Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
A flavorful, low carb side dish, Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice is quick and easy to make and pairs well with any of your favorite Mexican entrees from fish tacos to chicken fajitas. This recipe is super versatile, just as tasty as my classic cilantro lime rice recipe and loved by all. It’s also a great way to sneak in extra veggies!
a healthier Mexican side dish
It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Mexican food and my family never misses our weekly taco night. However, for the most part, I like to keep our meals pretty healthy and I love to sneak in extra veggies whenever I can.
Enter cilantro lime cauliflower rice, our favorite healthier side dish that pairs well with almost every Mexican dish.
Now, I’ll be honest, this is not my traditional cilantro lime rice recipe that is so darn tasty. But with all of the delicious flavors going on and paired with some really delicious Mexican food, like burrito bowls or beef tacos, your family will enjoy this low carb and keto-friendly side dish almost just as much.
It’s loaded with all of the flavor of classic cilantro lime rice, but with way more nutrients. Plus, you can eat like 3 times as much for the same amount of calories, if that’s something you care about.
Give it a try! It’s sure to become a mealtime staple!
ingredients in cilantro lime cauliflower rice
This cilantro lime cauliflower rice recipe is so simple and SO good. The flavors from the fresh cilantro and slightly tart citrusy lime make this cauliflower rice dish super tasty!
- Oil. You’ll need a bit of oil for cooking the onion, garlic and jalapeño.
- Onion + garlic. Diced onion and minced garlic add delicious aromatic flavor to the cauliflower rice.
- Jalapeño. Optional, but I really love the subtle heat one small jalapeño pepper adds to this cauliflower side dish.
- Cauliflower. Rice one head of cauliflower or buy the cauliflower pre-riced and use about 4 cups.
- Salt + pepper. To bring out all of the flavors!
- Lime juice. Definitely use fresh lime juice in this recipe!
- Cilantro. I know that some people are not fans of cilantro. You can leave it out, or use parsley instead.
- Green onions. Delicious freshness in every bite!
how to make cilantro lime cauliflower rice
Making this cauliflower rice recipe couldn’t be any easier. The printable recipe is at the bottom of the post, but here’s a quick rundown of how to make it:
- Cook veggies. Heat oil in large skillet and then add the onion. Sauté about 5 minutes and until soft, add garlic and jalapeño and sauté for one more minute.
- Cook riced cauliflower. Add riced cauliflower to the skillet and season with salt and pepper; cook until cauliflower is soft and tender, about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Serve. Remove cauliflower rice from heat and mix in the lime juice, cilantro and green onion. Serve and enjoy!
Pro tips
This is such an easy recipe, but here are some tips so that you end up with the best cilantro lime cauliflower rice possible.
- I like to buy my cauliflower pre-riced. Having pre-riced cauliflower on-hand makes this dish super simple and quick to make. You can usually find it in the produce area of the grocery store or you can buy frozen cauliflower rice in the freezer section.
- If using frozen riced cauliflower to make this dish, defrost it and then thoroughly dry it by wringing it out in a kitchen towel. It will likely cook more quickly, so be sure to watch it closely while cooking.
- Need a little help learning to rice cauliflower? Start this video tutorial at the 19 second mark to learn how to make cauliflower into rice using a food processor.
- A head of cauliflower that is uncut can be stored in the fridge in a loose plastic bag for up to two weeks. If you cut it into florets, it will stay fresh stored in an airtight container for up to about one week.
cilantro lime cauliflower rice variations
This is a basic recipe for cilantro lime cauliflower rice, you can add a variety of other ingredients to make your own flavor combinations.
- Vegetables. Try adding diced tomato, corn kernels, red bell pepper, or diced zucchini.
- Beans. Stir in a can or two of drained pinto or black beans.
- Cheese. A sprinkle of cotija, cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese would definitely be tasty.
- Spices. For a little extra zip add in chili powder, crushed chili flakes or ground coriander.
serving suggestions
Cilantro lime cauliflower rice easily pairs with a variety of protein options and Mexican dishes. Serve it on the side or make a burrito bowl with some seasoned chicken, black beans, guacamole, and pico de gallo! Here’s some other delicious pairing options:
is cauliflower rice healthy?
Yes, cauliflower is a nutrient powerhouse! It’s an excellent source of potassium, vitamins C and B, and fiber. It is a cruciferous vegetable, which means that it contains glucosinolate compounds. Some research suggests that these compounds may have cancer-fighting effects. Like other sulfur-rich foods such as broccoli, cabbage, and radishes, it contains an antioxidant called glutathione. This antioxidant may be especially helpful to those with auto-immune diseases because it can help keep inflammation levels in check. It also happens to be gluten free, dairy free, low carb, paleo and Whole30 compliant!
storing cauliflower rice
This is a great make-ahead side because it will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. You can use leftovers to make burrito bowls or as sides for other meals you make.
- Storing leftovers. Place any leftover rice in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to about 3-5 days.
- To reheat. Pop it in the microwave and cook for 30 second intervals until warm. You can also give it a quick stir in a saucepan or skillet on the stovetop.
- Freezing. Place leftovers in an airtight freezer-safe storage container or a freezer-safe baggie in the freezer for up to about 2 months. You can let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or reheat it from frozen in the microwave or in a skillet on the stovetop.
Cilantro lime cauliflower rice is one of my family’s favorite side recipes ever! Trust me, everyone will LOVE this flavorful dish and it’s SO easy too! If you’re looking for the “real” thing, give my classic cilantro lime rice a try and don’t forget about my reader favorite recipe, Mexican Brown Rice.
If you try this cilantro lime cauliflower rice recipe, let me know! Leave a comment and if your family loves this recipe as much as mine does, be sure to give it a five star ⭐️ rating! Also, tag @kimscravings on Instagram with a picture of your creation. It’s so fun to see what you’re cooking! Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 small jalapeño, chopped (optional)
- 1 head cauliflower, riced (about 3-4 cups cauliflower rice)*
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat and sauté onion about 5 minutes and until soft. Then, add garlic and jalapeño, and sauté an additional minute.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the riced cauliflower to the skillet, season with salt/pepper and cook until cauliflower is soft and tender, about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Remove cauliflower rice from heat and mix in the lime juice, cilantro and green onion. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Storing leftovers. Place any leftover rice in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to about 3-5 days.
- To reheat. Pop it in the microwave and cook for 30 second intervals until warm. You can also give it a quick stir in a saucepan or skillet on the stovetop.
- Freezing. Place leftovers in an airtight freezer-safe storage container or a freezer-safe baggie in the freezer for up to about 2 months. You can let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or reheat it from frozen in the microwave or in a skillet on the stovetop.
Did you make this recipe?
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