. Definitely adding this to my list of favorite sides!