Steaming and broiling are probably the most common ways to cook cauliflower, but they can leave the vegetable mushy and bland. That's why Mangieri suggests roasting, sautéing and eating it raw to retain more flavor. The shape of the florets and their mild taste make them perfect for dipping into dressings and sauces.

Here are suggestions for including this versatile veggie in your diet:
• Cut it up and eat it raw, plain or with hummus or low-fat ranch dressing.
• Roast the vegetable with a small amount of olive oil, or use it in a stir-fry.
• Mash cauliflower as a substitute for mashed potatoes.
• Pulse cauliflower in a food processor until it forms rice-size pieces, and enjoy it in place of white rice.
• Use riced cauliflower in place of flour as the main ingredient in a homemade pizza crust.
• Top it with breadcrumbs and bake in the oven for a tasty, healthy side dish.