Single Cauli Tender
Dave's plant-based Single Cauli Tender swaps chicken for a thick floret of breaded fried cauliflower, hit with the same Nashville spice rub at all seven heat levels. Vegetarian, crispy, and the smartest single item to test a spice level before committing to a full meal.
About the Single Cauli Tender
The Single Cauli Tender is the cornerstone of Dave's NOT Chicken lineup β a generous floret of fresh cauliflower, hand-breaded and fried to a deep golden crunch, then dusted with the exact same Nashville spice rub used on Dave's signature chicken tenders. It delivers the full Dave's flavor experience in a meat-free form, with all seven heat levels included at no extra charge.
Because the cauliflower is battered and fried using the same process as the chicken, the Single Cauli Tender is vegetarian but not vegan β the batter contains dairy and egg. At roughly 550 calories and just $3.29, it's the most economical way to taste a new heat level before scaling up to a combo, and it stacks beautifully into any plant-based order. Add a side of fries, a swipe of Dave's Sauce, and a cooling kale slaw, and a single tender becomes a satisfying light meal.
What's Inside the Single Cauli Tender
Fresh Cauliflower
A thick, hand-cut floret of fresh cauliflower stands in for chicken. Roasted soft on the inside and crisp at the edges once fried, it holds the breading and spice rub just like a tender.
Seasoned Batter
A wet batter built on flour, dairy, and egg coats the floret before breading. The batter is what makes this item vegetarian rather than vegan and helps the crunchy crust adhere.
Seasoned Flour Breading
The same seasoned-flour coating used on Dave's chicken creates the signature golden, craggy crust that shatters on the first bite and carries the spice rub.
Nashville Spice Rub
Dave's proprietary cayenne-forward blend of paprika, garlic, and spices, applied hot straight after frying so the heat blooms onto the crust. The chosen level sets how much rub goes on.
Frying Oil
The breaded floret fries in high-heat oil until the crust hits a deep golden color. The oil contributes texture and minimal flavor β the rub and breading do the talking.
Salt & Seasonings
Layered through the batter, breading, and rub, which is why the cauli tender tastes complex even at No Spice. This layering also explains the sodium content.
The 7 Dave's Spice Levels
Every tender and slider comes in one of seven heat levels at no extra cost. The heat builds as you eat β order one level below what you think you can handle.
No Spice
Pure crispy flavor β golden, crunchy, zero heat. Great for kids.
Lite Mild
A gentle whisper of warmth β very manageable for spice-sensitive eaters.
Mild
Flavor-forward with a friendly kick. A safe first-timer choice.
Medium π₯
The crowd favorite β real Nashville balance of flavor and burn.
Hot
Where the chili heat kicks in hard. The seasoning really sings.
Extra Hot
Intentional, lingering heat. Order this one on purpose.
Reaper β οΈ
Carolina Reaper extract β most locations require a signed waiver.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Estimated values β may vary by location and preparation.
How to Customize
Free Heat, Any Level
All seven spice levels are free β from No Spice to Reaper. The cauliflower carries the rub exactly like a chicken tender, so heat behaves the same way.
Plant-Based Swap
This is the cauliflower swap of the Single Tender. Same breading, same rub, same crunch β just fresh cauliflower instead of chicken. Vegetarian (contains dairy & egg).
Add Dave's Sauce (+$0.50)
The signature creamy dip. Order it on the side and alternate dipping with dry bites to modulate the heat tender by tender.
Add Fries
Turn a single tender into a light meal by adding a side of crinkle-cut fries β the neutral, salty crunch lets the spice rub stay center stage.
Stack More Tenders
Order several at different heat levels in one go. It's the most cost-efficient way to build a larger plant-based meal without a full combo.
Best Pairings
Kale Slaw
The single best side. The cool, tangy slaw cuts the spice rub and resets your palate between bites.
Best Pairing
Dave's Sauce
The creamy signature dip β always order it alongside any cauli tender to modulate heat and enrich the crust.
Must Order
Crinkle-Cut Fries
The classic pairing. Salty, neutral fries give the spice rub room to shine.
Classic ComboFrequently Asked Questions
Is the Single Cauli Tender vegan?
No. The Single Cauli Tender is vegetarian but not vegan β the batter that coats the cauliflower contains dairy and egg. The cauliflower itself is plant-based, but the breading process uses the same dairy-and-egg batter as Dave's chicken items.
How much does the Single Cauli Tender cost?
The Single Cauli Tender costs $3.29 at most Dave's Hot Chicken locations in 2026. It's the most affordable item in the Dave's NOT Chicken lineup and a smart way to test a new spice level before ordering a combo.
How many calories are in a Single Cauli Tender?
A Single Cauli Tender contains approximately 550 calories. Roughly 58g carbohydrate, 30g fat, and 10g protein. The spice level does not meaningfully change the calorie count, since the heat rub is a dry surface seasoning.
Does the cauliflower tender come in all seven spice levels?
Yes β the Single Cauli Tender is available at all seven heat levels, from No Spice up to Reaper, at no extra charge. It uses the exact same Nashville spice rub as Dave's chicken tenders.
Is the Cauli Tender gluten-free?
No. The breading contains wheat flour, so the cauli tender is not gluten-free and is unsuitable for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Which spice level should I pick for my first cauli tender?
Start with Mild or Medium. Mild gives you the spice rub flavor without a challenging burn, while Medium is the crowd favorite and delivers the authentic Nashville experience. The heat builds as you eat, so the last bite runs hotter than the first.
