Cilantro lime cauliflower rice has been our favorite side dish lately. We are always looking for healthy sides that compliment our main dish and round out a meal. This dish is light and bright with a punch of lime and fresh cilantro.

A photo of a put full of cilantro lime cauliflower rice with fresh lime wedges sitting on top.

We often like to double down on veggies for a meal rather than doing a carb, so this cauliflower rice acts like rice but without all the carbs.

Serve this up with our steak fajitas, pork carnitas, or smothered honey lime chicken burritos! It is the perfect compliment to any Mexican meal. Here are all our favorite Mexican main dishes so you can find the one that speaks to you!

How to Make Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

When it comes to easy side dishes, this one is right up there with the easiest. If you don’t buy cauliflower rice pre-chopped, take your head of cauliflower, remove the core and leaves, and break it into florets. Place the florets into your food processor and run it until you have small pieces similar to the size of rice grains.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil, garlic and cumin and cook until it is fragrant (about a minute). Then add the cauliflower rice, lime and cilantro and salt to taste. Cook it while stirring until it starts to turn brown slightly. It will take about 5-8 minutes. Serve it up with more fresh cilantro and enjoy!

What is Cauliflower Rice?

Cauliflower rice is cauliflower that has been chopped up into tiny pieces that resemble grains of rice. It can be made at home by putting cauliflower florets in a food processor or it can be purchased already chopped at the grocery store.

A photo of a put full of cilantro lime cauliflower rice with fresh lime wedges sitting on top and a wooden spoon in it.

Is Cauliflower Low Carb?

Cauliflower is a popular low carb vegetable because it is so versatile. A cup of raw cauliflower contains just 5 grams of carbohydrates and 3 of those grams are fiber. That’s just 2 grams of digestible carbs!

Is Cauliflower Gluten Free?

Yes! Cauliflower is gluten free. This recipe is gluten free too and so tasty!

Is Cauliflower Healthy?

Cauliflower is high in fiber and B vitamins and contains antioxidants that help prevent cancer. Eating cauliflower also helps strengthen bones and increase heart health. It is super healthy!

A photo of a pot full of cilantro lime cauliflower rice with fresh lime wedges sitting on top and a wooden spoon in it.

How Long Will Cauliflower Keep?

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, you store it in an airtight container for up to a week.

Does Cauliflower Need To Be Refrigerated?

Cauliflower should be stored in the refrigerator. It is sensitive to ethylene, so it should be stored away from produce that are high in ethylene (which is just about ever single fruit or vegetable…apples, bananas, broccoli, cucumber, grapes, lemons, lettuce, limes, onions, watermelon…just to name a few).

Cilantro lime cauliflower rice is vegetarian, gluten free, vegan, keto friendly, dairy free, paleo friendly, and just plain delicious for everyone out there no matter your diet (or no diet) of choice! Dig in and love it!

A photo of a put full of cilantro lime cauliflower rice with fresh lime wedges sitting on top.

More delicious SIDE DISHES you’re sure to love:

Easy Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

3.96 from 21 votes
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 12 minutes

Description

It tastes like rice, but it's way healthier and full of garlic and zesty lime flavor!

Ingredients 

  • 1 Head Cauliflower
  • 2-3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 2 Cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 Lime, Zested and Juiced
  • 1/4 Cup Cilantro, chopped
  • Salt

Instructions

  • In a blender, chop the cauliflower until like grains of rice.
  • In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil, garlic and cumin. Cook until fragrant, about 30-60 seconds.
  • Add the cauliflower and remaining ingredients, seasoning with salt to taste.
  • Cook until beginning to brown a little, about 5-8 minutes.Serve with fresh cilantro.

Notes

Cauliflower rice will keep for 4 days in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 71kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 2gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 30mgPotassium: 298mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 45IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 27mgIron: 1mg
Author: Sweet Basil
Course: 200+ Easy Side Dish Recipes Every Mom Needs
Cuisine: American

REMEMBER TO SUBSCRIBE TO our FREE Oh Sweet Basil NEWSLETTER AND RECEIVE EASY RECIPES DELIVERED INTO YOUR INBOX EVERY DAY!

When you try a recipe, please use the hashtag #ohsweetbasil on INSTAGRAM for a chance to be featured in our stories!  FOLLOW OH, SWEET BASIL ON FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | TWITTER FOR ALL OF OUR LATEST CONTENT, RECIPES AND STORIES.