Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

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Cilantro lime cauliflower rice is a fresh and flavorful side dish that brightens up any meal. Use it as a base for a burrito bowl or simply eat it alongside baked chicken, creamy chipotle shrimp, or grilled carne asada. It’s a great way sneak in more veggies!

Cilantro lime cauliflower rice in a serving bowl.

I don’t know about you, but I love having cauliflower rice prepared in my fridge. It’s a simple ingredient that can be made into fried rice, tabbouleh, and more. But once you add lime juice and cilantro into the mix, it really does take it to the next level.

This cilantro lime cauliflower rice has zest from the lime and freshness from the herbs. Not only does it taste amazing on it’s own, but will brighten up anything you pair with it. Just throw it into a bowl with extra greens, salmon, or chicken, and you’ve got yourself a delicious, healthy, and easy meal!

Which Type Of Cauliflower To Use

If you watched my cauliflower pizza crust video, you’ll know that cauliflower rice can be made three different ways. But for those who haven’t seen it, you can use fresh cauliflower, frozen florets, or buy it pre-riced.

While frozen florets is fine for the pizza, I recommend using fresh cauliflower in this recipe. The pre-riced option is great if you want to skip the prepping steps, but the grated pieces tend to be a bit chunkier.

Making cilantro lime cauliflower rice on the stove.

How To Make Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

All you need to do is follow my original cauliflower rice recipe, then toss in the lime juice, lime zest and cilantro towards the end.

  1. Prep the cauliflower. Slice the cauliflower head in half and use a knife to remove all the florets. Cut some of the larger florets into smaller pieces so that they can go through the food processor.
  2. Grate the florets. Make sure to use the grater attachment on your food processor.
  3. Saute the diced onion and garlic. Heat olive oil in a pan and saute for a few minutes, until translucent.
  4. Add the cauliflower rice to the pan. Saute for another 5-7 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Add in the lime juice, lime zest and chopped cilantro. Toss everything together and serve immediately!

*Note: there’s a video on my original cauliflower rice recipe, if you’d like to watch a step-by-step video tutorial.

Cilantro lime cauliflower rice in a bowl.

What To Serve With Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

With the zesty flavors in this recipe, it can pair well with just about anything. But for me, I think it tastes amazing when it’s used in a bowl that’s filled with various greens and proteins. That way, you can meal prep this to mix and match with other ingredients throughout the week.

Here’s a few combination ideas to get you started:

And if you love to rice veggies, don’t forget about broccoli rice as well!

Cilantro lime cauliflower rice in a bowl.

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice Recipe

5 from 12 votes
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Lisa Bryan

Description

Cilantro lime cauliflower rice is an easy, fresh and flavorful side dish that brightens up any meal.

Ingredients 
 

  • 1 head of cauliflower, washed
  • 1/2 yellow onion, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 lime, juiced and zested
  • 1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped

Instructions 

  • Slice the cauliflower head in half and use a knife to remove all the florets. Cut some of the larger florets into smaller pieces so they'll fit within the chute of your food processor.
  • Insert the grater adapter into your food processor and start feeding the cauliflower florets through the top. Depending on the size of your food processor, you may have to empty it halfway through.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large pan and sauté the diced onion and garlic for a few minutes, until its translucent.
  • Add the cauliflower rice to the pan and sauté for another 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add in the lime juice, lime zest and chopped cilantro. Toss everything together and serve immediately!

Lisa's Tips

Nutrition

Calories: 110kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 45mg | Potassium: 477mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 135IU | Vitamin C: 76mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1mg
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cauliflower rice recipes, cilantro lime cauliflower rice
Did you make this recipe?Mention @downshiftology or tag #downshiftology!

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About the author

Lisa Bryan

Lisa is a bestselling cookbook author, recipe developer, and YouTuber (with over 2.5 million subscribers) living in sunny Southern California. She started Downshiftology in 2014, and is passionate about making healthy food with fresh, simple and seasonal ingredients.

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Recipe Rating




27 Comments

    1. I’m happy you loved both this cilantro lime rice recipe and the barbacoa recipe, Elizabeth! They do pair wonderfully together. :)

  1. I am Asian and I love rice. I couldn’t eliminate it but this cauliflower rice recipe is a great alternative as it’s tasty with the onion/garlic and the acidity. 

    I have paired it with kimchi/shiitake and egg, with the carnitas, with a quick vege packed summer Japanese curry, an avo/tomato/corn/feta/ edamame bowl. 

    Thanks for the tasty (and healthy) recipe!5 stars

  2. I am absolutely 💯 loving this recipe…I’ve prepared a lot of your recipes and I’ve got to admit, I have never been disappointed. Your slow cooker carnitas were awesome 👌. Keep coming up with your great recipe ideas.5 stars

  3. I can’t wait to try this recipe! Please everyone do not hate me for asking this, could I use frozen riced cauliflower instead of fresh? Thank you.

  4. Lisa, I made this and served with carnitas meat piled on top along with sliced avocado, a little salsa and with or without a little grated cheddar. What a delicious combo. Thanks for the recipe.5 stars

  5. I finally made this for a burrito bowl and it was great! I’m a real rice gal, but trying to eat fewer carbs and this made a great base. the flavors were perfect. I kid you not when my boyfriend (who loves all things starch and carbs) said that I should always use cauliflower rice! Thanks!!5 stars

  6. I have never tried cauliflower rice before this recipe. Thank you so much, it was so easy to follow :)5 stars

  7. So easy, delicious, and truly healthy! Love how I can make this and use it for so many meals. Thanks for another winner, Lisa :)5 stars

  8. What a delicious dish! I love how easy it is and how much flavour it packs. Great for any day of the week!5 stars